36C24125Q0611.docx

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

GENERAL INFORMATION

VAMC Connecticut 555 Willard Avenue Newington, CT 06111

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Janice Jones janice.jones@va.gov 860-666-6951 x36613

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

200 Springs Road

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

COMBINED SYNOPSIS _STRAIGHT SB SET ASIDE FOR ALADDIN TEMP-RITE, LLC BRAND FOOD TRANSPORTATION CARTS AND STARTER STATION

GENERAL INFORMATION: This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared In accordance with the format in FAR 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested, and a written solicitation will not be issued.

manufactured. No brand or product substitutes***.

Description: This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 12.6, “Streamlined Procedures for Evaluation and Solicitation for Commercial Items,” as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; “quotations” are being requested, and a written solicitation document will not be issued.

This solicitation: 36C241-25-AP-3919 is a "request for quotations (RFQ)." The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) Number 2025-04,June 11th,2025.

This combined synopsis is for a Straight Small Business (SB) Set-Aside for Brand Name: Aladdin Food Transportation Carts and Starter Station products listed below, IAW FAR 19.5, IAW SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures) 12.603, and per FAR 13.104: Competition to the Maximum Extent Practicable. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 336999, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

VAMC Bedford Food and Nutrition Service at 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA, is seeking to purchase the following Aladdin Food Transportation Carts and Starter Station Brand Name, supplies for Nutrition and Food Service activities performed at the VAMC Bedford, MA. This is a brand name requirement; no substitutes will be accepted.

All interested Aladdin Food Transportation Cart brand name Straight SB Class distributors shall provide quotations for the following brand name Food and Nutrition Supplies listed below. The quotations shall be for the products listed below. The “Aladdin Food Transportation Cart,” brand name supplies listed below are integral to standardization and consistency of patient meal delivery for the Food and Nutrition Services at VAMC Bedford, MA.

ALADDIN TEMP-RITE, LLC BRAND NAME PRODUCTS ONLY:

or Excel Trays)

SC26S-350TH

SC Cart, 26 Tray SL, 3.5" Tray Spacing, 5" Casters, Drain, Top-rail, Tow hitch

The purchase is needed to transport cold-plated food meals throughout the hospital to support the Food and Nutrition Services at VAMC Bedford, MA. The Aladdin food service carts requested are specifically designed to fit/work with the StepSaver SS-536 personnel transport carrier, which are already on site. No substitutes will be considered not accepted. Consistency in equipment supports standardization with food delivery services and affords standardization for replenishment of patient food meals.

The Aladdin Temp-Rite, LLC brand was selected by VA Medical Staff, as the brand of Food and Nutrition Services that will support standardization and efficiency in replenishment and delivery of meal services.

Bedford, MA 01730-1114

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

1. FAR 52.212-1 “Instructions to Offerors–Commercial Items” (SEP2023) Award shall be made to the quoter, whose quotation, is evaluated as the lowest price.

2. FAR 52.212-2 The government will evaluate information based on the following evaluation criteria:

(1) Full capability to meet all order requirements at the best price. (NOV 2021)

3. FAR 52.212-3: “Offerors Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items” (MAY 2024) Offerors must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1, in accordance with FAR 52.212-3, “Offerors Representations and Certifications–Commercial Items.” If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

The following contract clauses apply to this acquisition: CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights-

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)(CONT’D):

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include-

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line-item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper invoice, the Contractor shall have submitted correct EFT banking information in accordance with the applicable solicitation provision, contract clause (e.g., 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management, or 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other Than System for Award Management), or applicable agency procedures.

(C) EFT banking information is not required if the Government waived the requirement to pay by

EFT.

(g)(2) Invoices will be handled in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act ( 31 U.S.C. 3903) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment.-

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act ( 31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR Part 1315.

(3) Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If the Government makes payment by EFT, see 52.212-5(b) for the appropriate EFT clause.

(4) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date which appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(5) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall-

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the-

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable; and

(D) Contractor point of contact.

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the Contracting Officer.

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)(CONT’D):

(i)(6) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within 30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by 33.211 if–

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see 32.607-2).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a default termination.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on-

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures prescribed in FAR 32.608-2 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon:

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government’s convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the Contractor shall immediately stop all work hereunder and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor’s records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)(CONT’D):

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered hereunder are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Other compliances. The Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, executive orders, rules and regulations applicable to its performance under this contract.

(r) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31 U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 18 U.S.C. 431 relating to officials not to benefit; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter 87, Kickbacks; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Fly American; and 41 U.S.C. chapter 21 relating to procurement integrity.

(s) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services.

(2) The Assignments, Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Other Compliances, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

(3) The clause at 52.212-5.

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract, including any license agreements for computer software.

(5) Solicitation provisions if this is a solicitation.

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause.

(7) The Standard Form 1449.

(8) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments.

(9) The specification.

(t) [Reserved]

(u) Unauthorized Obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (u)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation ( 31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an "I agree" click box or other comparable mechanism (e.g., "click-wrap" or "browse-wrap" agreements), execution does not bind the Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (u)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(v) Incorporation by reference. The Contractor’s representations and certifications, including those completed electronically via the System for Award Management (SAM), are incorporated by reference into the contract.

(End of clause)

ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

VAAR 852.212-71 GRAY MARKET AND COUNTERFEIT ITEMS (FEB 2023)

(a) No gray market or remanufactured items will be acceptable. Gray market items are Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEM) goods sold through unauthorized channels in direct competition with authorized distributors. This procurement is for new OEM medical equipment only for VA medical facilities.

(b) Vendor shall be an OEM, authorized dealer, authorized distributor, or authorized reseller for the proposed equipment/system, verified by an authorization letter or other documents from the OEM. All software licensing, warranty and service associated with the equipment/system shall be in accordance with the OEM terms and conditions.

(End of Clause)

VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause—

(1) Contract financing payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001;

(2) Designated agency office means the office designated by the purchase order, agreement, or contract to first receive and review invoices. This office can be contractually designated as the receiving entity. This office may be different from the office issuing the payment;

(3) Electronic form means an automated system transmitting information electronically according to the accepted electronic data transmission methods and formats identified in paragraph (c) of this clause.

Facsimile, email, and scanned documents are not acceptable electronic forms for submission of payment requests;

(4) Invoice payment has the meaning given in FAR 32.001; and

(5) Payment request means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment submitted by the contractor under this contract.

(b) Electronic payment requests. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this clause, the contractor shall submit payment requests in electronic form. Purchases paid with a Government-wide commercial purchase card are considered to be an electronic transaction for purposes of this rule, and therefore no additional electronic invoice submission is required.

(c) Data transmission. A contractor must ensure that the data transmission method and format are through one of the following:

(1) VA’s Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System at the current website address provided in the contract.

(2) Any system that conforms to the X12 electronic data interchange (EDI) formats established by the Accredited Standards Center (ASC) and chartered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

(d) Invoice requirements. Invoices shall comply with FAR 32.905.

(e) Exceptions. If, based on one of the circumstances in this paragraph (e), the Contracting Officer directs that payment requests be made by mail, the Contractor shall submit payment requests by mail through the United States Postal Service to the designated agency office. Submission of payment requests by mail may be required for—

(1) Awards made to foreign vendors for work performed outside the United States;

(2) Classified contracts or purchases when electronic submission and processing of payment requests could compromise the safeguarding of classified or privacy information;

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS (MAR 2023)

(a) (1) In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3903 and 10 U.S.C. 3801, within 15 days after receipt of accelerated payments from the Government, the Contractor shall make accelerated payments to its small business subcontractors under this contract, to the maximum extent practicable and prior to when such payment is otherwise required under the applicable contract or subcontract, after receipt of a proper invoice and all other required documentation from the small business subcontractor.

(2) The Contractor agrees to make such payments to its small business subcontractors without any further consideration from or fees charged to the subcontractor.

(b) The acceleration of payments under this clause does not provide any new rights under the Prompt Payment Act.

(End of Clause)

The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html

All quotations shall be emailed to: janice.jones@va.gov.

Copy deidra.thomas@va.gov

This is an open-market combined synopsis/solicitation for products as defined herein. The government intends to award a purchase order as a result of this combined synopsis/solicitation that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein.

E-mailed quotes will be accepted. Submission shall be received no later than 16:00 EDT July 30, 2025.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

SCOPE OF REQUIREMENT

The Department of Veteran Affairs, VISN 01, VA Bedford Healthcare System due to numerous factors has a requirement for: Food Transport Carts.

The objective of this task order is to procure five (5) Aladdin SP5892 SC26S-350TH Carts with Top-Rail/Drain/Tow-Hitch, one (1) Starter Station, one (1) Tray Dispenser for use with 60 CRIII Trays, & one (1) WT28240 24” x 28” Work Table. VA Bedford Nutrition & Food Services is a cook-chill operation. Food is produced in large amounts and quickly chilled. The chilled food is plated cold and then placed into these type of transport carts on that tray line that is led by a starter station. Our existing starter station is in poor condition and is propped up to keep it from collapsing. Our existing carts are too tall and unwieldly to safely transport via StepSavers/Cushman carts, so they are currently towed in a box truck. Our box truck drivers are retiring and will not be replaced so we need these smaller carts with tow hitches to transport the food through the hospital.

***These carts are specifically designed to fit/work with the StepSaver SS-536, which are already on site.

1.1 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

☒ VA Bedford Healthcare System 200 Springs Road Bedford, MA 01730

1.2 HOURS OF OPERATIONS

Delivery schedule shall occur from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

1.0 DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT

Tray Dispenser, Single Tube (for use with 60 CRIII 1 1,634.30 1,634.30 or Excel Trays)

2.0 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Description of any specific requirements that are in addition to the 2.0 Description of Requirements or the 1.0 Scope of Requirements did not cover. This section includes salient characteristics of the items needed. Imagine if the item isn’t a sole source product and there are multiple sources available that can provide the item you need or its equivalent. What would be the requirements needed to be met by the vendors’ products to meet the minimum acceptable requirements? Minimum/Maximum heights, weights, colors, sizes… etc.

ENCLOSED TRANSPORT CARTS:

· 26 Tray Capacity

· SC Line

· 3.5” Tray Spacing

· Drain

· Tow Hitch

· Top-rail

· Fits Aladdin raised center, divided trays that are used in an advanced meal system

STARTER STATION:

· 3 Shelf, 48”, Cantilever Style

· Tray dispenser, Single tube, Fits under starter station Work table 24” 28”, stainless steel with undershelf, bullet feet, fits under starter station

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Justification for Single Source Awards IAW FAR 13.106-1 For Over Micro-Purchase Threshold but Not Exceeding the SAT ($250K)

Acquisition Plan Action ID: 36C241-25-AP-3919

1. Contracting Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 01, VAMC Bedford, MA

2. Brief Description of Supplies/ Services required and the intended use/Estimated Amount: This is an add-on requirement for Aladdin Food Transportation Carts and Starter Station for the hospital patient food delivery service for Bedford, MA. The service is requesting the brand name Aladdin Food Transportation Carts listed below which are designed to integrate: fit, form, and function with the existing Step-Saver SS-536 carrier system. The purchase of the Aladdin brand Starter Station, Tray Dispenser, Worktable, and SC Cart with Tow Hitch, will allow for the safe and timely delivery of food throughout the hospital.

SC26S-350TH SC Cart, 26 Tray SL, 3.5" Tray Spacing, 5" Casters, Drain, Top-rail, Tow hitch

3. Unique characteristics that limit availability to only one source, with the reason no other supplies or services can be used: Procuring the Aladdin Food Transportation Carts will ensure hospital meals can efficiently be transported throughout the building. The Aladdin carts are specifically designed to fit and work with the StepSaver SS-536 mechanized carriers. The new products must integrate with the existing Aladdin products in fit, form., and function. The Aladdin carts are compact in nature and have tow hitches that attach to the StepSaver carrier providing safe and maneuverable transport of hospital meals throughout the building.

4. Description of market research conducted and results or statement why it was not conducted:

Market Research Findings:

· No VA agency or other agency has excess supplies of this nature.

· SAC (Strategic Acquisition Center) and the SCMC (Supply Chain Master Catalog) were searched. The requirements listed are not available via any SAC Contract.

· The GSA NAC (National Acquisition Center) and GSA FSS (Federal Supply Schedule) were searched to locate additional contract vehicles: The large business (LB) OEM (original Equipment Manufacturer): Aladdin Temp-Rite LLC has consistent history providing temperature food carts throughout VA network via existing FSS Contract #47QSWA19D008U. The current requirement for non-heated food transport carts and the worktable requested, are not included on the FSS contract.

Recommendation: Market Research indicates that there is ample competition in the Open Market for a Small Business (SB) Set-Aside. There is no NMR (Nonmanufacturing Rule) Waiver; there is an SBA (Small Business Administration) NMR Exception IAW FAR 19.502-2(a).The Straight SB Set-Aside affords the best opportunity for competition to the maximum extent practicable., which best serves to provide a quote at a fair and reasonable price, and which will afford the best value to the Government. Per VAAR 819.7003(d) a SDVOSB Set-Aside cannot be applied, there is No NMR waiver for the primary NAICS 336999 (Food Service Cart and Accessories), nor the secondary NAICS 333241 (Starter Station). The requirement will be competed open market on Contract Opportunities to the maximum extent practicable, as a Straight SB Set-Aside.

5. Contracting Officer's Certification: Purchase is approved in accordance with FAR13.106-1(b). I certify that the foregoing justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Deidra Thomas Contracting Officer VAMC White River Junction VT, RPOE

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice