8135--GEL PACKS
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 Network 15 Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy (CMOP) Contracting Office, is issuing a Presolicitation Notice for the procurement of 12 oz gel packs for the Tucson CMOP location. These gel packs are essential for maintaining required medication temperatures during shipment to Veteran patients. The solicitation (36C77026Q0076) is anticipated to be posted on SAM.gov around February 17, 2026, with an expected close date of February 25, 2026, at 5 PM CDT.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be required to provide 42,800 cases (48 gel packs per case) to the Tucson CMOP. The gel packs must meet specific technical requirements:
- Dimensions: Length between 6 7/8 in. and 7 in.; Width between 5.3 in. and 5.5 in.; Weight between 11.8 oz. and 12.2 oz.
- Packaging: Individually partitioned for quick flat freezing, placed in four even stacks of twelve separated by cardboard dividers, and packaged in cardboard boxes with specific hole configurations (two 3" x ½" on long side, one 3" x ½" centered on short side) to ensure proper freezing.
- Delivery Schedule:
- April 1st – October 31st: Weekly deliveries of frozen gel packs by truckload (22 pallets).
- November 1st – March 31st: Daily deliveries of ambient gel packs in bundles of 100 cases.
- First Delivery: April 1st, 2026.
- Delivery Location: Department of Veterans Affairs, CMOP Tucson, 3675 Britannia Drive, Tucson, AZ 87506-5041.
- Delivery Hours: Monday – Friday, 12 PM – 9 PM local time, excluding specified Federal holidays. The government requests flexibility to adjust deliveries and the capability for emergency requests of 4 pallets of ambient gel packs.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation Notice
- Solicitation Number: 36C77026Q0076
- Product Service Code (PSC): 8135 (Packaging And Packing Bulk Materials)
- NAICS Code: 312113
- Anticipated Posting Date: On or about February 17, 2026
- Anticipated Response Due: February 25, 2026, at 5 PM CDT
- Contracting Office: Department of Veterans Affairs, NCO 15 Contracting Ofc - CMOP, Leavenworth KS.
Submission & Evaluation
All responsible open market sources may submit a quotation. Vendors are required to submit samples by the solicitation close date for technical acceptance. If a vendor has not previously provided an acceptable sample, one case must be sent to the Tucson CMOP (ATTN: ALVIN PORTERFIELD) at the vendor's expense before the close date. Submissions, including the signed RFP and all documents in Section D, must be sent via email to kelly.mann@va.gov. Failure to submit all required documents will result in a non-compliant bid.
Set-Aside
No specific set-aside designation is provided for this opportunity.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Kelly Mann, Contract Specialist, at kelly.mann@va.gov or 913-684-0179.