How to bid on Laboratory Grade Refrigerators for the VA

What the VA is buying

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking two-door, laboratory-grade refrigerators for the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. They are specifically requesting the Thermo Fisher Scientific TSX5005GA model, or an equivalent product. The refrigerators must have a capacity of 50 cubic feet and operate on 120V, 60Hz power.

This is an opportunity for small businesses to supply essential equipment to a VA medical facility.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on July 31, 2026. All responses must be submitted by August 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your proposal before this deadline, as late submissions are typically not accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a total small business set-aside, meaning only small businesses are eligible to bid. It is suitable for vendors who can supply laboratory-grade refrigeration equipment, specifically those in the healthcare equipment or scientific instrument supply categories. Firms that can provide the specified Thermo Fisher Scientific model or an approved equal should consider responding.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation details, you will need to view the original source on the government portal. Click the 'View original source' link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required.

Tips for a competitive response

When preparing your response, pay close attention to the specifications for the refrigerator, including capacity, power requirements, and the 'brand name or equal' clause. If offering an 'equal' product, clearly demonstrate how your offering meets or exceeds all specified features of the Thermo Fisher Scientific TSX5005GA.

Ensure your proposal is complete, accurate, and addresses all requirements outlined in the solicitation attachment. Double-check that all required forms are filled out correctly and submitted on time. Since this is a small business set-aside, confirm your business meets the small business size standards for the relevant NAICS code.