R604--Cincinnati Small Package Delivery | POP 4/15/2026 - 9/30/2026 Mailroom and Clinical Laboratory

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Justification and Approval for an Exception to Fair Opportunity Memo. It details the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) intent to award a sole-source task order to United Parcel Service Co. (UPS) for shipping and package delivery services for the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.

This document explains the rationale behind a sole-source award for package delivery services. Key points include:

• Procurement Method: The VA is leveraging the DoD TRANSCOM IDIQ GWAC contract (HTC711-23-D-C025) with UPS, which is a "Best-in-Class" mandatory solution for package delivery services as per OMB Memorandum M-17-29 and VA Directive #7179.
• Services: The task order covers package pickup and delivery services, including logistic support, delivery to patients and CBOCs, daily pickup/drop-off, and expedited support for time-sensitive items.
• Justification for Sole Source: The exception to fair opportunity is justified under FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) because UPS offers the best overall value for Next Day and Residential Ground service in the region, with superior guarantees, specialized handling, and cost-effectiveness compared to other NGDS GWAC vendors.
• Market Research: Market research was conducted, including an RFI, to assess small business participation. The VA determined that the "Rule of Two" (for SDVOSB/VOSB or other socioeconomic categories) could not be met for this requirement without significant risk of delays or disruptions to patient care.
• Contract Value: The task order will be bulk funded with a not-to-exceed ceiling of $25,000.00 for a one-year period. UPS will bill for actual services rendered.
• Future Competition: The government will continue market research to identify future opportunities for open competition.

Justification and Approval for Exception to Fair Opportunity Memo

This document justifies a sole-source task order against the DoD TRANSCOM IDIQ GWAC contract HTC711-23-D-C025 with United Parcel Service Co. (UPS). The action is for one year of shipping and package delivery services for the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.

• Package pickup and delivery services at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.

• Services include logistic support and delivery to patients and CBOCs.

• Daily pickup and drop-off at Medical Center campuses, Monday-Friday.

• Expedited support for time-sensitive items.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

• Period of Performance: One year

• Estimated Ceiling Amount: $15,000.00 (bulk funded, vendor to bill for actual services rendered)

This document is a justification for a sole-source award, not a solicitation for proposals. The justification cites FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B) as the authority, stating that only one awardee is capable of providing the services at the required level of quality because the services are unique or highly specialized.

• The document discusses the "VA Rule of Two" and "SBA Rule of Two" and concludes that neither can be met for this requirement due to a lack of capable SDVOSB or VOSB concerns expressing interest.

• Market research was conducted, including a Sources Sought notice and RFI, but no suitable small business participants were identified.

• The Next Generation Delivery Service (NGDS) is cited as a mandatory Best-in-Class solution per OMB Memorandum M-17-29 and VA Directive #7179.

• UPS is stated to provide the best overall value for Next Day and Residential Ground service in the region compared to other NGDS GWAC vendors.

• The rates offered by NGDS contract holders (FedEx, UPS, DHL) have been competitively solicited and deemed fair and reasonable.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document appears to be an award notice for a previous solicitation (HTC711-23-D-C025 36C25026F0424) rather than a current solicitation. It details the award made to UNITED PARCEL SERVICE CO. for Cincinnati Small Package Delivery, specifically for Mailroom and Clinical Laboratory services.

Not applicable as this is an award notice.

• Award Number: HTC711-23-D-C025 36C25026F0424
• Award Amount: $40,000.00
• Award Date: 04-14-2026
• Period of Performance: 4/15/2026 - 9/30/2026 (implied by the subject line)

Not applicable as this is an award notice.

Not specified in this award notice.

• The contracting office is Network Contracting Office (NCO 10) in Kettering, OH.
• The Product Service Code is R604 and the NAICS Code is 492110.
• The Point of Contact for questions regarding the original solicitation was Venkatlekhith Muntha (Venkatlekhith.Muntha@VA.gov).