How to bid on a corneal analyzer for the Department of Veterans Affairs

What the VA is buying

The Department of Veterans Affairs is researching a new OPD-Scan III Visual System corneal analyzer, or a functionally equivalent product, for the San Francisco VA Health Care System in San Francisco, California. The notice describes a potential firm-fixed-price requirement.

This is a Sources Sought notice for market research, not a request for quotes or a solicitation. The VA expects to post a formal solicitation later. Responding now gives the VA information about vendors’ products and capabilities, but it is not an offer the agency can accept to form a contract.

Deadline and what it means

The response deadline is November 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. The notice was published October 20, 2026.

This deadline is for the market-research response, not a quote for award. The VA says it will use responses for acquisition planning, market-base review, size determination, and procurement strategy. Responders cover their own response costs.

Who this opportunity suits

The VA invites manufacturers and authorized dealers, distributors, or resellers that can provide the named analyzer or a functional equivalent. The equipment must be new OEM equipment; remanufactured and gray-market items are not acceptable.

Vendors need to be able to provide OEM warranty and service under OEM terms. The notice also asks respondents to provide the place of origin for a brand-name-or-equal product.

How to access the notice

Use “View original source” on the opportunity page. If the first click opens the portal homepage, click the link again to reach the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents, though some bids can be viewed without one.

The notice specifies this email subject: “RFI 36C24W27Q0010 Corneal Analyzer - OPD Scan III Visual System.” Follow the response instructions in the notice when submitting your capability information.

Prepare a clear capability response

Identify whether you are offering the OPD-Scan III or an equivalent, and give the product’s brand, make, and model. For an equivalent, explain how it meets the requirement and include descriptive literature or a clear reference to available product information. Identify any planned modifications and mark them clearly.

State the product’s place of origin and document your authorization as an OEM, authorized dealer, distributor, or reseller. The notice says a copy of an authorized distributor letter is mandatory with a quote for the later solicitation; for this market-research response, clearly show your authorization and explain how OEM warranty and service will be maintained.

Keep the response focused on the equipment and your ability to supply it. The forthcoming solicitation is expected to include Buy American requirements, so be ready to review its terms and provide the requested origin information when it is released.