Bid guide
How to bid on micro-surgical instrument trays for the VA Lexington Health Care System
What the VA is buying and why it matters
The Lexington VA Health Care System is conducting market research to purchase two micro-surgical instrument trays and supporting accessories. This includes various forceps, scissors, clamps, and needle holders. The agency is looking for brand name or equal products that meet specific physical, functional, and performance requirements.
This is an opportunity for businesses that supply specialized surgical instruments. The VA is seeking products that are surgical grade, CensiTrac UID compliant, and manufactured in the USA. All items must be able to be reprocessed according to VHA Sterile Processing Services Directive 1116 (1).
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for a contract. Written responses are due by August 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST. The VA will use the information gathered to make future acquisition decisions.
After the deadline, the VA will review the responses to understand the market's capabilities. They may consider setting aside a future solicitation for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, depending on the responses received.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for manufacturers or suppliers of surgical instruments, particularly those specializing in micro-surgical tools. Firms must be able to provide products that are manufactured in the USA and meet surgical grade standards. The relevant NAICS code for this acquisition is 339112, with a small business size standard of 1000 employees.
Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at sam.gov. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses or Veteran-Owned Small Businesses must also be registered with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at veterans.certify.sba.gov.
How to respond
Responses to this notice must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Ensure your response is in writing and clearly addresses all requirements outlined in the RFI.
To access the full details of the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click leads to the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When responding to an RFI, focus on demonstrating your capability to meet all specified requirements. If proposing 'equal to' products, provide clear, compelling evidence that your items meet or exceed the physical, functional, and performance characteristics of the brand name products listed, including brand name and model numbers.
Highlight your products' compliance with all technical specifications, such as being surgical grade, CensiTrac UID compliant, and manufactured in the USA. Clearly state how your items can be reprocessed in accordance with VHA Sterile Processing Services Directive 1116 (1). Ensure your company's SAM registration is active and up-to-date.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Veterans Affairs, Department of; the original posting controls.