36C24126Q0485_3.docx

Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

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Network Contracting Office 1 Newington VAMC 555 Willard Avenue Newington, CT 06111

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Contract Specialist Janice Jones Janice.Jones@va.gov 860-666-6951 ext. 6613

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VA Boston Healthcare System

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940 Belmont Street

Brockton MA

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Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

AMENDMENT 0003

TO SOLICITATION NO.: 36C24126Q0485

TITLE: Refrigerators/Freezers – Brand Name or Equal DATE: July 7, 2026

1. PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT

This amendment is issued to clarify the applicability of the Buy American Act (BAA) to all items listed under the “Brand Name or Equal” requirement. It was brought to attention that the Government that two referenced brand-name models are manufactured in South Korea. This amendment confirms that all offered units—whether brand name or equal—must qualify as Domestic End Products in accordance with FAR 52.225‑1, Buy American—Supplies, unless a valid waiver applies.

2. AMENDMENT TO BRAND NAME OR EQUAL REQUIREMENT

The following language is hereby added to Section [insert section reference]:

Revised Requirement:

All products offered, including those identified as brand name and those proposed as “equal,” shall meet the specifications of the solicitation and must comply with the Buy American Act. All offered items must meet the definition of a Domestic End Product, meaning:

1. The item is manufactured in the United States; and

2. For items not consisting wholly or predominantly of iron or steel, the total cost of domestic components meets the percentage thresholds required under FAR 52.225‑1 for the applicable delivery year.

Products manufactured or assembled outside the United States—including those manufactured in South Korea—do not qualify as Domestic End Products and will be considered unacceptable unless an authorized waiver is granted.

3. ADDITION OF FAR 52.225‑2 BUY AMERICAN CERTIFICATE

The following provision is hereby added to the solicitation:

FAR 52.225‑2, Buy American Certificate Offerors shall certify whether each end product offered is a Domestic End Product or a Foreign End Product. Items manufactured outside the United States must be declared as Foreign End Products and may be rejected if they do not meet Buy American Act requirements.

4. CLARIFICATION REGARDING BRAND-NAME ITEMS

The Government acknowledges that certain brand-name models referenced by the requiring service may be manufactured outside the United States.

This amendment clarifies that:

Brand-name identification does not exempt products from Buy American Act compliance.

Offerors proposing brand‑name models or “equal” items remain responsible for ensuring compliance with FAR 52.225‑1.

5. THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SOLICIATION IS EXTENDED

ALL RESPONSES ARE DUE BY WEDNESDAY, JULY 15th, 12:00 PM, EST.

6. TAX EXEMPTION CLARIFICATION: The Department of Veterans Affairs is exempt from state sales tax. The awarded contractor may request and will receive the necessary federal tax-exemption documentation after award. Offerors may assume tax-exempt status when preparing quotations for this procurement. This clarification does not alter any other terms or conditions of the solicitation

7. ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAIN UNCHANGED

Except as provided in this amendment, all other solicitation terms, conditions, and requirements remain unchanged.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment by responding in accordance with solicitation instructions.

Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation