7320--Hobart Food Slicer Brand Name or Equivalent
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 VISN 4, Network Contracting Office 4 (NCO 4), is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to identify qualified businesses capable of providing two (2) Hobart Model No. HS9-1 Food Slicers or brand name equivalent for the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation. Responses are due by February 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.
Scope of Need
The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System requires two food slicers to support the preparation of over 1,000 meals daily. The requirement is for Hobart Model No. HS9-1 or an equal product, which must meet specific salient characteristics including:
- Construction/Design: Heavy-duty, stainless steel automatic carriage, variable speed, 12"-14" removable knife with tool, anodized finish with 6 interlocks, 3 stroke lengths, 4 stroke speeds, removable meat grip assembly, ring guard cover, product fence, single action top-mounted sharpener, and manual lift lever.
- Electrical: 115v/60/1-ph electric with a 6-foot cord.
- Warranty: 1-year parts and labor.
- Certifications: NSF.
- Delivery: Equipment must be delivered before July 2026 to the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Attn: Chief, Nutrition and Food Services, Building 1, University Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15240. No training is required.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Purpose: Market research and planning to determine potential sources.
- Set-Aside: None specified (this is an RFI).
- Response Due: February 17, 2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.
- Published: February 11, 2026.
Submission Requirements
Respondents must provide:
- Company name, address, point of contact, phone, and email.
- UEI Number and CAGE Code.
- Business size status (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB, WOSB, Large Business) under NAICS code 333241 (Food Product Machinery Manufacturing).
- Availability on Federal Supply Schedule or Government Wide Acquisition Contract (if applicable).
- Confirmation of being a manufacturer, distributor, or offering an equivalent solution.
- Details on authorized small business distributors (for large businesses) or any alteration/modification of items (for small businesses).
- Compliance with FAR 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies.
- Estimated subcontracting percentages.
- General pricing for market research purposes.
- Capabilities addressing the salient characteristics and "equal to" items.
- Feedback or suggestions on the salient characteristics/statement of work.
Important Notes
This RFI is for planning only and does not constitute a solicitation or an obligation to award a contract. No evaluation letters or results will be issued. Responses will not be considered for a contract award, and the government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding. Submissions must be in writing via email to Contract Specialist Olivia McDonald (olivia.mcdonald@va.gov); telephone responses are not accepted.