1550--Tools for Veteran VRE Program

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation for drone services.

• Equipment Equivalency: Functionally equivalent, non-DJI equipment is acceptable if it meets or exceeds all required technical specifications and capabilities. This includes equipment that is NDAA-aligned or otherwise federally compliant. The key is that the equipment must be capable of performing intended tasks such as inspections, mapping, thermal work, and media capture, with compatible accessories and batteries.
• Compliance Considerations: For federal or federally funded drone proposals, equipment must align with NDAA compliance, Blue UAS/Green UAS standards, and OMB’s ASDA framework to ensure eligibility, reduce risk, and support national security objectives.

This Q&A clarifies equipment acceptability and compliance requirements, confirming that a range of federally compliant drone options are permissible, not just specific brands, as long as they meet performance and security standards.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to solicitation 36C10D26Q0069 makes the following changes:

• Provides answers to vendor questions: Responses to questions submitted regarding the solicitation are included in an attached document titled 'Amendment_0002 SolicitationQ and A_Drones_5.12.26'.
• Extends proposal submission deadline: The deadline for offer receipt has been extended from May 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT to May 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT.

• The deadline for receipt of offers is extended.

• Questions and Answers are provided.

• The proposal submittal date has been extended to May 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT.

• Bidders should review the attached Q&A document for clarifications.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 0001 to Solicitation 36C10D26Q0069.

• The primary change is the incorporation of FAR Clause 52.222-90, 'Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Deviation Date: APR 2026)'.

• FAR Clause 52.222-90 has been added to the solicitation.

• All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

• The amendment does not explicitly state a change to the offer receipt deadline, but bidders should ensure their offers acknowledge this amendment.

This clause prohibits racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities by contractors and subcontractors. It requires contractors to:

• Not engage in racially discriminatory DEI activities.
• Provide information and reports for compliance verification.
• Acknowledge that contract termination or suspension may occur for noncompliance.
• Report subcontractor noncompliance to the Contracting Officer.
• Inform the Contracting Officer of any subcontractor lawsuits challenging the clause's validity.
• Recognize compliance with this clause is material to Government payment decisions.
• Include the substance of this clause in subcontracts (except those performed outside the U.S.).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for submitting questions and answers related to a solicitation. It is intended to standardize the format for vendor inquiries and government responses.

• The template includes columns for:
  • Question Number
  • Document Name
  • Section
  • Page
  • Question
  • Quoted Language/Premise

This template should be used by potential bidders to submit any questions they have regarding the solicitation documents. Following this format will help ensure clarity and efficient processing of inquiries by the government.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the procurement and delivery of aerial equipment to support the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) at the Buffalo New York Regional Benefits Office. The requirement is being posted as a total small-business set-aside.

• Procurement and delivery of specified aerial equipment. Attachment 1 provides a complete list of required aerial equipment.

• Delivery must be in full; partial delivery will not be accepted.

• Quoters must provide estimated delivery times.

• Quoters must clearly state if brand name items are quoted. Any items other than brand name must have a specification sheet provided describing all component specifications per the Scope of Work.

• Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-30-2026, POP End: 08-29-2026.

• Principal NAICS Code: 336411 - Aircraft Manufacturing.

• Product/Service Code: 1550 - Unmanned Aircraft.

• Questions Deadline: May 6, 2026, 4:00 PM EST. Submit questions via email to Lisa.Winkler@va.gov. Answers will be provided via amendment.

• Quote Submission Deadline: May 13, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT. Submit quotes via email to Lisa.Winkler@va.gov. Email size limit is 5 MB; multiple emails may be used.

• Quote Format: Three volumes: 1 - Technical (10 pages max), 2 - Price (Section B Price Schedule), 3 - Solicitation Documents (Completed SF1449, Amendments, Buy American Certificate).

• Evaluation Factors: Price and Technical are equally important. Technical evaluation is based on Specifications (meeting all functional/performance characteristics in Attachment 1) and Delivery (meeting timelines).

• SDVOSB/VOSB Preference: Qualified SDVOSBs will have their evaluated price set at 10% less than their quoted price. Qualified VOSBs will have their evaluated price set at 5% less than their quoted price.

• This acquisition is a total small-business set-aside.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• Special consideration is given to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs).

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5.

• Attachment 1: Aerial Equipment List.

• Attachment 2: Solicitation Q and A Template.

• Offerors must complete and submit the Buy American Certificate (52.225-2).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet listing the required aerial equipment and materials for the opportunity. It details specific items, their descriptions, quantities, and justifications for their necessity. Bidders should review this list to understand the equipment the government expects to be utilized or provided as part of the solution.

• Equipment & Materials: Lists various drones (e.g., Autel EVO II series, Skydio 2+, DJI Mini Pro), batteries, chargers, propellers, filters, protective gear, lighting, power systems, and safety equipment.
• Software: Includes subscriptions for Adobe and Resolve editing software.
• Quantities: Specifies the number of each item required.
• Purpose & Justification: Explains why each item is needed for the proposed services.
• Acceptable Substitutions: Provides guidance on alternative equipment that meets functional requirements.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the specific hardware and software capabilities expected for performing the aerial services. It outlines the types of drones, their accessories, and supporting equipment necessary for operations. Bidders should ensure their proposed solution aligns with or can meet the requirements detailed in this list, considering the specified quantities and justifications. The acceptable substitutions provide flexibility in procurement.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a pre-solicitation notice for "Tools for Veteran VRE Program." The solicitation document will be posted immediately following this notice.

Not specified in this notice. Details will be in the upcoming solicitation.

Not specified in this notice.

• Response Date/Time/Zone: April 30, 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• Full details on submission and evaluation will be provided in the solicitation.

• Set-Aside: SBA (Small Business Administration)

• Solicitation Number: 36C10D26Q0069

• NAICS Code: 336411

• Product Service Code: 1550

• Contracting Office ZIP Code: 20006

• Place of Performance: Waretown, New York (Full address to be provided at time of award).

• Contact: Lisa Winkler, lisa.winkler@va.gov