VA RFI: Laser Optical Biometry Scanning System (Huntington VAMC) — What to watch and how to respond

Executive takeaway

This is a Request for Information (RFI) from the Department of Veterans Affairs for a Scanning System: Laser: Optical Biometry to support Huntington VAMC. No solicitation exists yet, but the RFI’s salient characteristics are already specific—especially around non-contact SS-OCT measurements, dense cataract performance, and automated, bidirectional data transfer through ZEISS FORUM. If you sell or support optical biometers, this is the time to shape requirements with clear interoperability and clinical-performance proof.

What the buyer is trying to do

Huntington VAMC is seeking an optical biometry scanning system that supports ophthalmology workflows for cataract workups, including challenging cases. The government is emphasizing:

• Accurate biometry, keratometry, and intraocular calculations (including toric lenses).
• Non-contact acquisition for measurements.
• Measurements obtained via two-dimensional swept-source OCT (SS-OCT).
• The ability to obtain readings on dense cataracts.
• Integration with existing ophthalmic data management to reduce manual entry errors, specifically through ZEISS FORUM.
• DICOM compatibility (the RFI states the system must be DICOM-compliant; the excerpt is truncated, so confirm any additional imaging/transfer requirements in the full notice/attachments).

What work is implied (bullets)

• Provide an optical biometry system meeting the listed salient characteristics (biometry/keratometry/IOL calculations, toric lens support, non-contact SS-OCT).
• Demonstrate performance in difficult cataract cases, including ability to measure dense cataracts.
• Confirm workflow integration with the site’s data management system (ZEISS FORUM), including data transfer into the unit and back out via ZEISS FORUM.
• Confirm DICOM compliance and any related connectivity expectations (verify in the complete RFI text and/or attachments).

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

• Bid if:
  • You manufacture or supply an optical biometry system that uses 2D swept-source OCT (SS-OCT).
  • You can document non-contact measurement workflows and performance on dense cataracts.
  • You can support automated data transfer with ZEISS FORUM (including bidirectional transfer as described).
  • You can attest to DICOM compliance and provide integration details.
• Pass if:
  • Your system is not SS-OCT based or cannot meet the non-contact requirement.
  • You cannot integrate through ZEISS FORUM as stated (or can only offer manual export/import).
  • You do not have credible evidence for dense cataract measurement performance.

Response package checklist (bullets; if unknown say “verify in attachments”)

• RFI response narrative addressing each salient characteristic (map requirement → how your system meets it).
• Clear statement confirming measurements are obtained via two-dimensional SS-OCT and are non-contact.
• Explanation of biometry, keratometry, and intraocular calculations, including toric lens calculation support.
• Description/evidence of ability to obtain readings on dense cataracts.
• Interoperability write-up for ZEISS FORUM:
  • How data transfers from ZEISS FORUM into the biometry unit and vice versa.
  • Any prerequisites or configuration dependencies (keep factual; verify in attachments if the RFI requests specific artifacts).
• DICOM compliance statement and any relevant details (verify in attachments for specific DICOM objects/worklists or test expectations).
• Any forms or submission instructions (verify in attachments / full notice).

Pricing & strategy notes (how to research pricing; do not invent pricing numbers)

Because this is an RFI and the acquisition strategy is explicitly “to be determined,” use pricing research to position reasonableness without locking yourself into premature commitments.

• Benchmark comparable federal buys: search for prior federal awards for optical biometry systems, especially under PSC 6650 and NAICS 334510.
• Decompose your cost story: separate the device, required accessories, and any integration-related components tied to ZEISS FORUM workflows (only if applicable to your offering).
• Interoperability drives value: in your RFI response, explain how automated transfer through ZEISS FORUM reduces manual entry errors (as the RFI states) and what that implies for implementation effort—without inventing schedule or labor requirements.
• Risk-based positioning: if dense cataract measurement performance varies by model, include clear factual caveats and offer options (e.g., configuration variants) rather than overpromising.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• Device OEM + reseller/distributor teaming where the reseller handles VA ordering/logistics while the OEM supports technical documentation aligned to the salient characteristics.
• Partner with an integration-capable firm that has demonstrated experience with ophthalmic data management interfaces, specifically ZEISS FORUM, if your organization cannot directly support that interoperability narrative.
• Team with a DICOM interoperability specialist if the final requirement expands beyond the truncated excerpt (verify in attachments / future solicitation).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• RFI only: the VA states responses are for information/planning and are not offers; acquisition strategy and contract type may change.
• ZEISS FORUM interoperability is central: the RFI calls for seamless integration and bidirectional transfer through ZEISS FORUM—treat this as a gating requirement.
• Dense cataract capability: the buyer explicitly calls this out; unsupported claims here can backfire later if validated during evaluation or demo phases.
• DICOM requirement details may be deeper: the excerpt ends mid-sentence; confirm the full DICOM expectations in the complete notice/attachments.
• Deadline awareness: plan internal reviews to meet the stated response deadline (do not assume extensions unless formally posted).

Related opportunities

• 6650—Scanning Systems: Laser: Optical Biometry (RFI)

How to act on this

1. Download and read the full notice and any attachments; confirm any missing submission instructions and the complete DICOM requirements.
2. Draft a concise compliance matrix against the salient characteristics, emphasizing SS-OCT, non-contact acquisition, dense cataract performance, and ZEISS FORUM bidirectional transfer.
3. Submit an RFI response focused on interoperability proof and clinical/workflow fit—this is where you influence the eventual solicitation language.
4. If you need help shaping a compliant, evidence-based RFI response strategy, contact Federal Bid Partners LLC for support.