7320-- Blast Chiller/Shock Freezer_100% SDVOSB SET-ASIDE

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 36C24126Q0356 for Blast Chillers/Shock Freezers.

• Set-Aside Status: The procurement is confirmed as a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside.

This clarification confirms the set-aside status, which is a critical factor for bidder eligibility. No changes to submission deadlines or other requirements are indicated by this Q&A.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarification on a vendor's question regarding refrigerant specifications for the Blast Chiller/Shock Freezer opportunity (Solicitation Number: 36C24126Q0356).

• Refrigerant Specification: A vendor inquired whether R448a refrigeration was the requested refrigerant or if it was intended to replace a standard refrigerant with another. The response clarifies that R290a is acceptable and is what is specified on the specification sheet.
• Acceptable Alternative: The question also asked if R290a was an acceptable alternative. The answer confirms that R290a is acceptable and is the specified refrigerant.

This clarification confirms that R290a is the acceptable refrigerant for the Blast Chiller/Shock Freezer, as detailed in the specification sheet. Bidders should ensure their proposed equipment meets this specification. No changes to deadlines or submission rules were indicated.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for a Firm-Fixed Price Requirements Type Contract for a Worktop, Self-Contained Blast Chiller/Shock Freezer. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 1, is seeking to procure this equipment for the Nutrition and Food Service at the VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury, MA campus.

• One (1) Worktop, Self-Contained Blast Chiller/Shock Freezer.

• Specific accessories required: R448a Refrigeration, Thaw capability with probe, Sanitation – ozone generator, two (2) Food Probes, USB Interface, 5” Casters (set of 4), and Dock to dock freight.

• The unit must have a capacity for seven (7) 18” x 26” pans.

• Performance requirements include blast chilling from 160°F to 38°F within 90 minutes and freezing from 160°F to 0°F within 240 minutes.

• Features required: LCD touch screen controller, heated food probe, stainless steel interior & exterior, 6” stainless steel legs, 1-1/2 HP, R290 refrigerant, US Classified EPH, Cul, ANSI/NSF certification, 208v/60/1-ph, 12.0 amps, 6’ cord, NEMA L6-20P.

• Warranty: 3-year parts & labor, 5-year compressor.

• "Or Equivalent" proposals must meet all enclosed specifications.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Requirements Type Contract.

• Place of Performance: VA Boston Healthcare System, 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02301.

• Delivery Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., excluding Federal Holidays.

• Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• Submission Method: Email to janice.jones@va.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the lowest priced Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Class distributor/quoter that demonstrates full capability to supply all line-item requirements.

• Quotes must include a technical description, price, warranty terms, and a statement of agreement with solicitation terms and conditions.

• This solicitation is 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• Offerors must be verifiable as an SDVOSB in SAM and on the SBA SBS website.

• Vendors must be an OEM, authorized dealer, distributor, or reseller, verified by OEM authorization.

• No used, refurbished, or counterfeit items are permitted.

• Solicitation Number: 36C24126Q0356.

• NAICS Code: 333415 (Size Standard: 1250 employees).

• Product Service Code (PSC): 7320.

• Point of Contact: Janice Jones, janice.jones@va.gov, 860-666-6951 ext. 6613.