Federal Contract Alert: Medical Vacuum Pump Replacement — VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.257-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 17 (36C257
Medical Vacuum Pump Replacement Contract: VA Service-Disabled Veteran Set-Aside Opportunity
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking qualified contractors to provide medical vacuum pump replacement services across its healthcare network. This is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) set-aside contract, meaning only certified service-disabled veteran-owned firms are eligible to compete. The work falls under NAICS code 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), though the actual scope involves medical equipment replacement and maintenance rather than traditional HVAC work.
Medical vacuum pump systems are critical infrastructure in VA medical facilities, used for surgical suites, patient care units, and diagnostic equipment. This contract provides steady, recurring work with a government agency that values reliability and compliance. Understanding the eligibility requirements, deadline, and submission process is essential before investing time in proposal development.
Eligibility: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside
Set-Aside Status Requirements
This opportunity is restricted to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). To qualify, your business must be:
- At least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans
- The service-disabled veteran must have a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs
- Certified through the VA's Vendor Information Pages (VIP) system or the Small Business Administration (SBA)
If you are not currently certified, the SBA's SDVOSB certification process typically takes 4–6 weeks. Begin that process immediately if you meet the ownership and disability criteria.
NAICS Code 238220 Business Classification
The assigned NAICS code is 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors). Your business size standard under this code is $16.5 million in average annual receipts. Verify your small business size status matches this threshold before submitting.
Key Deadline and Timeline
Deadline: July 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time
The opportunity was posted July 15, 2026, giving contractors approximately two days to review, ask questions, and submit proposals. This accelerated timeline is common for VA contracts. Mark your calendar and plan to submit at least 24 hours before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Use SAM.gov (sam.gov) to access the full solicitation details and any amendments. Check for updates daily, as contracting officers often issue clarifications or deadline extensions shortly after posting.
How to Respond: Step-by-Step Submission Process
Step 1: Review the Full Solicitation
Visit the SAM.gov link provided (sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/fb9cd9a70de948538df4d375fa1dfe43/view) and download all attachments. Note the evaluation criteria, technical specifications, and pricing format required.
Step 2: Confirm Your Certification
Verify your SDVOSB certification is active in the VA's VIP database and the SBA's dynamic small business database (SAM.gov profile). Any lapse in certification disqualifies your bid.
Step 3: Prepare Your Proposal
Most VA contracts require separate technical and pricing volumes. Address the evaluation criteria point-by-point, demonstrating experience with medical vacuum systems, VA facility operations, and relevant certifications (such as HVAC licensing where applicable).
Step 4: Submit via SAM.gov or the Designated Portal
The solicitation specifies the submission method. Upload your proposal to SAM.gov or the VA's electronic submission system before the 1:00 PM ET deadline.
Competitive Intelligence Takeaway
Use GovWin IQ (https://iq.govwin.com) and Bloomberg Government (https://about.bgov.com) to research competing SDVOSB contractors in your region. Identify which firms have won recent VA medical services contracts and review their past performance ratings. This intelligence helps you price competitively and understand the win strategy.
3 Actionable Tips for Small Business Success
Tip 1: Highlight Medical Equipment Expertise
Medical vacuum systems require specialized knowledge. If your team includes technicians with medical facility experience, manufacturer certifications, or references from other healthcare clients, emphasize this prominently. VA evaluators prioritize contractors who can minimize downtime in critical care areas.
Tip 2: Demonstrate Cost and Schedule Control
Include a detailed project schedule showing how you'll coordinate pump replacements with VA facility managers to minimize patient care disruption. Price your services competitively but sustainably—lowball bids often result in proposal rejection or unsustainable contract performance.
Tip 3: Build a Subcontractor Network Early
If you lack in-house capacity for all aspects of the work, identify qualified small business subcontractors now. VA contracts often favor proposals that leverage local small business participation and pass-through to disadvantaged firms.
Key Action Items Before July 17
- Confirm SDVOSB certification is current and searchable in SAM.gov
- Download and read the complete solicitation today
- Set up SAM.gov submission credentials if you haven't already
- Gather past performance references and technical certifications
- Draft proposal sections addressing evaluation criteria
- Plan your pricing strategy based on competitive market research
Next Steps
Stay ahead of future VA and federal contracting opportunities by signing up for GovEdge Weekly (https://govcontract.clicksecurity.net/). Receive curated contract opportunities matched to your business type, NAICS code, and set-aside status every week—so you never miss a deadline or strategic opportunity again.