SPECIAL NOTICE OF INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE PROCUREMENT. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE. THIS IS A NOTICE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENT TO ISSUE A SOLE SOURCE AWARD. This Notice is to announce that the Department of Veteran Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15, hereby announces its notice of intent to negotiate with Innovation Associates, Inc (dba iA), a Large Business on a sole source basis to provide technical and maintenance support consisting of: APFS Service and Support Plan (SSP) and Preventative Maintenance Services of Innovation Associates (dba iA) proprietary Automated Prescription Fulfillment System (APFS) and third party support equipment and provide for 24/7 Emergency Technical Support, Software Support, Hardware Support, Spare Parts and Repair Material Authorization (RMA) Services for Equipment/Dispensers/Cannisters, Preventative maintenance, and on-site support provided by three (3) iA System Managers. This procurement will be a new requirement utilizing a Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract for one (1) year plus four (4) option years. Innovation Associates (dba iA) is uniquely qualified to provide the extended support agreement for the APFS because they are the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the sole owner of the system s proprietary hardware, software, firmware, and diagnostic tools. The APFS is a highly specialized, integrated system that produces approximately ninety percent (90%) of all prescriptions processed for Veteran patients at Charleston CMOP; therefore, uninterrupted functionality is essential for CMOP to meet operational requirements and support the VA s mission. The APFS conveyance architecture and its combination of robotics, labeling, scanning, and automated dispensing subsystems are custom engineered to the pharmacy s formulary, facility size, and physical floorplan, creating a configuration that cannot be serviced, modified, or maintained by any third party vendor. Only the OEM fully understands the interdependencies of these subsystems and possesses the authorized parts, proprietary software, and subject matter experts required to maintain system integrity, accuracy, and compliance with applicable healthcare, safety, and cybersecurity standards. The iA software suites, along with supporting firmware and configuration utilities, are proprietary and cannot be modified or supported by any entity other than iA without violating licensing and intellectual property restrictions. There are no other contractors that have the ability and access to proprietary information to this system. Not using a contractor to maintain the system would risk system failure, extended operational downtime, invalidation of warranties, and potential noncompliance with federal healthcare, safety, and information security requirements, which in turn could jeopardize timely prescription fulfillment for Veterans. Because of the APFS s critical role, proprietary design, and iA s exclusive capability to support and sustain the system is required to ensure safe, reliable, and continuous service to Veterans. THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement to the network contracting office (NCO) 15, via email to wade.cunningham@va.gov to express their ability to provide these products for future needs.
