How to respond to the VA’s Oklahoma City warehouse forklift RFI

What the VA is looking for

The Department of Veterans Affairs is gathering information about a new forklift for its Oklahoma City warehouse. The VA is considering a Crown FC5715-40 or an equal product to reach higher warehouse racks and work with its existing Crown charging station.

The stated requirements include a lift height of at least 26 feet, a load capacity of at least 4,000 pounds, and a compatible Vforce VTA battery. This is a request for information, not a purchase solicitation, and responses are not offers that can be accepted to form a contract.

Deadline and what it means

Responses are due by email no later than 3:00 p.m. Mountain time on November 9, 2026. The listing also gives a November 6 deadline at 5:00 p.m. ET, so vendors should follow the full description’s email instructions and confirm the applicable deadline if uncertain.

The RFI is for information and planning only. Responders are responsible for their own response costs.

Who this opportunity may suit

This RFI may suit forklift manufacturers, dealers, and equipment suppliers able to describe a product that meets the VA’s stated characteristics. The identified NAICS code is 333924, Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, Stacker Machinery Manufacturing, with a small-business size standard of 900 employees.

The VA asks vendors to identify and explain any NAICS code they believe better represents the predominant work.

How to submit a response

Submit the response by email to [email protected] by the stated deadline. Keep it to no more than eight pages, including the cover letter. Mark information as proprietary if it is business sensitive.

The VA asks for vendor name, SAM UEI, manufacturer name and address, estimated delivery time, SAC FSS contract number, and a point-of-contact name and phone number. Include a capabilities or qualifications statement, an overview of the proposed solution, and a product description tied to the draft statement of work and salient characteristics.

To access the opportunity documents, use the portal’s “View original source” option. If the first click opens the portal homepage, click again to go to the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents.

Prepare a clear, useful response

Make it easy to compare your proposed forklift with the stated requirements. Address lift height, capacity, battery and charging-station compatibility, adjustable outriggers, dual AC drives, side shift and forward-back tilt, 36-inch forks, and the specified lights.

State the manufacturer and product clearly, explain any differences from the Crown model, and give a realistic estimated delivery time. Check that the response stays within the eight-page limit and that the email is sent before the deadline.