B533--VANIHCS SPS Water Testing (VA-27-00000760)

Quick Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Northern Indiana Health Care System (NIHCS), has issued a Sources Sought notice for market research to identify qualified businesses capable of providing Water Testing and Reagents for Sterile Processing Systems (SPS). This requirement covers VA facilities in Marion, Fort Wayne, and Mishawaka, Indiana. Responses are due by April 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.

Purpose & Scope

This is an information-only notice to conduct market research and is not a solicitation for proposals. The VA seeks to identify qualified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), and Small Businesses (SB) with special interest in this requirement. The contractor will provide all labor, materials, equipment, transportation, lodging, and supervision necessary for collecting samples and delivering them to an AAMI ST108-compliant lab. Services include monthly, quarterly, and yearly testing of utility water, critical water, and steam, along with performance qualification testing, adhering to ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 standards. The contractor will also provide consultative services, training for SPS personnel, a handheld resistivity meter, and pH hardness colorimetric dipsticks.

Key Requirements

• Experience: Minimum five years providing water treatment testing for water distribution systems in medical centers, with five relevant references from the last three years.
• Personnel: A water treatment specialist with a Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or physical sciences and at least five years of experience, supported by three customer references.
• Laboratory: Operate or contract with an Indiana-certified laboratory, supervised by a Professional Chemist, capable of complete scientific analyses and problem correction recommendations.
• Testing Parameters: Comprehensive testing includes pH, Conductivity, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Bacteria (HPC), Endotoxin, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Aluminum, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Nitrate, Phosphate, Silicate, Sulfate, and Zinc.

Contract Details

• NAICS Code: 541380, Testing Laboratories, with a Size Standard of $16.5 Million.
• Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
• Place of Performance: VA Northern Indiana Health Care System (Marion, IN), VA Northern Indiana Health Care System (Fort Wayne, IN), and Jackie Walorski VA Clinic (Mishawaka, IN).

Submission Requirements

Responses, limited to 10 pages and 5MB, must be submitted via email to eric.sweatt@va.gov by April 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. The email subject line must include the Sources Sought Notice Number, Firm Name, and "NIHCS Water Testing and Reagents for the SPS Services." Submissions should include:

• Company information (Name, Address, SAM UEI, Tax ID, Business Size).
• Federal Supply Schedule contract details (if applicable) or state "open market."
• Description of water testing services and commercial invoicing methods.
• Three past contracts for similar services, including POCs, dollar amount, contract number, POP, and service description.
• A public price list/contract price list.
• A detailed response on the firm's ability, capability, and responsibility.
• Subcontracting plans, if any.
• SDVOSB/VOSB: Must be registered in SAM and certified through the VA OSDBU database; include a copy of certification.

Important Notes

This is for market research only; no contract will be awarded from this announcement. The Government will not pay for information submitted, nor will it compensate respondents for costs incurred. No marketing materials are allowed.