NTX nCounter Pro Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition.docx

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 12.102(a) For
Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold
Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C257-26-AP-3046
JOFOC Number: FY26 – NCO 17 -1253
1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 17, located at 5441 Babcock Road, Ste 302, San Antonio, TX 78240, in support of Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 17 VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS), located at 4500 S. Lancaster Rd., Dallas, TX 75216.
Anticipated Purchase Request Number: 549-26-4-190-0223
2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount: NCO 17 intends to award a firm-fixed-price contract to Bruker Spatial Biology, Inc. (Bruker), who is a small business, for a one-time purchase of the nCounter Pro analysis system and consumables. The estimated cost of the one-time buy is $296,330.00.
3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: The VANTHCS requires a one‑time purchase of the nCounter Pro Analysis System upgrade, including associated reagents, consumables, and a technical service and support contract for existing instrumentation, including the GeoMx System (serial #2106G0279). This upgrade will enable the development of in-house tumor profiling to support actionable treatment decisions. When integrated with the Digital Spatial Profiler, the platform will provide clinically relevant tumor data to guide therapy management and support potential clinical trial enrollment for Veteran patients. This equipment is a research and diagnostic support tool used for recurring tumor analysis in direct support of patient care services. The using service already owns the GeoMx DSP, with which the nCounter Pro system is fully compatible. Due to the proprietary nature of the instrumentation and reagents, only manufacturer-specific consumables meet the operational requirements; no third‑party substitutes are available.

Revision: 02
Effective Date: 12/30/2025
Acquisition ID# 36C257-26-AP-3046

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:
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A search of SBA’s Small Business Search page for SDVOSBs and VOSBs using the keyword “nCounter Pro” did not return any results. A Notice of Intent to Sole Source was published on Contract Opportunities