3550--Project Name: Veteran Self-Employment Plan – AI Vending Machines; Project Number: None; and Station Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Veterans Affairs Regional Office (VARO), Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Division

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Administration, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice for the procurement of nine AI-enabled vending machines to support a Veteran Self-Employment Rehabilitation Plan. The project is associated with the Veteran Readiness and Employment Division at the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Veterans Affairs Regional Office, with performance located in Rapid City, South Dakota. The government is seeking a firm-fixed-price purchase order for four specific types of equipment: five large double-door AI smart coolers, two compact single-door AI smart coolers, one premium single-door AI smart cooler, and one high-capacity AI smart cooler with freezer capabilities. These machines must be capable of stocking a diverse range of consumer goods, including electronics, personal care items, beverages, snacks, and over-the-counter medications. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a formal solicitation. The primary objective is to determine if set-aside procedures will be utilized, specifically targeting businesses under NAICS code 333310 with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. Interested entities must be registered in the System for Award Management, and any SDVOSB or VOSB respondents must be certified in the SBA Small Business Search database. Interested businesses are requested to provide their SAM UEI, manufacturer status, NMR compliance, proposed products, and a rough cost estimate by October 5, 2026.