6685--Boiler Interface Display - Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS)

Justification for Single Source Award

This document outlines the justification for a single-source award to Simoneau Sterling Midwest Corp for the purchase of four Preferred Instruments Operator Interface Terminal Displays (BMU-OIT15X-W) for Cleaver Brooks boilers at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS).

• Four Preferred Instruments Operator Interface Terminal Displays – BMU-OIT15X-W.

• Technician travel.

• Installation, programming, and operations checks of equipment.

• Training.

• 1-year warranty on purchased equipment.

• The acquisition is for supplies and services over the micro-purchase threshold but not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.

• The award is intended to be a sole source award.

• The current boiler interface displays are non-functional and require replacement.

• The boilers are proprietary equipment manufactured by Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation, which only allows their designated vendor to provide supplies and installation.

• Purchasing new boiler equipment is cost-prohibitive.

• Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation has designated Simoneau Sterling Midwest Corp as their vendor for the Midwest region, including Minnesota.

• Third-party interface displays are not permitted due to the proprietary nature of the equipment.

• While 160 VOSBs and 145 SDVOSBs were identified under NAICS 334512, the proprietary nature of the existing equipment limits options.

• A sources sought was issued, and only Simoneau Sterling Midwest Corp responded.

• This document serves as a justification for a sole source award, not a solicitation for proposals.

• The award is intended for Simoneau Sterling Midwest Corp, a designated vendor.

• Neither the VA Rule of Two nor the SBA rule of two could be met.

• The solicitation number is 36C26326Q0390.

• The response date is May 14, 2026, at 17:00 Central Time.

• The Product Service Code is 6685 and the NAICS Code is 334512.

Sources Sought / Market Research

This document is a sources sought notice for market research purposes, seeking businesses capable of providing Boiler Interface Displays for the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. No contract awards will be made from this announcement.

• Replacement of four (4) current Operator Interface Displays with updated 15" displays.

• Displays must be compatible with Cleaver Brooks boilers: Models DL-68-RH (x3) and DL-52-RH (x1).

• Contractor shall supply all materials, tools, and labor for installation.

• Contractor shall provide programming/software installation for seamless integration.

• A minimum of one hour of training for boiler operators on the new displays.

• A 1-year warranty on parts and labor for the new displays.

• Vendors must submit information including their Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and proof of capability.

• Responses must be emailed to brian.whalen-crichton@va.gov.

• Response Deadline: March 9th, 2026, 17:00 Central Time.

Vendors are requested to provide answers to the following:

• Socio-economic category.
• Manufacturer status and authorization (if not the manufacturer).
• Country of origin for supplies (FAR Provision 52.225-2(b)).
• Eligibility for ordering against existing government contracts (FSS, GSA, etc.).
• Compliance with 13 CFR 121.406 (b).
• Subcontracting plans (if applicable).
• Estimated shipping and delivery information (lead time).

Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, 1 Veterans Dr, Minneapolis MN 55417-2309, USA.

• Solicitation Number: 36C26326Q0390

• NAICS Code: 332410

• Product Service Code: 4410

• Contracting Office: Network Contracting Office 23, Coralville, IA.

• Point of Contact: Brian Whalen, Contract Specialist (brian.whalen-crichton@va.gov)

• Potential applicability of FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting) and VAAR 852.219-76 (Limitations on Subcontracting—Certificate of Compliance) if set-aside for small businesses.

• Potential applicability of VAAR 852.212-71 (Gray Market Items).