Tray Assembly System for Station 663
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the American Lake VA Medical Center in Tacoma, WA, is conducting a Sources Sought market research to identify capable businesses for a Tray Assembly System for Station 663. This is for the procurement, delivery, installation, and initial staff training of a modular meal tray assembly system designed for healthcare food services. The system must facilitate a seamless flow from hot to cold food assembly, minimize employee physical strain, operate with a maximum of three employees, and fit within a 200" L x 150" W workspace. Responses are due by May 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. PST.
Scope of Work
The VA seeks a modular meal tray assembly system with specific salient characteristics, including:
- Mobile Gravity Shelf Carts: Ergonomically adjustable, with swivel casters, divider bars, anti-falling devices, and kanban bins.
- Air Curtain Glass Door Pass-Thru Refrigerators: Pass-thru type, maintaining temperatures below 41°F for up to 90 minutes with doors open, built-in thermometers, and specific electrical requirements (120 V / 20 Amp / 1 Ph. NEMA 5-20R).
- Mobile Tray & Rack Dispensers: Spring-loaded lowerator, capacity for at least 100 trays, and swivel casters.
- Mobile Slider Tables: Sliding rails for meal trays, storage shelves, and connector pieces for smooth transfer.
- Hot Food Server: 6 standard pan size wells, open shelf, individual drains/spigots/thermostats, push handle, and specific electrical requirements (208 V / 30 Amp / 1 Ph. NEMA L6-30). All equipment must be stainless steel (interior/exterior), meet National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) requirements, and be constructed from Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved materials.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Product Service Code: 7310 (Food Cooking, Baking, And Serving Equipment)
- Published Date: April 24, 2026
- Response Due: May 5, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST
Submission & Evaluation
This is a market research effort to inform future acquisition decisions. The Government is gathering information and does not guarantee a solicitation. Interested companies should provide:
- Company Name, Contact Name, Phone, Email, and UEI.
- Business size information, including small business status under NAICS 333310.
- FSS/GSA Contract Holder status and number (if applicable).
- Brand Name and Model Number of the offered system.
- General pricing for market research purposes.
- Country of Origin. Responses will help determine potential small business participation.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
The VA is mandated to consider a total set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). If insufficient SDVOSB responses are received, other set-asides or full and open competition may be considered. Prospective bidders must be registered in SAM.gov, and SDVOSB/VOSB must be listed in the SBA Dynamic Small Business Search. Authorized resellers are required.
Additional Notes
Responses must be submitted in writing via email to Nicholas.Heintz@VA.gov. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Costs incurred in responding will not be reimbursed. This announcement does not obligate the Government to award a contract.