How to bid on Retinal Camera, PC, and software for the Northport VAMC

What the VA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for information on potential suppliers for a retinal camera system. This system includes one retinal camera, an all-in-one PC, and imaging software for the Northport VAMC. The VA is specifically interested in systems that can perform various advanced imaging capabilities, such as red-free photography, fundus autofluorescence, non-mydriatic imaging, stereo photography, mosaic images, and fluorescein angiography. The software must also interface with Vista imaging to transfer images to patient records.

This is an important opportunity for businesses in the healthcare technology sector. The VA has a preference for U.S.-made products, which is a key consideration for interested vendors. Providing a system that meets these specifications can help the VA improve diagnostic capabilities for veterans' eye care.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation for a contract. The deadline for submitting your response is August 07, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. At this deadline, the VA will stop accepting submissions. The information gathered will be used for planning purposes to help the government make future acquisition decisions. It is possible that a formal solicitation may be published after this RFI closes, but responding to this RFI does not count as a response to a future solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This RFI is suitable for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or resell retinal camera systems and related imaging software. This includes firms of any size, from small businesses to large corporations. The relevant NAICS code is 339115, Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing, which has a size standard of 1,000 employees. If your company can provide a system that meets the detailed technical requirements, especially those with advanced imaging features and U.S. manufacturing, you should consider responding.

How to respond to this RFI

To respond, you need to provide information about your company's capabilities and market information by email. Your response should include your company name, address, point of contact, and business size status (e.g., SDVOSB, WOSB, Large Business). You must also indicate if you are considered small under NAICS code 339115 and if you are the manufacturer, distributor, or an equivalent solution provider.

Additionally, provide details on whether you have an FSS contract (GSA, NAC, NASA SEWP, or other federal contract) and if the items are available on your schedule. General pricing information for your products or solutions is encouraged for market research purposes. You should also submit your capabilities in relation to the specified salient characteristics and any feedback or suggestions on the requirements. Finally, state if your items are domestically manufactured and provide your Sam.gov Unique Entity ID number.

Practical tips for a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly address each requested item from the RFI. For example, explicitly state your business size, whether you are a manufacturer or distributor, and if your products meet the domestic preference. If you offer an equivalent solution, clearly explain how it meets or exceeds each salient characteristic.

Focus on demonstrating your firm's ability to meet all the technical requirements, especially the advanced imaging capabilities like fundus autofluorescence and fluorescein angiography. If you have an existing federal contract, make sure to include the contract number and confirm if the items are on your schedule. Providing general pricing, even though it's for market research, can help the VA understand the market better.