Delivery of Medically Tailored Meals
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 Network Contracting Office 21 on behalf of the VA Northern California Health Care System, is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified contractors for the preparation and delivery of Medically Tailored Meals. This market research aims to gather information for a potential future Request for Quote (RFQ) and to determine small business set-aside possibilities. Responses are due by May 20, 2026.
Purpose & Context
This is a market research tool, not a Request for Quote (RFQ), and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract. The Government will use responses to inform its acquisition strategy, assess potential small business set-asides, or establish subcontracting goals if full and open competition is pursued. Submitting a response is voluntary and does not guarantee participation in future solicitations, but the information gathered may significantly influence the acquisition strategy.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for the provision of home-delivered medically tailored meals (MTMs) to approximately 50 Veteran patients in the Sacramento, CA area, enrolled in the Hospital in Home (HIH) or Home Care Coordination (HCC) programs.
- Meal Provision: Two MTMs per day for four weeks per Veteran, delivered biweekly (28 meals per delivery). Orders will be initiated on a rolling basis over an anticipated one-year contract period.
- Nutritional Requirements: Meals must strictly adhere to VA dietitian specifications for various medical conditions, including Diabetes, Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease, Underweight/Malnutrition, and Dysphagia (Level 4 pureed).
- Ordering & Customer Service: VA dietitians will place initial orders, and the vendor must contact Veterans for subsequent meal preferences. Telephone support for order or delivery issues is required.
- Packaging & Delivery: Meals must be packaged to remain safe for 14 days refrigerated or be shelf-stable, delivered at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and suitable for microwave heating.
- Place of Performance: Deliveries are required within a 50-mile radius of the Northern California VA Medical Center in Mather, CA (95655).
Submission Requirements & Deadline
Interested firms must submit responses via email to dennis.fennelly@va.gov no later than 12:00 PM Pacific on May 20, 2026. Responses must be on company letterhead, demonstrate qualifications, and be complete and detailed. They should address, at a minimum:
- Business Name and Address, SAM UEI Number, POC Name, email, and contact number.
- Business size and Socioeconomic Category.
- Authorized Distributor Letter(s) for each OEM (if applicable), dated within 18 months.
- Availability of products on existing contracts (GSA, FSS, eCAT, VA).
- Capability statements and product information demonstrating the ability to meet government requirements. Responses are limited to 10 double-sided pages (including attachments). Late responses will not be accepted, and no questions will be entertained.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Product Service Code: 8940 - Special Dietary Foods And Food Specialty Preparations
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage to determine possibilities)
- Response Due: May 20, 2026, 12:00 PM Pacific
- Published: May 12, 2026
- Contact: Dennis Fennelly, dennis.fennelly@va.gov