How to bid on Weekly/Reoccurring Carbon Dioxide (Dry Ice) Supply for the VA

What the VA is buying and why it matters to vendors

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a vendor to provide weekly deliveries of slab-form dry ice to three locations within the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System in Los Angeles and North Hills, California. This is a significant opportunity for a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) to secure a long-term contract.

The estimated need is approximately 96,000 pounds of dry ice per year, totaling about 480,000 pounds over a potential five-year period. The contract also requires the provision of three dry ice storage bins and the capability for emergency deliveries within six hours. This consistent, high-volume requirement offers a stable revenue stream for the selected vendor.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) was published on July 31, 2026. All quotes must be submitted electronically via email by Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:59 AM Eastern Time. Any quotes received after this exact date and time will be considered non-responsive and will not be evaluated.

Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted electronically via email no later than Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 11:59 AM Eastern Time. Ensure all communications reference solicitation number 36C24E26Q0083 in the email subject line.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% set-aside for certified service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB). Only firms with this certification are eligible to bid. The NAICS code for this solicitation is 325120, Industrial Gas Manufacturing, with a size standard of 1200 employees.

The ideal vendor will be a supplier of industrial gases, specifically carbon dioxide (dry ice), with the logistical capability to manage weekly deliveries to multiple locations in the Los Angeles area. Experience with providing and maintaining specialized storage bins, as well as handling emergency delivery requests, is also important.

How to respond to this solicitation

To respond, you must submit your written offer electronically via email to Millicent Covert at [email protected]. The email subject line must reference solicitation number 36C24E26Q0083. Your quote must include pricing for the dry ice requirement, an established price list, and a description of your capabilities and product specifications, as detailed in Attachment A Offeror Worksheet.

All offerors must be registered and have an active status in the System for Awards Management (SAM.gov) to be eligible for award. Oral or facsimile offers will not be accepted.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review the Statement of Need, especially sections 1.1 and 1.2, to ensure your quote fully addresses all required products, specifications, and delivery requirements. Pay close attention to the specific quantities, slab form dry ice, the three storage bins, and the six-hour emergency delivery timeframe.

Ensure your pricing is comprehensive, including all ancillary costs such as hazardous material costs, surcharges, and shipping, as all shipping is FOB Destination. Clearly outline your delivery schedule capabilities, including the ability to adjust for federal holidays and meet the specific Tuesday morning delivery window.

Double-check your SAM.gov registration to confirm it is active and up-to-date before submitting your quote. Since this is a 100% SDVOSB set-aside, ensure your certification is current and verifiable. Submit your quote well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues with email delivery.