6640--Microtome
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 23 (36C263), is conducting a Sources Sought for domestic manufactured manual microtomes for the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS) Pathology and Laboratory Department. This market research aims to identify capable sources for a specific brand-name product. Responses are due June 11, 2026.
Scope of Work / Key Requirements
The requirement is for one manual microtome capable of preparing ultra-thin tissue specimens (1 to 60 µm thick). The specific product identified is the Leica HistoCore BIOCUT Config. 1 (Part #: 149BIOG00C1). Key salient characteristics include:
- Manual mechanical rotary operation with silent retraction.
- Smooth-running hand wheel with rocking mode and full rotation, and two independent locking systems.
- Personalized coarse feed wheel and removable top tray.
- 2-in-1 blade holder, quick clamping system, and universal cassette clamp.
- Antistatic waste tray.
- Section thickness: 1 to 60 µm; Trimming section thickness: 10 µm, 30 µm.
- Specimen feed: approx. 24 mm; Vertical stroke: 70 mm; Specimen retraction: approx. 40 µm (optional turn off).
- Specimen cooling option.
- Dimensions not to exceed 25” D X 19" W x 14" H.
- Specimen orientation with zero position horizontal and vertical rotation.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Sources Sought)
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition Sources Sought (NAICS 334516, size standard 1,000 employees).
- Response Due: June 11, 2026, by 4:00 PM Central Time.
- Published: May 28, 2026.
- Delivery: Within 60 days of award, FOB DESTINATION.
- Warranty: A twelve (12) month warranty is required.
Submission & Evaluation
This is market research; a solicitation is not currently available. Interested firms must submit capability statements demonstrating their ability to meet the specialized requirements. Submissions should include:
- Organization details (name, UEI, address, socioeconomic category, POC, website, phone).
- Detailed capability statement with a specification sheet for the equipment.
- Copies of authorization agreements (if applicable).
- For Small Businesses: Estimated percentage of work performed as prime and subcontracted.
- Manufacturer identification and socio-economic category.
- Completed FAR Provision 52.225-2(b) Buy American Certificate (or foreign product details).
- Indication of existing government contracts (e.g., FSS, GSA).
- Estimated shipping and delivery information. Responses will inform the government's procurement strategy.
Additional Notes
This notice is preliminary and not binding. The government will not pay for information submitted and reserves the right to cancel the requirement. A response to this notice is not a substitute for responding to a future solicitation.