Bid guide
How to bid on Update 9W Patient Safety Features (IC) for the VA
What the VA is buying and why it matters
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) for a construction project at the Iowa City VA Medical Center. The project involves updating patient safety features on the 9th floor, specifically remodeling approximately 7,800 square feet of the inpatient mental health ward.
The objective is to correct environmental patient safety deficiencies, comply with VA Mental Health Environment of Care Checklist (MHEOCC) standards, improve unit layout, and enhance the therapeutic environment. This project also includes construction for EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades. The estimated value of this firm-fixed-price construction contract is between $2 million and $5 million.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a pre-solicitation notice, meaning the official Request for Proposal (RFP) is not yet released. The solicitation is expected to be issued on or about July 29, 2026. The deadline for responses to the eventual solicitation is August 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. The estimated award date for the contract is October 30, 2026.
The contract period of performance for construction is 427 calendar days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. This includes final cleanup, punch list, and closeout documents.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside. Only proposals from verified SDVOSBs in the Small Business Dynamic Search (SBDS) database at the time of proposal submission will be considered responsive. Non-responsive bids will be rejected.
The relevant NAICS code is 236220, Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, with a size standard of $45.0 million. This project is suitable for construction firms specializing in commercial and institutional building, particularly those with experience in healthcare or mental health facility renovations.
How to respond
Project documents will be available through Contract Opportunities at no charge once the solicitation is released. To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for some bids this is not required.
All prospective bidders must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered and active in the SAM database. Electronic online Representations and Certifications within SAM must also be completed. The eventual awardee must also have a current Department of Labor VET4212 Federal Contracting Reporting filing, if applicable.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Since this is a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) solicitation, ensure your proposal clearly meets all technical requirements outlined in the RFP at the lowest possible price. Pay close attention to the Statement of Work (SOW), plans, and specifications to ensure full compliance.
Given the SDVOSB set-aside, confirm your certification status in the Small Business Dynamic Search (SBDS) well in advance of the submission deadline. Any discrepancies could lead to your proposal being deemed non-responsive. Also, review your SAM registration and UEI status to ensure they are active and up-to-date.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Veterans Affairs, Department of; the original posting controls.