6640--Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer

1. Identification of the Agency and Contracting Activity This sole source justification supports a commercial product acquisition by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Regional Procurement Office (RPO) West, Network Contracting Office 17 (NCO 17), Lab Services Support (LSS), purchasing on behalf of the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS) / VISN 17 Center of Excellence. 2. Nature and Description of the Action Being Approved The Government intends to solicit from and award to a single source, Agilent Technologies, Inc., for one (1) Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer, including proprietary software, installation, operator training, and a 5-year extended warranty, on a firm-fixed-price basis. 3. Description of Supplies Required to Meet the Agency Need The VISN 17 Center of Excellence requires a live-cell metabolic analysis platform capable of simultaneous real-time measurement of oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and proton efflux rate (PER) in a 96-well format to support biomedical research. The required item is the Agilent Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer, Stock No. S7855A / SYS-SE-XFPRO, including Wave Pro Controller software, Seahorse Analytics, installation, training, and extended warranty coverage. The estimated total value is $295,169.60. 4. Authority Permitting Solicitation From a Single Source This requirement is a commercial product acquisition under FAR Part 12 as revised under the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). The estimated value of $295,169.60 is at or below the current Simplified Acquisition Threshold of $350,000. Accordingly, consistent with FAR 12.102(a), the Contracting Officer is documenting the decision that only one source is available and the basis for that decision. FAR Part 13 does not apply because the requirement is for a commercial product, not a noncommercial acquisition. 5. Demonstration That the Proposed Contractor s Unique Qualifications Require Use of the Authority Cited Agilent Technologies, Inc. is the only responsible source capable of meeting the Government s minimum needs. The Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer is a proprietary commercial product uniquely capable of simultaneous OCR and PER measurement in live cells in a 96-well microplate format with integrated reagent injection, proprietary sensor cartridge technology, and the required Wave Pro and Seahorse Analytics software environment. Only licensed Agilent technicians are authorized to install, service, and train users on the system. No alternative source was identified that could provide a functionally equivalent system meeting all technical requirements. 6. Efforts Made to Ensure That Offers Are Solicited From as Many Potential Sources as Practicable The contracting activity conducted extensive market research and public notice efforts. On June 24, 2026, Notice of Intent to Sole Source Notice ID 36C25726Q0645 was posted on SAM.gov for 13 calendar days, closing on July 7, 2026. No responses, objections, or capability statements were received. Additional market research included VetCert/SBA searches, GSA eLibrary review, AbilityOne review, FPI/UNICOR review, and review of recent federal procurement history. These efforts identified no additional capable sources. 7. Determination That the Anticipated Cost to the Government Will Be Fair and Reasonable The anticipated cost of $295,169.60 is determined fair and reasonable based on the commercial nature of the product, comparison to recent federal acquisitions for similar Seahorse analyzer systems, and the proprietary status of the required item and support package. The acquisition includes hardware, proprietary software, installation, training, and a 5-year extended warranty. 8. Description of Market Research Conducted and Results Market research was conducted in accordance with FAR Part 10 and VA acquisition procedures. The research included searches of VetCert/SBA for SDVOSB/VOSB sources under NAICS 334516, SAM.gov public notice, GSA eLibrary, AbilityOne, FPI/UNICOR, and review of federal procurement history. Results showed zero verified SDVOSB/VOSB sources, no other capable small business sources, no AbilityOne or FPI source, no GSA Schedule source for the analyzer itself, and no responses to the SAM.gov notice. Federal acquisition history for the Seahorse analyzer family reflected awards to Agilent Technologies, Inc. 9. Other Facts Supporting the Use of Sole Source Procedures The Government s minimum needs are based on unique research capabilities required by the CTVHCS / VISN 17 Center of Excellence. The required features are not unduly restrictive; rather, they reflect legitimate minimum needs that are only met by the Agilent Seahorse XF Pro platform. Proprietary software, manufacturer-authorized service, and compatibility requirements are integral to successful performance and cannot be separated from the supply requirement. 10. Listing of Sources That Expressed, in Writing, an Interest in the Acquisition No sources expressed interest in writing in response to the public notice. No capability statements were received during the notice period. 11. Actions the Agency May Take to Remove or Overcome Barriers to Competition Before Subsequent Acquisitions Prior to future acquisitions for similar research instrumentation, the Government will reassess the marketplace to determine whether additional commercial products or responsible sources become available. The requiring activity and contracting office will continue to monitor industry developments and procurement history. At present, the lack of competition is attributable to the proprietary nature of the required commercial product, not to any Government-created barrier. 12. Contracting Officer Certification I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.