8457--Sources Sought Jewelry for Self Employment Plan

The Department of Veterans Affairs is conducting market research through this Sources Sought Notice for jewelry and jewelry-related display items to support a self-employment plan program. The procurement falls under NAICS code 339910 (Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing) with a size standard of 700 employees. Key contract requirements include compliance with the Buy American Act (FAR Clauses 52.225-1 and 52.225-2), and for SDVOSB set-asides, compliance with the Nonmanufacturer Rule (FAR 52.219-33). The evaluation will prioritize Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), with a preferential evaluation factor to be applied if an SDVOSB set-aside is pursued. Interested offerors must submit responses by May 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time to the contracting office in Washington, DC, with the place of performance in Boston, MA. All responses should indicate the offeror's business size standard and whether they can comply with applicable regulations.

This procurement is being considered for a small business set-aside with specific emphasis on SDVOSB/VOSB participation, though no formal set-aside designation has been finalized at this pre-solicitation stage. The jewelry items sought include a diverse range of stainless steel necklaces, pendants in multiple styles and finishes (silver and gold), magnetic bookmarks, keychains, and various display stands and organizers, with quantities ranging from single units to 46 units for certain items. No specific award value or budget range is disclosed in this Sources Sought Notice, as this announcement is preliminary market research to determine the feasibility of pursuing a set-aside solicitation. The Point of Contact is Contract Specialist Afia Monteaperto at Afia.Monteaperto@va.gov or 848-377-5187. Interested vendors should note that certified SDVOSB/VOSB firms unable to qualify under FAR 52.219-33 are encouraged to indicate whether they would still participate under a general small business set-aside option.