3449--Sources Sought Electric Button Making Machine

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an electric button making machine through this Sources Sought notice, specifically a Tecre Model 152 or equivalent device along with associated 2"x2" die set hardware and consumables. This procurement falls under NAICS code 339910 (Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing) with a 700-employee size standard, and the Buy American Act will apply per FAR Clauses 52.225-1 and 52.225-2. The agency is conducting market research to determine the viability of issuing a small business set-aside with emphasis on Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB). Interested vendors must respond by May 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM Eastern Time, indicating their business size standard classification. Responses should be submitted to Robert R. Mulheran, the Contracting Officer, at Robert.Mulheran@va.gov or 612-970-5621. The evaluation approach will differ depending on the final set-aside determination: if a SDVOSB set-aside is pursued, FAR Clause 52.219-33 (Nonmanufacturer Rule) will apply; however, if a general small business set-aside is selected instead, a SDVOSB/VOSB preferential evaluation factor will be used.

The procurement does not currently have a set-aside designation, and this Sources Sought notice represents preliminary market research. The requirement includes consumables for producing 30,000 2"x2" magnet buttons, indicating the anticipated scope of button production. No specific award value or budget range is disclosed in the Sources Sought notice. The performance location is identified as 1800 G Street NW, Washington DC 20006. Any certified SDVOSB/VOSB entities that may not qualify under the Nonmanufacturer Rule are encouraged to indicate whether they would still be interested in participating in a general small business set-aside alternative.