How to bid on a Handheld Chemical Identification Analyzer for the VA

What the VA is buying

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a brand-name-or-equal Gemini handheld chemical identification analyzer. This equipment is for the St. Cloud VA Health Care System in St. Cloud, Minnesota. This is a chance for small businesses to provide specialized equipment to a VA facility.

Key dates and deadlines

The deadline for submitting your quote is August 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. Technical questions about this solicitation must be submitted via email by 10:00 AM Central Time on August 4, 2026. Be sure to submit your questions early to allow time for a response before preparing your final quote.

Who this opportunity suits

This solicitation is a total small-business set-aside, meaning only small businesses are eligible to bid. The NAICS code for this procurement is 334516, which has a size standard of 1,000 employees. Vendors must be registered and have an active status in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at the time of their offer. This opportunity is suitable for firms that supply scientific or analytical equipment, specifically chemical identification analyzers.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” on the portal. 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 to view the documents, though this is not always required. The solicitation number is 36C26326Q0972. Quotes are being requested in accordance with FAR Part 13 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).

Technical questions should be emailed to Safa Shleiwet, Contract Specialist, at [email protected]. Curt LaRose, Contracting Officer, at [email protected] is an alternate point of contact. Remember to submit questions by the August 4, 2026, 10:00 AM CST deadline.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all attached solicitation documents to understand the full list of contract line items, quantities, and units of measure. Since this is a brand-name-or-equal solicitation, ensure your proposed item meets or exceeds the specifications of the Gemini handheld chemical identification analyzer. Clearly outline how your product is equivalent.

Ensure your SAM registration is current and active. Any discrepancies could lead to your quote being rejected. Pay close attention to FAR provisions 52.212-1, 52.212-2, and 52.212-3, and FAR clause 52.212-4, which are detailed in the solicitation. A complete and accurate response to all requirements will strengthen your bid.