4110--691/GLA_ ULTRALOW FREEZER - RESEARCH

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to RFQ 36C26226Q0101 provides answers to questions from interested parties and updates the delivery address.

• Questions and Answers (S05):
  • Question 1: Clarification on whether "White Glove Delivery/Service" is required.
  • Answer 1: Confirms "White Glove Delivery" is required. The contractor is responsible for delivery to the specific lab, installation, ensuring compliance with all protocols/guidelines/regulations for immediate use, and connecting the equipment to the lab's electrical grid for complete functionality.
  • Answer 1a (Updated Delivery Address):
    • McDonald Research Laboratories at UCLA
    • 675 Charles E Young Drive S - Room 1558
    • Los Angeles, California; 90095

No changes to proposal deadlines or submission requirements are indicated in this amendment. Bidders should note the updated delivery address and the requirement for "White Glove Delivery" which includes installation and connection for immediate use.

Form / Attachment

This document is a mandatory certification form titled "VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SUPPLIES AND PRODUCTS (SEP 2021) (DEVIATION)". Its purpose is for offerors to certify their compliance with subcontracting limitations and their status as a manufacturer or non-manufacturer when bidding on VA contracts for supplies and products.

• Subcontracting Limitations:
  • For contractors of supplies/products (other than non-manufacturers): Not more than 50% of the amount paid by the government can go to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Cost of materials are excluded.
  • For non-manufacturers: Must supply products of a domestic small business manufacturer or processor, unless a waiver is granted.
• Manufacturer/Non-manufacturer Certification: Offerors must select and certify their status as either a manufacturer/producer (end item made in the U.S.) or a non-manufacturer, meeting specific criteria outlined in 13 CFR 121.406(b).
• Compliance and Penalties: The certification is subject to Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1001, meaning false or fraudulent certifications can lead to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. VA may request documentation to verify compliance, and non-compliance can result in remedial actions, including referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee, fines, and prosecution.
• Required Information: The form requires the offeror's printed name, title, signature, date, company name, and address.

This certification is a critical component of the bid/proposal. Offerors must complete, sign, and return this form with their bid, quotation, or proposal. Failure to provide this completed certification will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for evaluation and award. It directly impacts an offeror's eligibility and compliance with key subcontracting and manufacturing requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an attachment detailing specific equipment requirements and associated pricing for an opportunity. It outlines the brand name items and provides fields for equivalent brand information, quantities, and pricing.

• CLIN (Contract Line Item Number): Identifies individual items or services.
• Brand Name: Specifies the manufacturer and model of the required item (e.g., 86C Upright Freezer, VIP ECO Series).
• Salient Characteristics: Lists the critical features and specifications for the brand name item.
• Equivalent Brand/Nomenclature/Part Number: Fields for bidders to propose equivalent products that meet the salient characteristics.
• Quantity: The number of units required for each CLIN.
• Unit Price & Extended Price: Fields for bidders to enter pricing information.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the specific equipment being procured, particularly the ultra-low freezer and related accessories. Bidders must use this document to identify the required specifications, determine if they can offer equivalent products, and prepare their pricing proposals accurately. The document lists specific items such as an upright freezer, freezer racks, and a wireless monitoring system, along with their quantities and required features.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for commercial items, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12 and 13. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intends to award a contract for an -86C Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer (brand name or equal) to a business under NAICS Code 333415, with a total SDVOSB set-aside.

• Procurement of one (1) -86C Upright Freezer, VIP ECO Series (MDF-DU702VH-PA) or equal, with specifications including 25.7 cu.ft. capacity, 208/230V, HC Refrigerant, Touch Panel, EnergyStar, and a 5-year warranty.

• Associated items include racks for 2" fiberboard boxes, a wireless monitoring system (LabSVIFT), and annual hosting fees for the monitoring service.

• Salient characteristics for the freezer include specific dimensions, volume, adjustable shelves, rack capacity, natural refrigerant, dual compressors, specific door features (EZlatch, padlock capability), self-diagnostic alerts, LCD touch screen control, microprocessor with USB data retrieval, dual vacuum releases, settable temperature range (-40ºC to -86ºC), temperature uniformity (+/- 5ºC), 220V power requirements, ISO certifications, and white glove delivery.

• Products must comply with the Buy American Act and Trade Agreement Act.

• No used, refurbished, remanufactured, gray market, or counterfeit items are permitted. Vendors must be OEM, authorized dealer, distributor, or reseller.

• Delivery timeframe: within 90 days after receipt of order (ARO).

• Place of Performance: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Warehouse, 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90073-1003, USA.

• A five (5) year full parts and labor warranty is required.

• Response Date/Time: February 27, 2026, 8:00 am Pacific Time, Los Angeles, USA.

• Offers must be submitted electronically via email to Rochelle.Malveaux@va.gov.

• Questions deadline: February 19, 2026, 1:00 pm PST.

• Evaluation will be based on the lowest priced quotation that meets all requirements and is both responsive and responsible.

• Offerors must demonstrate how their "equal" products meet all salient characteristics.

• This solicitation is a total SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) set-aside.

• Offerors must complete and return VAAR 852.219-76 (Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting) and Attachment C (SDVOSB/VOSB Certification).

• Specific requirements apply to manufacturers and non-manufacturers regarding subcontracting limitations.

• Reference Solicitation Number: 36C26226Q0357.

• Attachments referenced: ATTCHMENT A - ULTRA-LOW FREEZER - Brand Name OR Equal-, and Attachement C SDVOSB - VOSB Certification - SUPPLIES_2-2026.