Sources Sought Notice.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Action ID: SSN122025NCAEQUIP

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION OR REQUEST FOR QUOTES -

FOR PLANNING AND MARKET RESEARCH ONLY

Subject: Market Research for Multiple-Award Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) – Grounds & Cemetery Equipment

Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA)

1. PURPOSE

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA), is conducting market research to identify qualified small business concerns capable of supplying a variety of grounds maintenance and cemetery operations equipment to support the Pacific, Continental, and Midwest District National Cemeteries.

The Government anticipates establishing multiple-award Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) under the following NAICS Codes:

· 333111 – Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,250 employees)

· 333120 – Construction Machinery Manufacturing (1,250 employees)

· 336212 – Truck Trailer Manufacturing (1,000 employees)

· 336999 – All Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing (1,000 employees)

2. EQUIPMENT SCOPE

The VA is seeking potential sources to supply the following categories of equipment, including but not limited to:

· Tractors

· Plows (snow/soil)

· Planters

· Flatbed Trailers

· Dump Trailers

· Excavators (mini/mid-size)

· Loaders / Skid Steers

· Forklifts

· Dumpers

· Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs)

· Commercial Mowers (zero-turn, ride-on, walk-behind)

Quantities will vary depending on cemetery needs and budget availability under the BPA.

3. VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

A. Supply Requirements

Vendors must demonstrate capability to provide:

· New, unused, commercially available equipment only.

· Equipment meeting all OEM specifications.

· No gray market, refurbished, or remanufactured products will be accepted.

· All OEM warranties must apply.

B. Authorized Dealer/Reseller Status

Vendors must:

· Be an authorized distributor, dealer, or reseller for the brands they propose.

· Provide manufacturer authorization letters upon request or prior to BPA award.

C. Delivery & Tracking Responsibilities

Contractors must be able to:

· Arrange Freight-On-Board (FOB) destination delivery to all VA National Cemeteries in the Pacific, Continental, and Midwest Districts.

· Provide shipment tracking, estimated delivery dates, and POC information.

· Ensure equipment arrives fully assembled when applicable, or specify assembly requirements.

D. Manuals, Documentation & Training (Added per request)

Vendors must provide:

· OEM operator and maintenance manuals (digital or printed)

· Safety documentation

· Warranty registration support

· Any available basic start-up/operational familiarization (if provided as part of OEM purchase)

E. Geographic Delivery Capability

Vendors must confirm ability to deliver equipment to:

· Midwest Region

· Continental Region

· Pacific Region

F. Lead Time Information (Added per request)

Vendors must include typical lead times for each equipment category, such as:

· In-stock availability

· Standard shipping times

· Build-to-order manufacturing time

· Delivery lead time to CONUS, and Hawaii

4. SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION

Responses are encouraged from:

· SDVOSB (must be SBA VetCert)

· VOSB (VetCert)

· All Small Businesses

5. RESPONSES MUST INCLUDE

Interested vendors should provide:

1. Company Information

0. Legal business name

0. Address

0. UEI number

0. Business size under each NAICS

0. Point of contact with email and phone

1. Business Size & Certifications

1. SDVOSB/VOSB (must be listed in SBA VetCert at time of response)

1. Other small business statuses

1. Authorized Dealer Confirmation

2. Statement confirming authorized reseller status

2. Ability to provide OEM authorization documentation

1. Capabilities Statement

3. Equipment lines supported

3. Confirm delivery capability to all or some locations

3. Warranty and service support

3. Assembly/support capability

1. Lead Times

4. Typical delivery lead times

1. Past Performance (optional but encouraged)

5. Similar supply contracts or equipment deliveries

1. Existing Contracts

6. GSA Schedule, BPA, DLA, or other contract numbers (if applicable)

6. RESPONSE FORMAT (Added per request)

To standardize evaluations, responses must:

· Be submitted in PDF format

· Not exceed 10 pages (excluding authorization letters)

· Use standard 11–12 pt font

7. SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Email responses to:

Brian Trahan brian.trahan@va.gov

Responses are due no later than:

Response date indicated on SAM posting

8. DISCLAIMER

This Sources Sought Notice is solely for market research purposes.

It does not constitute a solicitation, promise to issue a solicitation, or commitment to award.

No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing a response.

(End of Sources Sought Notice)