36C24E26Q0091.docx

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

GENERAL INFORMATION

Regional Procurement Office East Building 32 Suite 1A1111 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh PA 15215-1802

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Robert Dobson Robert.Dobson1@va.gov 303-712-5728

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

10701 East Blvd.

Cleveland, Ohio 44106

POSTAL CODE

COUNTRY

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AGENCY’S URL

URL DESCRIPTION

AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION

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

This solicitation is issued as an RFQ. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2026-01.

This solicitation is as a small business set aside under North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code 339112 Surgical and Medical Equipment Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 500, and the FSC/PSC 6515.

The Regional Procurement Office East on behalf of the Clevland Health Care System is seeking to purchase a cage and rack washer to replace an existing cage washer for the Research Service Veterinary Medical Unit that has reached the end of its life expectancy. A firm-fixed price contract will be awarded for the purchase of a cage washer in accordance with all terms, conditions, provisions, specifications, and schedule of this solicitation herein. Quotes shall contain the Offeror’s best terms for cost/price and technical capabilities of the required cage washer. The government reserves the right to award without discussions.

All interested companies shall provide quotations for the following contract line item numbers listed below. By submitting a response to this RFQ, Offeror confirms price shall be good for sixty (60) days.

Each Line Item below shall include all costs associated with providing the supplies and services required in accordance with this RFQ and Specification/Functional Requirements.

Supplies/Services

Replacement cage and rack washer that fits and replaces the current cage and rack washer with proper plumbing and utilities (turn-key solution). Price shall include Warranty as stated in the Specification/Functional Requirements. Item shall be delivered FOB Destination.

This line item shall include all costs associated with removing the existing cage and rack washer, and the installation, transportation, and delivery of a new cage and rack washer as referenced under Line Item 0001, also including all costs associated for providing training to Government Personnel. All shall be done IAW the RFQ, and Specification/Functional Requirements.

Department of Veterans Affairs Research & Development, Northeast Ohio VA Health Care System Specification/Functional Requirements 1.Contract Title. Replacement of Cage and Rack Washer

2. Background.

The Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System's laboratory animal facility requires the replacement of the current cage washer to maintain operational reliability, compliance, and animal welfare. The current Scientek cage washer is also nearing the end of its useful life, with MDBiomedics the current on site service provider, reporting increasing difficulty sourcing replacement parts. In 2023, the main computer component required complete replacement, and additional safety upgrades have been added over time to maintain compliance. Continued aging increases the risk of failure and extended downtime, which would severely impact sterile housing conditions and research timelines.

3. Scope.

Our facility houses BSL-2 animals, and the supplies used for these animals require strategic sterilization to ensure employee safety and prevent contamination risks. Additionally, all our animal protocols involve the use of specific pathogen-free (SPF) animals and immunocompromised mice, which require clean and sterilized housing to avoid introducing pathogens that could compromise scientific work. To meet these standards, the Animal Research Facility (ARF) houses rodents in Lab Products ventilated cages, and the requested cage washer is designed to handle the size and configuration of these housing units (dorms) as well as Rabbit Housing Units.

4. Specific Tasks.

The scope of work covers the procurement, installation, and ongoing service support of a stainless-steel automated cage washer system, including all standard features, control systems, safety mechanisms, and required accessory components. The equipment must be fully installable and serviceable by MDBiomedics.

The washer shall be constructed of type 304 stainless steel and manufactured in Canada. The unit must provide an interior load clearance of approximately 48 inches wide, 88 inches high, and 128 inches long. The cabinet and doors will be insulated double-wall construction and include friction-release safety hardware, interior protection bars, and a stainless-steel door threshold plate (6 inches wide). The system must include sectionalized stainless-steel floor grating and non‑proprietary parts for maintainability. Drawings of the site where the equipment is to be installed are attached to this solicitation.

The system will include an internal safety pull‑cable emergency stop system, a second emergency pull cable, stainless‑steel piping and pneumatic control valves, a stainless-steel 15 HP treatment pump, Aqua Pulse adjustable spraying pattern, and a rotary spray washing system. The washer shall incorporate an automatic drain system, a stainless‑steel steam coil sump heater, and a drain cooldown system using direct cold-water injection. An interior light will be provided. Unit configuration will be a single‑door both sides, pit‑mounted installation within a standard pit depth, recessed one wall, with 3-inch trim on one side.

The control system must be the Scientek Standard Control System, including an Allen‑Bradley microprocessor and a color touch‑screen operator interface. Controls shall provide illuminated On/Off switch, service On/Off switch, emergency stop pushbutton, ten pre‑programmed wash cycles (including prewash, detergent wash, optional acid wash, multiple rinses, and exhaust), user‑adjustable cycle names, programmable cycle times and temperature set points, and live display of process temperature (set point and actual) and process time (preset and remaining). The system will include cycle lock‑out capability and monitoring of alarm conditions with event logging (up to 50 events). Time and date display is required.

The control system must be capable of signaling up to six chemical pumps and include a low-level detergent indicator with 25 ft cable. A pneumatically operated vent damper shall be provided to integrate with the facility HVAC system. A vertical cage wash header with two wash racks (capacity approximately 180 mouse cages or 60 rat box cages) must be included, requiring a cart‑lock option for proper operation. A panel‑mounted printer must also be included.

If directed by the VA, MDBiomedics may be directed to provide full installation, commissioning, testing, and continuing service/maintenance support for the complete system and all components described above and;

Full dissemble and removal of current cage wash unit.

5. Performance Monitoring Facility Engineering Services will include coordinating utility shutdowns and disconnecting existing utilities. Assisting in the disposal of old equipment. A project COR will be assigned to assist in coordinating between ORD, facility engineering, and the Vendor. The project COR must be kept informed by the ORD during the process of procurement through delivery to ensure adequate time is allowed for planning support activities.

6. Information Security: The Contractor will not require access to VA Information and VA Information Systems. Therefore, all Contractors and Contractor personnel shall not be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards and VA policies as VA, and VA personnel, regarding information and information system security.

7. Security: The Contractor will not require access to VA Information and VA Information Systems. Neither background investigations nor security trainings of personnel are required.

The product capabilities and salient characteristics identified above by a “brand name or equal" description are intended to be descriptive, not restrictive, and to indicate the quality and characteristics of the product that will be satisfactory. Quotes offering "equal" products (including products of the brand name manufacturer other than the one described by the brand name) will be considered if such product is clearly identified in the quote and is determined by the VA to meet fully the salient characteristics on above products. If offering an equivalent product, the brand name of the equivalent product shall be clearly identified in the quote. Unless visibly identified as an equivalent product, offered items shall be considered as the brand name product referenced in this announcement.

The evaluation of quotes and the determination as to the equality of the products shall be the responsibility of the Government and shall be based on information provided by the Offeror. The Government is not responsible for locating or securing any information not provided in the quotation by the Offeror. To ensure that sufficient information is available, the Offeror must furnish, as a part of the quote, all descriptive material necessary for the purchasing activity to determine whether the products meet the salient characteristics of this requirement. Vendors proposing to modify a product to make it conform to the requirements of this announcement shall include a clear description of the proposed modification and clearly mark any descriptive material to show the proposed modification. Offers that do not have descriptive material will not be considered for award.

General Information

Type of Contract: Firm Fixed Price

Delivery: Delivery shall be provided by December 15, 2026, FOB Destination.

Place of Performance/Place of Delivery

10701 East Blvd.

Cleveland, Ohio

Instructions to the Offeror

Basis for award resulting from this RFQ will made to the Best Value Offer that provides a complete package pursuant to the preparation requirements set forth in 52.212-1. FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation - Commercial Items) will be incorporated in full text into the RFQ and will be evaluated on the following factors. Evaluations will be in accordance with FAR 13 Simplified Procedures.

Evaluation Factors for Award:

Factor 1 - Technical Capabilities All offerors must meet or exceed all requirements and salient features as listed in the Line Items and Specifications/Functional Requirements.

Factor 2 - Past Performance Past Performance will be based on the most current PPIPRS Report.

Factor 3 - Price

The following FAR provision and clauses apply to this solicitation and are incorporated by reference. The solicitation document, incorporated provision and clauses are those in effect through the Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2006-1. It is the responsibility of the contractor to be familiar with the applicable clauses and provisions. The full text of FAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html. 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.

Quotes shall be submitted via email to Robert.Dobson1@va.gov. Offerors must reference Solicitation 36C24E26Q0091 in the subject line of the email. No telephone request for information will be considered. Any questions or concerns regarding this RFQ should be forwarded in writing via e-mail to Robert Dobson at Robert.dobson1@va.gov no later than 12:00 noon MDT, Friday September 16, 2026. Any questions received after this date/time will not be reviewed nor considered. All responses to questions and concerns received will be addressed and posted via SAM.gov. All offers must be received by the closing date Wednesday, September 21, 2026, Mountain DT. Incomplete packages will be considered nonresponsive. Late submissions shall be treated in accordance with the solicitation provision at FAR 52.212-1(f).

Point of Contact Contract Specialist: Robert Dobson Email: Robert.Dobson1@va.gov Phone: no calls will be accepted Fax: no faxes will be accepted

See attached document: Space drawings for Cage Rack Washer.

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice