Purchase and Installation of Cart Washer

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration (VA VHA) Network Contracting Office 16 is conducting a Sources Sought inquiry for the procurement and installation of a Champion Roll-In Cart Washer (model RW-66 or equivalent) for the North Little Rock Eugene Towbin Memorial Hospital Campus Food Service Center. This market research effort aims to identify qualified vendors capable of supplying a heavy-duty, pit-mounted cart and utensil washing system with specific technical requirements. Interested vendors must submit a response by 10:00 AM Central Time on March 31, 2025, via email to surella.tracy@va.gov, including their business name, point of contact, Unique Entity ID (SAM), and a two-page capability statement. The solicitation (Number 36C25625Q0656) is targeted at vendors in the NAICS code 811310 with a small business size standard of $12.5 Million. While this is a preliminary market research phase, it may potentially lead to a future formal solicitation, with all submitted information being treated as nonproprietary.

The procurement does not have a specific small business set-aside designation and will require the selected vendor to install the cart washer during ongoing construction, with a planned installation start date of November 3, 2025. The contract will require a comprehensive one-year warranty covering both equipment and installation, along with the submission of three hardcopies of operation and parts manuals. The successful contractor must provide factory-trained startup and end-user training, adhere to COVID-19 protocols, and comply with confidentiality agreements. The cart washer specifications include a 66 sheet pan capacity, digital controls, 25 horsepower wash pump, and optional features such as a rinse hose and exhaust fan. While no specific award value is mentioned, the procurement is subject to Buy American Act requirements and will be managed through the VA VHA, with strict guidelines on accessing VA computer systems and patient health information.