The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15240 intends to negotiate with Ventana Medical Systems, 3865 N. Business Center Drive, Tucson, AZ 85705, on a sole source basis pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 for a reagent rental of 60 months, renewable each year. This system includes IHC/ISH capability and automated deparaffinization and antigen retrieval. This system also includes a computer system, flat screen monitor and EBAR label printer. This system has automated on-line baking, automated on-line deparaffinization, automated on-line cell conditioning, has the ability to perform automated ISH and FISH that will allow the VA to perform testing on PAP smears in-house, FISH protocol screens PAP smear to detect HPV, bar-code driven protocols, bar-coded reagents allows system to automatically track reagent presence, pre-diluted reagents, reagent tracking allows system to track volumes and date codes without human intervention, reagent registration facilitates reagent tracking and inventory, has random access that allows slides and reagents to be placed anywhere on the carousel, liquid coverslip prevents tissue from drying and allows for overnight runs without human intervention, complete slide coverage, heat induced staining, air vortexing mixing ensures mixing of reagents on the slides, enhanced software program for organizing and presenting quality control data for accreditation purposes and 24 hour technical support hotline. Firms who wish to identify their interest and capability to provide an alternate system which will meet the capabilities and functionality described above may notify the Contracting Officer, in writing, no later than 4:30pm 8/18/03. Such notification must include a complete description of proposed equipment, including narrative and capabilities described above. Notification shall be mailed to Lynne Dickerhoff, Contracting Officer 04A1-H, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 7180 Highland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Upon receipt of any such notifications, the Contracting Officer will determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement or proceed with sole source negotiations. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals.

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