Sources Sought - 36C24E26Q0064 - AbilityOne ETS Items - ETS_2601.pdf

AbilityOne Additions to Procurement List after December 22, 2006

Essentially the Same Items

Sources Sought Notice 36C24E26Q0064

The purpose of this special notice is to identify service-disabled veteran owned small businesses (SDVOSB) or veteran owned small businesses (VOSB) authorized to distribute the same or “Essentially the Same” (ETS) items as items added to the AbilityOne Procurement List after December 22, 2006.

VA has identified 15 commercial items that are ETS as National Stock Numbers (NSNs) on the

AbilityOne Procurement List. The Department of Veterans Affairs is required to identify any

SDVOSB or VOSB capable of providing the same items or ETS items prior to consideration of

AbilityOne for items added to the AbilityOne Procurement List after December 22, 2006, in accordance with VAAR 808.002.

Essentially the Same is defined as an item or item(s) that are comparable in all the prominent physical, functional, or performance characteristics to items on the AbilityOne Procurement List.

This includes, but is not limited to form, fit, and function sufficient to enable interchangeability.

• Form includes similarity in appearance, shape, size, dimension, design, color, texture, environmental characteristics, quality, and/or other features.

• Fit pertains to the ability to physically interface, connect or integrate with other parts.

• Function entails the intended use of the product.

• ETS does not mean and will not be interpreted to mean the product/item is “exactly” the same.

See “Attachment I - ETS AbilityOne - 36C24E26Q0064 - ETS_2601” for the list of NSNs and the

Commercial Items identified as ETS.

INSTRUCTIONS

All respondents shall:

1. Complete and submit “Attachment I - ETS AbilityOne - 36C24E26Q0064 - ETS_2601” in excel format.

2. Complete and submit Attachment II or III (see below).

3. Provide technical documents or link(s) to the OEMs webpage related to the commercial items.

SDVOSB or VOSB respondents shall:

1. Complete “Attachment II _ SDVOSB_VOSB Response _ ETS AbilityOne -

36C24E26Q0064 - ETS_2601” and submit in PDF format.

2. Provide proof of authorization to distribute item(s) identified as ETS from the Original

Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) on OEM letterhead with POC information above.

a. Letters from a wholesaler are not sufficient to meet this requirement

3. Provide SDVOSB or VOSB certification from SBA.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) respondents shall complete “Attachment III _ OEM

Response _ ETS AbilityOne - 36C24E26Q0064 – ETS_2601” and submit in PDF format.

In addition to providing the information requested above, responding companies are encouraged to include any relevant information (specifications, brochures, capability statements, past experiences, etc.) to assist VA in confirming the commercial item(s) proposed are ETS as outlined in this request.

DISCLAIMER

This special notice is issued for informational purposes only. This is not a solicitation or a request for quotes and shall not be construed as an obligation or commitment by the

Government. An award will not be made on any offers submitted in response to this notice, and it shall not be implied that the Government is committed to providing any solicitation or award following this notice. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this request, nor will the Government compensate a respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided. Do NOT include proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information in responses.

DUE DATE

All responses shall be received via e-mail to jeremy.boston@va.gov by 4:30 PM Eastern Time

July 31, 2026.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment I - ETS AbilityOne - 36C24E26Q0064 - ETS_2601

Attachment II _ SDVOSB_VOSB Response _ ETS AbilityOne - 36C24E26Q0064 - ETS_2601

Attachment III _ OEM Response _ ETS AbilityOne - 36C24E26Q0064 - ETS_2601 mailto:jeremy.boston@va.gov