6540--Prescription Eyeglasses - Department of Veterans Affairs VA-Wide
ID: 36C24125Q0327Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OFVETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF241-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 01 (36C241)TOGUS, ME, 04330, USA

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115)

PSC

OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES (6540)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking information from qualified vendors for the provision of prescription eyeglasses for eligible veterans across its nationwide facilities. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather insights on manufacturing capabilities for both dress and safety eyewear, with a focus on standardizing procurement processes to enhance service delivery to veterans. The initiative is crucial for ensuring that veterans have access to necessary optical healthcare while maintaining compliance with established quality and confidentiality standards. Interested parties must submit their responses by April 18, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Contract Specialist Jeremy J. Boston at Jeremy.Boston@va.gov or by phone at 734-925-7828.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Jeremy J. BostonContracting Officer
    (734) 925-7828
    Jeremy.Boston@va.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is soliciting information through a Sources Sought Notice related to the production of prescription eyeglasses for eligible Veterans across the U.S. This initiative involves the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and primarily seeks insights into the capabilities of potential manufacturers, with a focus on both standard and safety eyeglasses. The notice is not an invitation for bids but aims to gauge market interest and the socioeconomic status of suppliers within the industry classified under NAICS code 339115 (Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing). Interested parties are required to submit company-specific information, including eligibility in various small business programs. A virtual Industry Day is planned for April 2, 2025, to provide further details, while responses to this notice are requested by April 10, 2025, without the Government assuming any obligations or commitments. This process is part of the government’s broader strategy to assess the market landscape in preparation for potential future contracts, aimed at enhancing services provided to Veterans.
    The document outlines a modification to a previous notice concerning a Request for Information (RFI) for prescription eyeglasses for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) across the nationwide network. It specifies the solicitation number 36C24125Q0327 and informs that a Virtual Industry Day will take place on April 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST. Interested participants must contact the designated Contract Specialist, Jeremy J. Boston, for an invitation. The document also includes the contracting office's details, including address and contact information, but notes that Recovery Act funds are not involved and that this is a VA-wide announcement. This modification signifies ongoing efforts to engage with suppliers in acquiring healthcare products for veterans, emphasizing collaboration and transparency within government procurement processes. The broader context illustrates the federal government’s commitment to serving veterans’ needs through effective sourcing and partnership with industry stakeholders.
    The document pertains to an amendment regarding a solicitation from the Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 1 (NCO 1). It announces the scheduling of a Virtual Industry Day, set for April 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST, aimed at engaging interested bidders and offerors in a discussion related to the request for information (RFI). Interested parties are instructed to contact the designated Contract Specialist, Jeremy Boston, for invitation details. The amendment underscores the importance of acknowledging receipt of the amendment to prevent disqualification of submissions. Additionally, it clarifies that although there are administrative changes noted, all prior terms and conditions of the original document remain in effect. The focus of the amendment is centralized on facilitating communication and transparency between the contracting office and potential contractors, reflecting standard practices in federal procurement processes.
    This document serves as a modification to a previous notice regarding a Request for Information (RFI) for prescription eyeglasses across the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The contracting office is located in Augusta, ME, identified by solicitation number 36C24125Q0327. The amendment addresses industry questions, updates submission deadlines, and offers details on how to schedule one-on-one meetings with the VA. Additionally, it references attached documents containing consolidated questions pertinent to the RFI. The deadline for submissions is set for April 18, 2025, at 16:30 Eastern Time. This notice reinforces the VA's commitment to communication with potential vendors and ensures an organized process for obtaining necessary services related to eyeglasses for veterans.
    The document is an amendment to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically the Network Contracting Office 1. The amendment extends the deadline for responses to the RFI concerning the provision of eyeglasses to April 18, 2025, at 4:30 PM EDT. It also outlines important dates for the bidding process, including question submission deadlines and individual meeting requests. The RFI was originally published on March 20, 2025, prompting vendor inquiries by March 26, followed by an Industry Day on April 2. Individual meeting requests must be submitted by April 4, and responses to vendor questions are required by April 11. The amendment serves to clarify submission procedures and reassure bidders of the opportunity to pose questions directly to the Contract Specialist. The document emphasizes adherence to the requirements for submitting capabilities statements and the specific fillable description format related to the eyeglass provision. Overall, this amendment provides critical updates aimed at engaging potential contractors and promoting transparency in the solicitation process.
    This document is a modification to a previous notice concerning a Request for Information (RFI) related to prescription eyeglasses for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The contracting officer's office, located in Augusta, ME, has established a submission deadline of April 18, 2025, for responses to this RFI. Notably, the document includes various attachments that provide responses to industry questions, including a draft price schedule and consolidated inquiries gathered from one-on-one meetings with industry participants. This modification serves to clarify previous communications and ensure potential suppliers have comprehensive and updated information regarding the RFI for prescription eyewear services across VA facilities. The VA aims to adhere to appropriate guidelines in making decisions and preparing to fulfill this requirement, reflecting its commitment to providing quality resources for veterans' healthcare needs.
    The document pertains to an amendment regarding a solicitation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office 1 for project number 36C24125Q0327. It states that the amendment includes government responses to questions raised during one-on-one meetings with industry representatives, as well as queries received that were not previously addressed. Additionally, it presents a draft price schedule essential for the procurement process. The amendment underscores the importance of timely acknowledgment of receipt of this document by bidders, outlining specific methods to do so. It ensures all terms and conditions related to the solicitation remain unchanged except for the modifications detailed in the amendment. The main purpose of this amendment is to clarify details important for the bidding process, reflecting the government's intent to foster transparent communication with potential contractors while adhering to procurement regulations.
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeks contractors to provide prescription eyeglasses for eligible veterans through an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract. The contractor will be responsible for producing and delivering a variety of eyeglass styles and lenses, including safety and dress versions, in compliance with specific standards and regulations. Key aspects include ensuring quality control, maintaining confidentiality of patient information, and adhering to HIPAA regulations. The Contractor will manage the ordering process, utilizing a secure platform approved by the VA, and must deliver orders within stipulated time frames. The contract covers a five-year performance period, allowing for potential multiple awards nationwide. Additionally, it includes requirements for packaging, shipping, and providing warranty support for eyeglasses. The contractor must also conduct regular reporting on shipping statuses, quality control results, and customer satisfaction to ensure compliance and service quality. Overall, this RFP outlines the VA's commitment to providing necessary optical services to veterans while maintaining high standards for quality, confidentiality, and operational compliance within the federal framework. The extensive specifications reflect the VA's dedication to meeting the unique needs of veterans through effective contractor partnerships.
    The VA is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the procurement of prescription eyeglasses, seeking to establish multiple contracts based on best value criteria as dictated by FAR 15. Key areas addressed include delivery logistics, upgrade policies for veterans, and technical compliance requirements. Eyeglasses may be shipped directly to either VA clinics or veterans’ homes, and contractors must meet specific quality and delivery standards, including the tracking of shipments. Veterans are prohibited from upgrading their eyeglasses under this contract; however, they can purchase upgrades through commercial providers. The VA anticipates setting aside contracts for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) contingent on ongoing market research confirming their capacity to fulfill contract demands. The document outlines inquiries about the use of third-party software for orders, product specifications for lenses, and the need for a precise understanding of "specialty lenses." It also addresses contractor provisions for optician services and displays of eyewear. Final contract details, including price schedules and evaluation criteria, will be released following market research completion. Overall, the RFP is part of the VA's strategy to standardize eyeglass procurement and improve service delivery to veterans.
    The Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking vendors for national prescription eyeglasses manufacturing services through multiple indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts. This initiative aims to standardize the procurement process, ensuring consistent pricing and quality across all VA facilities. The document addresses industry concerns, detailing that a national contract will avoid regional distinctions, standardize compliance, and retain oversight for quality assurance. Key points include: 1. Delivery orders will not require competing among multiple award holders. 2. The VA will ensure that veteran needs are met while standardizing services. 3. Pricing will be uniform nationwide, with no negotiations permitted post-award. 4. Contractors must comply with established standards and provide necessary products while VA will not support upgrades or additional features under the current contract. 5. The VA anticipates awarding at least two contracts with an ambition for oversight and quality maintenance across all service areas. This RFI session aims to gather input for the upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP), focusing on a streamlined service to meet the growing demand for eyeglasses among veterans, ensuring efficient service delivery without compromising on veterans' needs or care continuity.
    The document outlines a series of questions and responses regarding the National Prescription Eyeglasses Manufacturing Services Request for Information (RFI) (36C24125Q0327) from the VA. Key discussions include the employment of opticians and responsibilities for errors, the security of proprietary ordering systems used by eyeglass manufacturers, and how potential losses of frames will be handled. Notably, the VA indicated that they will not allow manufacturers to provide optician services directly or through third parties and emphasized that vetting processes for third-party providers remain unspecified. Concerns about inefficiencies, such as order submission delays due to multiple manufacturers, were raised, alongside proposals for maintaining a clear distinction in services provided to veterans and potential retail options. The document reflects a transparent communication channel between the VA and potential contractors while highlighting the VA's focus on the integrity of its eyewear services, aiming to streamline the vendor selection process for enhanced coordination and improved service delivery for veterans. The VA also clarified that optician services are outside the current RFI scope, emphasizing a commitment to providing medically necessary services in a structured yet evolving procurement framework.
    The document outlines a Request for Information (RFI) (ID: 36C24125Q0327) for the provision of prescription eyewear, specifically targeting a wide reach across the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. It enumerates various eyewear options, including complete eyeglasses, lenses only, and multiple types of lenses made from materials like CR-39, glass, and polycarbonate. A detailed list categorizes eyewear by features such as bifocal, trifocal, single vision, photochromic options, and special coatings. The RFI seeks to gather insight on available products and potential suppliers to enhance the quality of eyewear services provided to veterans. The initiative emphasizes the importance of a range of eyewear styles and functionalities tailored to veterans' needs, thereby improving accessibility to necessary optical healthcare. This document plays a vital role within the federal procurement framework by ensuring informed decision-making for future contracts in the healthcare sector for veterans.
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting a market survey through a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on prescription eyeglasses manufacturing for eligible Veterans. The VA aims to provide both dress and safety eyeglasses across various healthcare facilities nationwide. This RFI is strictly for market research purposes; it is not a solicitation for bids and does not imply any commitment from the VA for future contracts. Interested companies are encouraged to respond with detailed information about their capabilities, including business classifications, whether they are manufacturers, and any relevant experience or materials, such as capability statements. Additionally, participants are invited to attend a virtual Industry Day for further discussion. Responses must be submitted by April 10, 2025, and all inquiries can be directed to the designated email address by March 26, 2025. This RFI aligns with the VA's efforts to enhance its services to Veterans, ensuring compliance with the standards established for the provision of ophthalmic goods.
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