How to bid on renovating Buildings 5 & 5B for Mental Health at the VA in Wichita

What the VA is buying and why it matters to vendors

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Network Contracting Office (NCO) 15 needs a contractor to renovate approximately 1,100 square feet within Buildings 5 and 5B at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. This project will create a same-day access mental health clinic, including four exam rooms, a combined waiting and reception area, and a relocated police office.

The work involves selective demolition, new interior finishes, therapeutic design features, plumbing for new lavatories, HVAC modifications, new electrical outlets and circuits, LED lighting, and sprinkler system updates. Hazardous materials abatement, including asbestos remediation, is also expected. The project is estimated to cost between $500,000 and $1,000,000, with a performance period of 210 calendar days after the Notice to Proceed. This is a firm-fixed-price contract.

This opportunity is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). It's a chance for eligible construction firms to work on a significant project for the VA, contributing to veteran healthcare infrastructure.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI) for project number 589A7-23-306. The RFI was published on August 25, 2026, and the deadline for responses is September 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET. This RFI helps the VA gather information before issuing the formal solicitation.

The actual solicitation package, including project specifications and drawings, is expected to be available for download around September 15, 2026. Proposals for the full solicitation will then be due on or about October 15, 2026.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a total set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). Firms must be registered in SAM and in the Veteran Small Business Certification database under the applicable NAICS code.

The North American Industry Classification Code (NAICS) for this procurement is 236220, Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, with a small business size standard of $45.0 million. This project is suitable for construction companies experienced in interior renovations, particularly in healthcare or occupied facility environments, given the requirement to maintain continuous operations during construction.

How to respond to this RFI and the future solicitation

To access the original RFI on the portal, click “View original source”. If you land on the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

For the upcoming solicitation, proposal submission instructions will be included in the solicitation package. The government plans to award without discussions, so your initial proposal should be complete and competitive. Offerors are responsible for monitoring and downloading any amendments from the Contract Opportunities website.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Given that this project is in an occupied, operational clinical facility, emphasize your experience with phased construction, infection control risk assessment (ICRA), and managing noise and vibration limits. Detail your coordination processes with facility staff and end-users.

Highlight your capabilities in hazardous materials abatement, especially asbestos remediation, as this is an expected part of the work. Provide examples of past projects where you successfully managed similar challenges.

Ensure your firm is fully registered in SAM and certified as an SDVOSB in the Veteran Small Business Certification database. Verify that your NAICS code aligns with 236220. The award will be based on the highest technically rated proposal with a fair and reasonable price, so focus on both technical excellence and cost-effectiveness.