The Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically the Network Contracting Office 23, is seeking qualified vendors to provide a laboratory dishwasher, specifically a Brand Name or equal to the Steris Reliance 400XL Dishwasher. The procurement includes a range of specific requirements such as steam heating, a heat recovery system, and dimensions that fit within a designated space, along with various accessories and installation services. This specialized equipment is crucial for cleaning and sterilizing laboratory glassware in a rigorous scientific environment. Interested small businesses must respond to the Sources Sought Notice by January 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time, and can direct inquiries to Contracting Specialist Jennifer Watkins-Schoenig at jennifer.watkins-schoenig@va.gov or by phone at 319-688-3631.

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36C26326Q0267.docx

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office 23 has issued a Sources Sought Notice for a lab dishwasher. This notice, solicitation number 36C26326Q0267, is a set-aside for Small Business Administration (SBA) and falls under product service code 6640 and NAICS code 334516. Responses are due by January 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time, Chicago, USA. The contracting office is located in Coralville, IA, and the point of contact for inquiries is Contracting Specialist Jennifer Watkins-Schoenig. The notice indicates that specifications for the lab dishwasher are provided in an attached document.

Specifications.docx

This document outlines the salient characteristics and requirements for a laboratory dishwasher, specifically seeking a Brand Name or equal to Steris Reliance 400XL Dishwasher. The procurement includes one Reliance 400XLS Laboratory Glassware Washer with steam heating, a heat recovery system, specific dimensions (42”x 80” x 34”), a color touchscreen PLC, programmable cycles, and HEPA-filtered drying. Additional required components include a non-vented drying system, a non-recirculated heated pure water rinse system, drain discharge cool down, an installation kit, an air compressor, two universal shelving systems, various baskets and headers for different glassware sizes, a transfer cart, and storage solutions for accessories. The Buy American Act applies, and vendors must state the place of manufacture. The services required include delivery and installation at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center within 90-120 days of the award, along with operator training.

Salient Characteristics of Laboratory Dishwasher:
Description: A laboratory dishwasher or laboratory glassware washer, is a specialized piece of equipment used in scientific labs to clean and sterilize glassware, utensils, and other lab equipment. It's designed to handle the rigors of laboratory environments, including exposure to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. This requirement includes meeting Brand Name or equal to Steris Reliance 400XL Dishwasher.
The Buy American Act, FAR 52.225-1, applies. Interested vendors shall include the place of manufacture in their responses.
Salient characteristics of the Laboratory Dishwasher:
QTY 1: Reliance 400XLS Laboratory Glassware Washer, Single Door, 120-208V, 3 Ph, 3-Wire, Steam Heated
Must be configured to use steam for heating and sterilizing lab glassware. Steam heating is more energy efficient than straight electricity heating.
Must have a heat recovery system to expedite the drying and cooling of lab glassware.
Exterior dishwasher measurements must fit within 42 x 80 x 34 space to accommodate space in the room and cleaning process flow with staff.
Must have a color touch screen programmable logic controller on the front of the dishwasher that allows for management and monitoring of key process parameters.Â 
Must have the ability to program process cycles for pre-wash, wash, rinse, pure water rinse, and drying
Must be able to support two universal shelves within the dishwasher
Must have drying capability must have HEPA-filtered air to ensure lab glassware is not contaminated with dirty air.
Must have a safety mechanism built in to prevent cycles from starting if the door is not closed and an emergency stop button
QTY 1: Non-Vented Drying System
Must have a process of drying lab glassware without venting air in the room or externally through a duct.
QTY 1: Non-Recirculated Heated Pure Water Rinse System
Must use fresh heated water for the rinse cycle to ensure lab glassware is not contaminated.
QTY 1: Drain Discharge Cool Down
Must ensure all discharged water is below 140Â°F when water is discharged into the buildings drain system.
QTY 1: Installation Kit, Flexible hoses for utilities for Steam unit
QTY 1: Air Compressor 2 CFM 110 VAC/60 Hz
Must have a sufficient sized air compressor tank to ensure enough pressure is available to manage the dishwasher operations.
QTY 2: Universal Shelving System, Single Shelf
Ensure universal shelving system fits within the dishwasher and can be configured to wash small, medium, and large lab glassware.
QTY 1: M-34 Spindle Header
Must be able to wash 9 pieces of glassware up to 250 mL or 25 pieces of glassware up to 100 mL at once.
QTY 1: GPB General Purpose Basket
Must provide a multi-purpose basket measuring no more than 12-1/2 x 24-1/2" so it can fit within the dishwasher.
QTY 1: Transfer Cart, TC-400XLS
Must provide a transfer cart for removal of dishwasher shelving ensuring staff are not required to lift shelving/baskets full of glassware into or from the dishwasher.
The transfer cart must be able to store the universal shelves, general purpose basket, and spindle headers.
QTY 1: BRS-400/500 Bottom Rotary Spray Header
QTY 1: TTB Test Tube Basket
Must provide a basket/shelf that can hold test tubes and small miscellaneous glassware (screw caps, stoppers, etc.) during washing.
Must be able to hold up to approximately 120 test tubes.
QTY 1: D-666 Divider For Test Tube Basket
QTY 1: C-666 Cover For Test Tube Basket
Must be able to hold test tubes in place to ensure they do not fall out of the basket.
QTY 1: KM-8XLS Kit
Must be able to wash large glassware up to 12" (305 mm) in diameter.
QTY 1: M-72 Spindle Header
Must be able to wash up to 72 pieces of glassware up to 50 ml in size, up to 2" (51 mm) in diameter.
QTY 1: Spindle Spring Stoppers
Must have a way to prevent glassware items from resting on the tip of the spindles and allowing water to fully rinse the interior of the glassware.
QTY 2: Flexible Hold Down Screens/Silicone Glassware Protectors
Must provide a way to prevent glassware breakage or damage to load items on top of spindle headers or GP basket.
QTY 1: Rack Storage System for Reliance Accessory Headers
Provide height-adjustable rack for storing up to 8 accessory headers or baskets.
Must be made of 304 stainless steel or equivalent to prevent rust
QTY 1: External Detergent Storage Compartment
Must have the capacity to store two 5 gal. (19L) and connect to the dishwasher pump.
QTY 1: Installation - Reliance 400(XLS)
QTY 1: Operators Training In-Service
SERVICES- Installation
Service required includes delivery and installation of the research equipment into the research building at Sioux Falls VA Medical Center 2501 W 22nd St Sioux Falls SD, 57105, 90-120 days after award, in coordination with the COR prior to delivery.

Contracting Specialist

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)

Buyer

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PSC

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