6515--RFQ Sentinel XL Breathing Device SDVOSB SET-ASIDE

This amendment to solicitation 36C24926Q0208, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 9, addresses contractor questions and clarifies aspects of the procurement. Key points include confirmation that the questions and quotes submission periods remain unchanged. The amendment also provides responses to contractor inquiries, specifically regarding the applicability of the SBA Non-Manufacturer Rule (NMR) waiver and the limitations on subcontracting for small business set-aside acquisitions. It details how the non-manufacturer rule does not apply to acquisitions valued between the micro-purchase and simplified acquisition thresholds. Furthermore, it explains that providing a kit under the FSS schedule would ensure TAA compliance, while additional cartridges not covered under FSS would fall under FAR Overhaul 25.104(a)(30) for spare/replacement parts of foreign manufacture when domestic parts are unavailable.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office 9 has issued Amendment 0001 to Solicitation 36C24926Q0208, for the procurement of Sentinel XL Model/Configuration systems. This amendment addresses contractor questions regarding the exact model/configuration, including manufacturer part numbers (S-5000-01, S-2002, S-2003, S-2016 from ILC Dover), and clarifies the required quantities: 15 kits and 3 additional S-2016 cartridges. The amendment confirms that the questions submission period and quotes submission period remain unchanged. This modification ensures clarity for offerors and does not extend the deadline for offer submissions, while incorporating administrative changes pursuant to FAR 43.103(b).

This government file is a Request for Quote (RFQ) from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 9, for brand name or equal Sentinel XL CBRN Kits and additional cartridges for the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, KY. The acquisition is 100% set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and will result in a single award purchase order. Key dates include a questions deadline of May 19, 2026, and a quote submission deadline of May 22, 2026. The period of performance is from July 31, 2026, to September 30, 2026. Evaluation will be based on comparative evaluations of price, technical capabilities, and past performance, adhering to FAR 8.305 best value principles. The document also details various federal acquisition regulations, including Buy American Act compliance, Trade Agreements, and specific VAAR clauses related to SDVOSB set-asides and electronic invoice submissions. Contractors must provide proof of authorized distributorship and comply with all solicitation instructions, including completing specific sections of the SF 1449 and submitting quotes via email.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 9, plans to issue a Presolicitation Notice (RFQ Sentinel XL Breathing Device SDVOSB SET-ASIDE) for Sentinel XL CBRN Kits. This 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside requires firms to be verified and listed in VA's Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database. The anticipated solicitation date is May 12, 2026, with a response deadline of May 22, 2026. The contract, a firm-fixed-price purchase order, will cover the period from July 31, 2026, to September 30, 2026, for the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, KY. The NAICS code is 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing) with an 800-employee size standard. This notice emphasizes strict compliance with VAAR 819.501-70(a)(3) and SBA regulations regarding SDVOSBs, including limitations on subcontracting and joint venture requirements. Contact Kristie Collins at kristie.collins@va.gov for more information.