3805--Front End Loader 568-A60027

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through Network Contracting Office 23 in Coralville, Iowa, has awarded a firm-fixed-price contract valued at $110,600 for the purchase and delivery of one Caterpillar Model 906 Front End Loader or an equal, along with a single operator training session, to the Hot Springs Veterans Affairs Medical Center in South Dakota. The contract is designated as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set Aside under NAICS code 333120, requiring the prime contractor to be certified in the SBA’s database and to comply with strict subcontracting limitations: no more than 50% of the contract value may be paid to non-certified small business concerns for services, with material costs excluded from this calculation. All subcontractors must also be certified and listed in the SBA database. The offeror must submit a two-volume proposal: Volume I containing a completed SF 1449 with pricing details and UEI, and Volume II containing a concise narrative demonstrating technical capability, subcontracting plans, and subcontractor identification. Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to robert.bennett8@va.gov by May 18, 2026, in Word or PDF format, with no fax or scanned documents accepted. Delivery is FOB destination at Building 30, Hot Springs VAMC, with inspection and acceptance conducted by the government upon arrival, requiring the equipment to meet specific salient characteristics including a 1.25-yard bucket, hydrostatic drive, under 75 hp diesel engine, SSL coupler, and high-visibility deluxe cab. The contractor must comply with VAAR 852.247-73 for domestic packaging and labeling requirements, marking each item with the contract number, VA purchase order number, and “MARK FOR:” designation including the recipient’s name and email. Payment will be processed electronically through the VA’s EIPP system using SAM, with no physical invoices accepted. Compliance with FAR 52.212-4 is mandatory, ensuring the equipment is merchantable and fit for purpose, and the contractor must warrant all items for one year. The contract term runs from June 30, 2026, to June 29, 2027. The award will be made using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable method, where only technically acceptable proposals are considered, and price is the sole determinant among them. Offerors must also provide accurate