7320--Commercial Conveyor Dishwasher

Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)

This notice is for informational and planning purposes only and is NOT a solicitation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking information on potential qualified sources for the replacement of a commercial conveyor dishwasher at the Tucson VA Healthcare System, Tucson, AZ. The goal is to gather information on market capabilities and potential sources to inform future acquisition decisions.

The vendor shall provide all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and qualified personnel to replace the existing commercial conveyor dishwasher with a new unit meeting or exceeding the following specifications (Hobart Model No. FT1000E+ENERGY or equal):

• Dishwasher Type: Flight type, low energy series with energy recovery.
• Capacity: 58 gallons of final rinse consumption per hour.
• Features: Dual rinse, hinged & insulated doors, sliding wash arms, microprocessor controls, complete deliming with notification, auto dispensing, booster guard, energy recovery, 16" round flange, Automatic Soil Removal (ASR), ENERGY STAR® certified.
• Specific Model Components: Includes oversized unit shipping, factory startup (within 100 miles), standard 1-year warranty, PROSURANCE 24/7 service contract (4-hour emergency response), ASR, Load Platform (2.5'), Delime Notification, Booster Guard, Dual Rinse, Standard Conveyor, Blower Dryer, Energy Recovery, Electric Heat (208v/60/3-ph), Circuit Breaker, 15 kW Electric Booster, Standard Piping, Left-to-right operation, Hinge doors, Standard Conveyor.
• Installation Services: Includes pre-installation inspection, removal of existing dishwasher, installation of new unit and related equipment, testing, commissioning, cleanup, and disposal of old unit and packaging.

This is an RFI, not a solicitation. Responses will be used for market research and acquisition planning. No award will be made from this notice.

Responses are requested from potential sources to determine their size classification relative to NAICS Code 333310 (Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing, size standard 1000 employees). Bidders should indicate their business size status (SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, WOSB, Large Business, etc.) and whether they are considered small under the specified NAICS code.

Vendors interested in providing these supplies/services must submit:

• Company name, address, and point of contact.
• Capabilities statement demonstrating how they can meet the draft salient characteristics/SOW requirements, with explanations for any unmet requirements.
• Feedback or suggestions on the requirements.
• Business size status and representations.
• Confirmation of being a manufacturer, authorized distributor, or capable of providing the solution.
• Information on distributors if a large business.
• Details on any alteration/assembly if a small business distributor.
• Explanation of compliance with Limitations on Subcontracting.
• Confirmation if items are Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS).
• Confirmation of compliance with the Non-Manufacturer Rule, if applicable.
• Indication of Buy American Act conformance and manufacturer origin.
• Lead time for delivery and potential quantity scaling.
• Estimated lifespan of the solution and entailed support/services.
• Information on leasing solutions.
• Details of any existing Federal Government contracts (FSS, GSA, etc.).
• Confirmation if provided items are available on existing contracts.
• General pricing information (for market research purposes only).
• SAM.gov Unique Entity ID/Cage Code.

Responses must be submitted via email to sam.choo@va.gov no later than Friday, May 8, 2026, by 10:00 AM PST.

This RFI is for planning purposes only. Further RFIs or solicitations may be issued based on the responses received. All responses are subject to FAR 15.201(e).

Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)

This document is a Sources Sought Notice / RFI, not a solicitation. Its purpose is to gather information from potential qualified sources regarding their capabilities and size classification relative to NAICS 333310 (Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing, size standard 1000 employees). The information will help the Government make acquisition decisions for a contract to replace commercial conveyor dishwashers at the VA Tucson Healthcare System. Responses will be used for planning purposes only and do not constitute an offer or a commitment to a contract.

The contract is for the supply, installation, and disposal of a Hobart Model No. FT1000E+ENERGY flight type dish machine, or an equal. Key requirements include:

• Supply: A specific model of low-energy series energy recovery flight type dish machine with various features (e.g., dual rinse, microprocessor controls, energy recovery, automatic soil removal, oversized crated dimensions). Specific configurations and accessories are detailed.

• Pre-installation: Inspection of the existing location, plumbing, electrical, and cabinetry to confirm suitability and verify measurements.

• Removal: Safe disconnection and removal of the existing dishwasher.

• Installation: Installation of the new dishwasher, connection to utilities, and securing the unit.

• Testing & Commissioning: Testing of the new unit to confirm proper operation and check for leaks.

• Cleanup & Disposal: Cleaning the work area and offsite disposal of the old dishwasher and packaging.

• Deliverables: One fully installed and operational dishwasher, user manual, operating/maintenance instructions, and warranty information.

• Period of Performance: Estimated start and completion dates are to be determined, with completion expected the same day as the start, assuming no unforeseen issues. Work hours are generally Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with coordination for adjustments.

• Pricing: Fixed price for labor. Materials/supplies are to be provided by the contractor.

• Warranties: Contractor warrants workmanship for a specified period. Manufacturer's warranty for the dishwasher itself is between the client and manufacturer.

• Response Requirements: Interested companies must submit:

  • A capabilities statement addressing how they can meet the DRAFT/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS/SOW requirements, explaining any shortfalls.
  • Feedback on the DRAFT/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS/SOW requirements.
  • Business size status and representations (SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, WOSB, Large Business, etc.) and confirmation if considered small under NAICS 333310.
  • Confirmation of ability to provide the required supplies/services (manufacturer, distributor, etc.).
  • Details regarding distributors, subcontracting limitations, COTS compliance, Non-Manufacturer Rule compliance, Buy American Act conformance, lead times, estimated lifespan, leasing options, and existing Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts.

• Deadline: Responses must be received no later than Friday, May 8, 2026, by 10:00 AM PST.

• Submission Method: Email to sam.choo@va.gov. Telephone responses will not be accepted.

This RFI seeks information on potential qualified sources and their size classification relative to NAICS 333310. Bidders are asked to indicate their business size status and representations.