How to bid on West (660) RFID Cabinet for Surgery Service for the VA

What the VA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting market research for a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cabinet integrated with tissue and implant tracking software. This system is intended for the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center's surgery service.

The VA seeks a solution that provides real-time inventory visibility, automated tracking of items, chain-of-custody records, and expiration alerts. The system should also support secure access and ultra-low-temperature storage for tissues, implants, blood products, and biologics. This technology aims to improve patient safety, regulatory compliance, and inventory management efficiency.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 22, 2026. Responses are due by August 05, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET.

This is a sources-sought request, not a solicitation for bids. The deadline is for submitting your company's capabilities information and answers to the market research questionnaire. The VA will use this information for planning purposes and to identify potential sources; it will not result in a contract award at this stage.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for companies that provide RFID storage solutions, particularly those integrated with tissue and implant tracking software. Vendors should have products capable of ultra-low-temperature storage and features like automated inventory management, chain-of-custody tracking, and expiration alerts.

Firms with experience in the healthcare technology sector, specifically in inventory management for medical devices, tissues, and biologics, will find this relevant. The VA is looking for solutions that integrate with existing hospital systems like EMR/EHR and MMIS.

How to respond

To respond, you need to submit your company's capabilities statement and answers to the market research questionnaire. Your response should include an overview of your proposed solution(s) and a description of your product that aligns with the draft Statement of Work and Salient Characteristics List.

Responses are limited to 8 pages. Ensure you provide all requested information in the market research table questionnaire, including NAICS Code, company details, UEI, contact information, business size, FSS/GSA contract status, and pricing model availability. If information is not provided, the VA may assume the entire requirement cannot be met.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review the 'Required Salient Characteristics' section. Your response should clearly demonstrate how your product meets each core functionality, technical specification, integration requirement, compliance feature, security control, and environmental/operational feature listed. Provide specific examples or details where possible.

Since this is market research, focus on showcasing your company's expertise and the unique benefits of your solution. Highlight any proven track record or case studies that demonstrate cost savings or efficiency improvements, such as the example of waste reduction mentioned in the description. Clearly address all questions in the market research table questionnaire.

Adhere strictly to the 8-page limit. Be concise and direct in your answers. Ensure your contact information and business size details are accurate and complete, as this helps the VA understand your company's profile.