7310--enclosed transport cart

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network 22, Network Contracting Office 22 is conducting a sources sought notice for market research on an enclosed transport cart, with responses due July 16, 2026 by 7:00 AM Pacific Time. This is not a solicitation and cannot result in a binding contract; the VA will use responses to inform potential set-aside strategy and future formal procurement timing.

Place of performance is VA Long Beach Healthcare System Tibor Rubin Medical Center, Long Beach, California. The cart must be a fully enclosed, stainless steel cabinet with minimum capacity of 24 undivided Convect-Rite-style meal trays spaced approximately 3.5 inches apart, featuring a fixed centerwall or center assembly, four non-marking casters (two swivel with brakes, two rigid), non-marking corner bumpers, doors opening to approximately 270 degrees with a hold-open device and gravity latches, and removable tray slides. Equipment must be NSF foodservice listed with minimum one-year warranty on parts and labor. Respondents must be OEM-authorized dealers, distributors, or resellers with proper authorization documentation and cannot supply gray market items.

The requirement falls under NAICS 333241 (Food Product Machinery Manufacturing) and PSC 7310 (Food Cooking, Baking, and Serving Equipment), with a small business size standard of 500 employees. The VA will conduct market research to determine whether to set aside the acquisition for Veteran Owned Small Businesses or general small business concerns, contingent on finding two or more qualified sources in either category. Any formal solicitation will be published separately on SAM.gov or GSA eBuy. Inquiries and responses should reference notice 36C26226Q1057 and be directed to Anthony Dela Cruz at anthony.delacruz@va.gov or 562-766-2284.