DEPARTMENT OF VETERNS AFFAIRS, 10 NORTH GREENE STREET, BALTIMORE, MD 21201

Q -- COST PER TEST SOL RFQ 512(B)-9-97 DUE 010297 POC Carol L. Pomraning, Contracting Officer (410-605-7156) Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 512(B)-9-97 is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for the Department of Veterans Affairs and is prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will NOT be issued. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through FAC 90-42. This acquisition is subject to full and open competition. The Standard Industrial Classification is 8071. Small business size standard is $5M. The VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore Division, would like to enter into a "Cost Per Test" program for HIV testing for a period of one year and, in accordance with FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend The Term of the Contract, may be amended for one one year option. Offerors are requested to provide their most current catalog price list based on the following projected annual usage: 12 kits per year for HIV kits per year (192 tests/kit). The following requirements MUST be met: (1) Turn-around-time for HIV testing MUST be three hours or less. (2) An "HIV" Test that WILL guarantee SAME DAY CONFIRMATION. (3) An automated test that will allow for verification of the run and make efficient use of Tech Time. Hands on time should be one hour or less. (4) A test that will permit the "batching of large numbers of specimens, " thus allowing the capability of performing this test for the entire VAMHCS which includes medical centers located in Perry Point, Ft. Howard, and Baltimore, Maryland. (5) Sensitivity of 100% and Specificity of at least 99.7%. (6) Similar assay procedures to allow for instrument consolidation. Equipment required: (1) automated pipettor-diluter, (2) microwell plate or strip washer, (3) spectrophotometer with reference filter, (4) printer, (5) computer with monitor and software for test validation, and, (6) 8 channel pipettor. This will bea firm fixed price contract. Payment will be made in arrears on certified invoices. The following incorporated clauses and provisions are those in effect through FAC 90-42 and are applicable to this acquisition: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items; 52.212-2, Evaluation Commercial Items, apply to this acquisition with evaluation criteria to include: (1) Sensitivity and Specificity; (2) Turn-around-time, (3) Productivity (hands on time/"walk away" capability), (4) Technical Support, (5) Training and Support Materials, (6) Equipment (Availability, Troubleshooting, Preventive Maintenance, and Replacement), (7) Published Studies, (8) Continuous flow of New Products, (9) Past Performance, and (10) Cost. Offerors are to include a completed copy of the FAR provision 52.212-3 with their offer. Also included: 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items; 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, 52.222-3, Convict Labor (E.O. 11755); 52.233-3, Protest After Award; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.232-28, Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Methods. Original proposals must be submitted in writing on company letterhead to: Carol L. Pomraning, Contracting Officer (90C), VA Maryland Health Care System, 10 North Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, 2pm (Eastern Standard Time) by January 2, 1997. No fax or telephonic offers will be accepted. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussion with offerors. Therefore, the offers should contain the offeror's best terms from a price and technical standpoint. Award will not necessarily be made to the offeror with the lowest bid. (0354)

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