How to bid on IOT&A Services for American Lake VA Medical Center by Veterans Affairs

What the VA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) to provide Initial Outfitting, Transitioning, and Activation (IOT&A) services. This 43-month firm-fixed-price contract supports the new 73,329-square-foot Building 201 at the American Lake VA Medical Center in Puget Sound, Tacoma.

The selected contractor will manage the pre-planning and activation for various medical departments within the new facility, including Cardiology, Gastrointestinal/Endoscopy, Infusion Services, Sterile Processing, and Surgical/Endovascular Services. This work is crucial for the successful opening and operation of updated healthcare services for Veterans.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a pre-solicitation notice. The full solicitation is anticipated to be posted around May 1, 2026. The anticipated closing date for bids is June 8, 2026. Please note that both the initial posting and closing dates are subject to change.

Any questions regarding this pre-solicitation notice must be sent via email to [email protected]. Telephone requests or questions will not be accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is set aside 100% for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). To be eligible, firms must be verified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as an SDVOSB and meet the small business size standard for NAICS code 541614 (Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services).

The contract is suitable for firms with expertise in healthcare facility activation, logistics, and project management, particularly those experienced with large-scale medical facility transitions.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation once it is released, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

You may need a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Given this is an SDVOSB set-aside, ensure your firm's SDVOSB verification is current and easily verifiable through the SBA's certification search. Also, confirm you meet the small business size standard for NAICS 541614.

For IOT&A services, highlight your firm's experience with similar large-scale medical facility projects. Provide specific examples of successful transitions, outfitting, and activation services, detailing the scope, size, and complexity of previous work.

Pay close attention to the anticipated 43-month period of performance. Your proposal should clearly outline your project management approach and staffing plan to ensure continuous support throughout this extended timeline. Address how you will manage pre-planning and activation phases effectively.