Tray Assembly System for Station 663

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 (American Lake VA Medical Center) in Tacoma, Washington is conducting market research to procure a modular meal tray assembly system for its Nutrition & Food Services department. This Sources Sought Announcement seeks information from potential contractors capable of providing a complete system including procurement, delivery, installation, and initial staff training. The system must be designed specifically for healthcare food service operations, featuring a seamless workflow from hot food service through cold food assembly while minimizing ergonomic strain through reduced bending, twisting, and lifting for employees. Key requirements include operability by no more than three employees, installation within a 200-inch by 150-inch workspace, and equipment constructed entirely of stainless steel that meets National Sanitation Foundation standards and uses FDA-approved materials. Prospective respondents must submit written responses by May 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time to Nicholas.Heintz@VA.gov, and must be registered in SAM.gov and authorized resellers to participate in this procurement.

This Sources Sought Announcement is not subject to any set-aside designation, though the government has noted mandatory set-aside consideration for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses in future procurement decisions. The notice does not identify any current incumbents or contractors, nor does it specify an award value or budget range at this time. Respondents should provide company information, business size classification, UEI, GSA/FSS contract status, brand names and model numbers of proposed equipment, and general pricing information to support the government's market research efforts. The required system must include specific components such as mobile gravity shelf carts with anti-falling devices, air curtain glass door pass-thru refrigerators maintaining 41°F or below with five pairs of adjustable pan slides, mobile tray and rack dispensers with capacity for at least 100 trays, mobile slider tables with spring-loaded risers, and a hot food server with six standard pan wells. Following review of responses to this Sources Sought Announcement, the government may publish a formal solicitation on sam.gov or GSA eBuy, though this announcement does not obligate the government to award a contract.