This is a Sources Sought Notice for a Cytocentrifuge system that provides economical thin-layer preparations from any liquid matrix, especially hypocellular fluids such as spinal fluid and urine.  This requirement is for the Nashville VA Medical Center located in Nashville, Tennessee.  This Sources Sought Notice does not guarantee the issuance of an RFQ.  If you have the ability to provide the requirement, please respond by March 24, 2021 at 1:00 pm CDT to the sources sought notice to Contract Specialist Jeff Ridenour at [email protected].  Phone calls shall not be accepted for this notice.  Include in your response the following information:

• Company Name and Address
• DUNS Number
• Capabilities statement
• Website information
• Socioeconomic Size Status (e.g. Large, Small, WOSB, SDVOSB, etc.)
• Point of contact information (name, email, phone)
• FSS or GSA Contract number, if applicable

This sources sought notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes.  It does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever.  The VA is not, at this time, seeking quotes/proposals and will not accept unsolicited quotes/proposals.  You may submit an informal quote/proposal to be used solely for market research purposes.  Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this sources sought notice; all costs associated with responding to this sources sought will be solely at the interested vendor’s expense.  Not responding to this sources sought notice does not preclude participation in any future Request for Quotes/Proposals, if any is issued.  Any information submitted by respondents to this sources sought notice is strictly voluntary.  All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Requirement:

The Nashville VA Medical Center requires a Cytocentrifuge system that provides economical thin-layer preparations from any liquid matrix, especially hypocellular fluids such as spinal fluid and urine. 

Cytocentrifuge System:

• Spin body fluids between 200 to 2000 RPMs and use a cytology funnel to concentrate the cells.
• Process at least 12 specimens at one time.
• Allow for one-handed opening and closing.
• Enable viewing of the sealed head through a polycarbonate window during operation.
• Sealed to protect mechanical and electronic components from damage due to accidental fluid spills.
• Designed for easy disinfection.
• Allow loading of the sealed head inside a microbiological cabinet for ultimate safety.
• Feature an auto-locking, plastic outer lid.
• Operate only when lid is locked and keeps lid locked during rotation.
• Include disposable sample chambers with caps and a wipe-clean control panel.
• Sound an audible alarm when the cytocentrifuge is out of balance, outside the speed tolerance or if the lid is not properly locked.
• Specimen safety alarms at one-minute intervals to remind users to remove specimens to prevent air drying and ensure consistent results.
• Cytocentrifuge must deposit cells onto a clearly defined area of a glass slide and allows for the absorption of the residual fluid into the sample chamber's filter card.
• Cytocentrifugation must constructively flatten cells for excellent nuclear presentation.
• During operation, the instrument's spinning action must tilt the cytology funnels upright and centrifuge cells onto the deposition area of the slide, giving all cell types equal opportunity for presentation.
• In the Load or Stop position, the tilting feature must reduce cell loss by preventing residual fluid from coming into contact with the prepared slide.
• Pull-out program card must log up to nine programs at a minimum for fast, convenient retrieval.
• Program memory must store routines for instant recall and protect from power loss.
• Speed window that displays programmed spinning speeds from 200 to 2000rpm
• Acceleration-control buttons providing the operator the flexibility to protect fragile samples.
• Time window that displays the programmed run time and remaining run time from 1 to 99.
• Control feature that has a standby power-saving mode; display should be turned on and off by a standby key.