Bid guide
How to bid on Ritter 253 LED Exam Lights for the VA
What the VA is buying and why it matters
The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX, intends to award a sole-source supply contract for Ritter 253 LED Exam Light replacements. This means the VA plans to purchase these specific exam lights from a single vendor.
For vendors, this notice is an opportunity to understand the VA's purchasing intentions for this type of equipment. While this specific notice is not a request for competitive quotes, it provides insight into the agency's needs and current supply chain for healthcare items.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This notice was published on September 09, 2026. The deadline for any responses or inquiries related to this notice is September 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. After this deadline, the VA will proceed with its intended sole-source award.
It is important to note that this is a notice of intent to award a sole source, not a request for competitive bids. The deadline is for any interested parties to respond to the sole source justification, not to submit a bid for the contract itself.
Who this opportunity suits
This notice is primarily relevant to vendors who supply healthcare equipment, specifically exam lights or similar medical devices. While the VA intends to award this contract to Medline Industries, LP, other vendors in the healthcare supply category may find this information useful for future planning or for identifying potential subcontracting opportunities.
The intended awardee, Medline Industries, LP, is identified as an other-than-small business. Small businesses in the healthcare sector might use this information to identify areas where the VA is making purchases and consider how they might compete for similar future requirements.
How to access the original notice
To view the original source of this opportunity, you will need to 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 details.
Accessing the full details may require you to create a free account on the portal. However, for many bids, you can view the documents without an account.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even for a sole-source notice, understanding the agency's needs is crucial. If you believe you can provide the required Ritter 253 LED Exam Lights or an equivalent product, you would typically need to submit a capability statement demonstrating your ability to meet the VA's requirements.
When responding to any government solicitation, ensure your company's registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is active and up-to-date. This is a fundamental requirement for doing business with the federal government. Clearly articulate how your product or service meets or exceeds the specifications outlined by the agency, even in cases where a sole source is anticipated.
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.