6640--Sources Sought - Supply - Disposable Individually Ventilated Caging System for Rodents - Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Quick Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the Minneapolis VA Health Care System Research Department, has issued a Sources Sought Notice for market research. They are seeking information on firms capable of providing disposable individually ventilated caging (IVC) systems for rodents. This requirement is for a firm-fixed-price 5-Year Indefinite Delivery/Definite Quantity (IDIQ) contract and will be a Brand Name or Equal procurement. Responses will help determine the acquisition strategy, including potential set-asides. Responses are due by Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time.

Scope of Work

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System requires a disposable IVC system to replace aged-out equipment for its rodent population. Key requirements include:

• IVC Systems: Supply Innovive disposable IVC systems, or equal, including permanent racks, disposable caging, blowers, power supplies, and filters.
• Rodent Housing: Systems must accommodate mice (176+ cages per rack, specific dimensions) and rats (80+ cages per rack, specific dimensions), designed to fit through standard doors.
• Caging Features: Cages must be disposable/recyclable after one use, feature individual air filtration to protect rodents and minimize allergens/odors, and have the option for pre-filled Alpha Dri rodent bedding.
• Support: A vendor representative is required for installation, setup, and training.
• Delivery: Each order under a task order must be delivered within 7-10 days of processing.

Contract & Timeline

• Contract Type: 5-Year Firm-fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Definite Quantity (IDIQ) with ordering periods.
• Period of Performance: Estimated to begin July 1, 2026, extending for 5 years.
• Funding: No funds are obligated on the base contract; funding will be obligated on individual delivery orders.
• Response Due: June 4, 2026, 12:00 PM Central Time.
• Published Date: May 29, 2026.

Eligibility / Set-Aside

• NAICS Code: 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) with a Small Business Size Standard of 1,000 employees.
• This is a market research effort to determine potential set-asides for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), and other socio-economic categories of small businesses.

Submission Requirements

Interested vendors capable of providing the requested supplies and information must submit responses to Alisha.Milander@va.gov. Responses must include:

1. Socio-economic categories (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB, WOSB, Large Business, 8a), SAM Unique Entity ID, and Government Contract POC.
2. Statement on providing brand name or equal supplies, with justification for equal substitutes.
3. Indication of whether supplies can be ordered against existing government contracts (e.g., FSS, GSA).
4. Subcontracting plans (percentage, tasks, purpose).
5. Estimated lead time for delivery.
6. Identification of manufacturer, their socio-economic category, and proof of authorized reseller/distributor status.
7. Address compliance with 13 CFR 121.406(b).
8. Identification of any foreign-end products and completion of the Trade Agreements Certificate (FAR 52.225-6).
9. Market research pricing for all listed items (Innovive brand or equal) across all ordering periods, including shipping costs.

Additional Notes

This is a Sources Sought Notice only and not a solicitation for proposals or pricing. No contract will be awarded from this notice. Responses will be treated as information for market research. Proprietary information should be clearly marked. The Government will not pay for information submitted.