3550--Project Name: Veteran Self-Employment Plan – AI Vending Machines; Project Number: None; and Station Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO), Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Division

The Department of Veterans Affairs' Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Division, through the Sioux Falls, South Dakota Veterans Affairs Regional Office, seeks quotations for AI smart vending machines and delivery under Project 3550, the Veteran Self-Employment Plan, under RFQ 36C10D27Q0011, with quotations due November 12, 2026. The procurement is set aside for Total Small Business. Amendment 0001, posted November 5, 2026, modifies the RFQ, and its modifications are not detailed in the available text.

Place of performance is listed as Rapid City, SD 57701. The requirement covers nine machines: two Compact Single-Door AI Smart Coolers, two High-Capacity AI Smart Coolers with Freezer Capabilities, three Premium Single-Door AI Smart Coolers, and two Large Double-Door AI Smart Coolers, plus one freight and offloading service (CLIN 0005). Machines must meet minimum salient characteristics in Appendix A of the Statement of Work. Modest dimensional variations are permitted if the offered equipment meets or exceeds all minimums and does not materially alter configuration, usable capacity, product capacity, temperature control, or functionality. Gallon capacity is net internal usable volume.

Compatibility with the Veteran's existing WeVend PayPro Max subscription is critical. Offerors must provide written, model-specific documentation from WeVend or an authorized WeVend integration representative confirming pre-integration or direct integration capability; generic interface statements are insufficient. All nine machines must come from the same original equipment manufacturer. Delivery includes unloading and moving machines into the designated interior storage location, and liftgate delivery satisfies this requirement. Scope is limited to equipment, shipment, and delivery, with no recurring software licenses, activation fees, or additional services. Offerors may source equipment from international manufacturers without authorization letters unless the solicitation expressly requires them.

Evaluation factors are in Section E.9 (pages 45-46) of the RFQ. The procurement carries NAICS 333310, Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing, and PSC 3550, Vending and Coin Operated Machines.