WINDOW COVERINGS - 646

The contract solicitation 36C24426Q0161 issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs on December 12, 2025, seeks the supply, delivery, and installation of brand-name window coverings, specifically Mecho/5x manual shades, for the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. This firm-fixed-price procurement requires contractors to ensure full compliance with federal, state, and VA-specific standards including ADA accessibility, OSHA regulations, and the VA design guide. The project focuses on the newly reconstructed 6East 48 Hour observation wing, with unique product specifications that limit competition to a single source due to compatibility with VA-approved cleaning agents, patented ADA-compliant clutch mechanisms, and standardized design aesthetic matching existing installations. The requirement includes comprehensive responsibilities covering site verification, labor, material procurement, equipment, transportation, professional personnel appearance, and adherence to VA security protocols with a scheduled delivery and installation timeframe targeted for January 2026. Delivery is FOB destination, with inspection and acceptance at the VA Pittsburgh site, and includes post-installation cleanup and a 5-year warranty on products and workmanship. The procurement process is governed by commercial contract terms and standard FAR/VAAR clauses, emphasizing compliance with Buy American Act and prohibitions on the use of certain foreign telecommunications equipment. Evaluation will follow a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology focused on a binary technical acceptability determination and price ranking. The solicitation mandates electronic invoice submission through the VA's Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment (EIPP) system, with no paper or fax options accepted. Special contract requirements include security clearances, employee identification, and coordination with VA officials prior to work commencement. Representations demand detailed disclosures regarding entity ownership, socioeconomic status, and whistleblower protections, with strong compliance obligations reflecting federal labor laws, wage orders, and ethical conduct standards. The contracting officer, Andrea Aultman-Smith, serves as the primary point of contact for this procurement administered through the VA’s Network Contracting Office 4 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.