Bid guide
How to bid on a RespirAct RA-MR Blood Gas Control System for Veterans Affairs
What the VA is buying and why it matters
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to acquire one RespirAct RA-MR blood gas control system. This system is MRI-compatible and is designed to precisely control PCO2 and PO2 in spontaneously breathing patients. It will be used for vascular reactivity research at the Boston-Jamaica Plain Health Care System.
This is a pre-solicitation notice, indicating the VA's intent to award a sole-source contract to Thornhill Research Inc. because they are identified as the exclusive producer and distributor of this specific system. While this is not a solicitation for bids, it's an opportunity for other interested parties to demonstrate their capability to meet the requirement.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This pre-solicitation notice was published on September 11, 2026. The deadline for interested parties to contact the contracting specialist is September 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
By this deadline, any firm believing they can provide an equivalent system must reach out to the VA. The contracting officer will then decide whether to proceed with a competitive procurement based on the responses received.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is primarily for firms that can supply a blood gas control system with the exact technical specifications of the RespirAct RA-MR system. This includes the ability to precisely target and control PCO2 and PO2 in spontaneously breathing patients, and MRI compatibility.
It falls under the professional services category, specifically for research equipment that supports medical and scientific investigations.
How to respond to this notice
To respond to this pre-solicitation notice, you must contact the Contracting Specialist via email. The email address is [email protected]. Ensure your communication clearly states your firm's ability to meet the specified technical requirements.
To view the original source of this notice, click the "View original source" link on the portal. If the first click leads to the homepage, click it again. You may need a free account on the portal to access documents, though this is not always required.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even for a pre-solicitation notice like this, a clear and concise response is crucial. Focus on demonstrating how your product or service meets every salient characteristic listed in the notice. Provide specific details and technical specifications that directly address the VA's stated needs.
If you believe your firm can offer an equivalent system, clearly articulate its features and benefits, emphasizing how it matches or exceeds the capabilities of the RespirAct RA-MR system. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation if requested. Your goal is to convince the contracting officer that a competitive procurement is warranted.
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.