How to respond to the VA’s JBNC Herbicide market research notice

What the VA is buying and why to respond

The Department of Veterans Affairs is researching the market for 105 gallons of liquid pre-emergent herbicide for Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. The product must contain at least 24% dithiopyr, be EPA-registered and approved for sale in Missouri, be labeled for turf, and come in containers no larger than 2.5 gallons. Delivery is planned for February.

This is a request for information, not a solicitation or request for bids or quotes. The VA says it will not award a contract based on this notice or pay for the requested information. Responses will help the VA understand available products and potential suppliers; it plans to issue another sources-sought notice in the future.

Deadline and what happens next

Send a written response by November 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The notice says responses received after that deadline will not meet the stated response date.

The VA will use responses for market research. It says it is reviewing industry feedback and will respond accordingly, with a further Sources Sought Notice planned.

Who this opportunity may suit

This notice may suit suppliers of pesticide and agricultural chemical products that can identify a product meeting the stated dithiopyr, registration, labeling, container-size, and delivery needs. The listed NAICS code is 325320, Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing.

The VA is especially seeking information from qualified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. Other businesses can provide market information too.

How to send a response

Email a written response to [email protected]. Use “Sources Sought: 36C78627Q0005 Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (JBNC) Herbicide” as the email subject line and send it by the stated deadline.

Include your company name, address, point of contact, phone, fax, email, UEI number, and business size and type. The VA also asks for a capability statement explaining your qualifications and ability to provide the product. Identify relevant FSS, NAC, GSA, NASA SEWP, or other federal contract vehicles, if applicable, and say whether the proposed items are available through them.

Provide feedback on the product characteristics, any options that could meet the need, supporting resources, and questions about the statement of work. Sample pricing for market-research purposes is encouraged if available. To access the notice, use “View original source” on the portal; if the first click opens the homepage, click again. A free account may be needed to view documents.

Practical preparation tips

Make it easy for the VA to compare your product with the stated need. Identify the product and clearly show its dithiopyr percentage, EPA registration, Missouri sale registration, turf labeling, and container size. Explain any differences from the stated characteristics rather than assuming they are acceptable.

If you include sample pricing, label it as market-research information, not a formal bid. Check that your capability statement and contact details are complete, use the exact subject line, and allow time to send the email before the deadline.