SAM #36C26226Q1475

VA market research for medical-gas supply and delivery to Southern Arizona facilities

The Department of Veterans Affairs is researching suppliers for recurring medical-gas delivery to its Southern Arizona facilities. - Government buyer: Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS); Network Contracting Office 22 (NCO 22). The requirement supports the Tucson VA Medical Center, research locations, and associated community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). The notice identifies Sam Choo as Contract Specialist. - Opportunity: Sources Sought/RFI for market research and planning, not a solicitation or announced award. No OEMs, manufacturers, or suppliers are named in the notice. - Requested products: Medical compressed air, medicinal and high-purity carbon dioxide, helium, gaseous and ultrapure nitrogen, nitrous oxide, gaseous oxygen, liquid nitrogen, high-purity argon, and certified specialty gas mixtures. The annex provides estimated monthly usage and container sizes; quantities are estimates, not guaranteed orders. - Delivery and cylinder services: Provide gases in contractor-furnished cylinders, fill VA-furnished cylinders, or use either approach as ordered. Include recurring weekday deliveries and emergency deliveries on request, with transportation included in unit prices and no separate delivery, fuel, or hazmat surcharges. Perform required cylinder tagging, inspections, cleaning, and maintenance/testing of contractor-owned cylinders; provide manifold attachment where required. - Notable requirements: Deliveries are FOB Destination. Provide Safety Data Sheets upon request at no additional cost. Research specialty mixtures require certified calibration and purity documentation, and research locations require liquid-nitrogen dewar support. - Period: One base year with four one-year options, for a potential total of five years.

Description

Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought Notice This request for information (RFI) / Sources Sought Notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes. This is not a solicitation. Submission of information about pricing, delivery, the market, and capabilities is highly encouraged and allowed under this RFI for planning purposes in accordance with (IAW) FAR 15.201(e).

Disclaimer This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. IAW FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.

Sources Sought/RFI Description This is not a solicitation announcement. This is a Sources Sought Notice / RFI only. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice / RFI is to gain information about potential qualified sources and their size classification relative to NAICS 325120, Industrial Gas Manufacturing (size standard of 1,200 employees). Responses to this Sources Sought Notice / RFI will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After review of the responses to this Sources Sought Notice / RFI, further RFIs and/or a solicitation or other announcements may be published. The purpose of this procurement is to acquire a variety of medical gases and weekly delivery required for hospital operations for the Tucson VAMC, while meeting the specifics listed below. The contractor shall provide medical grade cylinder gases to SAVAHCS on an as-needed, F.O.B. Destination basis, including (but not limited to) Oxygen USP, Medical Air USP, Carbon Dioxide USP, Nitrogen NF/ultrapure, Nitrous Oxide USP, Helium USP, Liquid Nitrogen LN2, and certified specialty mixtures. Quantities are estimates; no quantity is guaranteed. Contractor shall furnish contractor-owned cylinders (C), fill government-owned cylinders (G), or a combination (C/G), as specified by ordering activities, to the designated VA facility.

Period of Performance (Estimated) Base: November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2027 Option Year 1: November 1, 2027 – October 31, 2028 Option Year 2: November 1, 2028 – October 31, 2029 Option Year 3: November 1, 2029 – October 31, 2030 Option Year 4: November 1, 2030 – October 31, 2031 Scope of Contract Provide medical grade cylinder gases to SAVAHCS on an as-needed, F.O.B. Destination basis, including (but not limited to) Oxygen USP, Medical Air USP, Carbon Dioxide USP, Nitrogen NF/ultrapure, Nitrous Oxide USP, Helium USP, Liquid Nitrogen LN2, and certified specialty mixtures. Quantities are estimates; no quantity is guaranteed. Contractor shall furnish contractor-owned cylinders (C), fill government-owned cylinders (G), or a combination (C/G), as specified by ordering activities. Administration and Points of Contact A Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or Facility Point of Contact (FPOC) will be designated prior to award to monitor performance and manage local administration. Delivery Requirements Standard deliveries Monday–Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.; emergent deliveries upon COR/FPOC request. F.O.B. Destination. All transportation charges are included in the gas unit prices. No separate delivery, hazmat, fuel surcharge, or similar fees may be billed. Provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) upon request at no additional cost. Ordering, Recordkeeping, and Invoicing Contractor shall provide ordering instructions (form or standardized email) and maintain separate account numbers for SAVAHCS customers served under this contract. Invoices must be submitted electronically via the Department of Veterans Affairs Tungsten Network and include invoice number, account number, purchase order number, date of service, accurate totals, and delivery receipts. Cylinders and Containers Comply with DOT hazardous materials regulations for packaging, labeling, and transport (see Regulatory Appendix). Marking, color coding, and valve connections shall follow applicable CGA publications (see Regulatory Appendix). Hydrostatic testing and visual inspection of cylinders shall follow CGA standards and DOT requirements. Contractor is responsible for testing of contractor-owned cylinders; government-owned cylinder testing will be ordered separately by SAVAHCS when required. Government-owned cylinders remain property of the ordering agency and may not be exchanged without authorization. Disposition of non-repairable government property requires prior facility direction and, if disposal is requested, a separate order. Price of Services Unit prices for gases include all services required at each filling to comply with applicable regulations and good practices, including cylinder tagging (Full/In Use/Empty), inspections, cleaning, pin indexing where required, attachment to manifolds when required, and maintenance/testing of contractor-owned cylinders. Measurement & Conversion Where needed, use CGA P-6 density and conversion factors to calculate delivered quantities (e.g., cubic feet to gallons). Delivery Locations Research Service account 1: 3601 S. 6TH AVE, TUCSON, AZ 85723, BLDG 78, Room 139 VABBB Research Service account 2: 3601 S. 6TH AVE, TUCSON, AZ 85723, BLDG 10, Room 107 SHIELD Research Service (new account needed): 3601 S. 6th AVE, TUCSON, AZ 85723, BLDG 78, Room 142 SHIELD Supply Chain Management (SCM) account 3: 3601 S. 6th AVE, TUCSON, AZ 85723 SCM Southeast CBOC account 4: 7395 South Houghton Road, Suite 129, TUCSON, AZ 85747 SCM Sierra Vista CBOC account 5: 101 North Coronado Drive, Suite A, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 SCM Green Valley CBOC account 6: 380 West Vista Hermosa Drive, Suite 140, GREEN VALLEY, AZ 85614 SCM Casa Grande account 7: 1876 East Sabin Drive, Suite 15, Building A, CASA GRANDE, AZ 85155 SCM Safford CBOC account 8: 355 North 8th Avenue, SAFFORD, AZ 85546 SCM Yuma CBOC account 9: 255 E. Gila Ridge Road, YUMA, AZ 85365 SCM Northwest CBOC account 10: 3920 West Linda Vista Boulevard, TUCSON, AZ 85742 SCM Fort Huachuca VA Clinic account 10: 2240 Winrow Avenue, Fort Huachuca, Arizona 85613

  <p><strong>Main Campus</strong> — 3601 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85723</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Bldg. 2 Dock, Bulk Gas Storage</li>
    <li>Bldg. 57, Outside of Hemodialysis</li>
    <li>Bldg. T57, Loading Bulk Storage</li>
    <li>Bldg. 60, Community Living Center (Main Hallway)</li>
    <li>Bldg. 80, Army Run Side Bulk Storage</li>
    <li>Bldg. 81, Army Run East Side of Building</li>
  </ul>

  <p><strong>Part A — Research Service Line Requirements</strong></p>
  <p>These requirements apply only to the SAVAHCS Research Service Line accounts and locations.</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Liquid Nitrogen supply and handling for research applications: maintain dewars per laboratory specifications; typical sizes include 175, 185, and 230 L (Research Shield and VABBB).</li>
    <li>Cylinder supply for Research projects (examples): CO2 (CGA 320), O2 (CGA 540), lung diffusion certified mixtures, and other specialty gases as ordered.</li>
    <li>Provide certified calibration and purity documentation for specialty mixtures used in research protocols.</li>
    <li>Coordinate deliveries to Bldg 78 and Bldg 10 research locations; maintain separate accounts and invoicing for each research customer.</li>
  </ul>
  <p><strong>POC for Contractor:</strong> Tetreault, Trisha R., (520) 792-1450 Ext 1-6692</p>

  <p><strong>Part B — Sitewide Requirements (Entire Tucson VA Site)</strong></p>
  <p>These requirements apply to the main campus and all CBOCs, including Supply Chain Management accounts.</p>
  <ul>
    <li>Standard delivery window and emergent delivery capability.</li>
    <li>SDS availability on request; maintain hazard communication consistent with OSHA and CGA.</li>
    <li>No separate add-on fees beyond unit prices.</li>
    <li>Cylinder ownership, repair, and disposal rules as defined in Section 6.</li>
    <li>Transport empty government-owned cylinders per DOT regulations and normal commercial practice to prevent damage.</li>
  </ul>
  <p><strong>POC for Contractor:</strong> Roy Kolden, 520-792-1450 EXT 1-3566</p>
</li>
<li>
  <p><strong>Performance Monitoring</strong></p>
  <p>Delivery timeliness, accuracy of orders, and compliance with purity, labeling, and cylinder requirements will be monitored by the COR/FPOC. Repeated deficiencies may be elevated to the Contracting Officer for corrective action.</p>
</li>

Appendix A — Regulatory Compliance Requirements The contractor shall manufacture, label, transport, deliver, and handle medical gases in compliance with the following, as applicable: FDA Drug CGMP & Labeling (21 CFR Parts 210, 211, 201) and the Final Rule for Certain Medical Gases (effective Dec. 18, 2025). Includes certification of designated medical gases and updated labeling elements. DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171–180): classification, shipping papers, marking/labeling/placarding, packaging specifications, highway carriage (Part 177), and cylinder continuing qualification (Part 180). OSHA 29 CFR 1910.101 and related standards (oxygen, nitrous oxide, hydrogen): in-plant handling, storage, utilization, and incorporation of CGA references (P-1, C-6/C-6.1, S-1.1/S-1.2). NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code (adopted by AHJ as applicable): medical gas and vacuum systems, risk-based requirements, alarms, manifolds, piping, and qualified personnel. Compressed Gas Association (CGA) publications: C-7 (classification and precautionary labeling), C-9 (standard color marking for medical containers), V-1 (valve outlet/inlet connections), C-1 (hydrostatic/pressure testing methods), C-6/C-6.1 (visual inspection). Arizona State Board of Pharmacy: permits for compressed medical gas manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers; biennial registration under ARS §32-1929; permit classes per ARS §32-1930; compliance with A.A.C. R4-23-692 and R4-23-693. Local fire code as adopted by the City of Tucson/County AHJ (based on the International Fire Code) governing medical gas storage rooms, ventilation, separation distances, and signage. Contractors must obtain and maintain all Federal, State, and local licenses required to legally distribute medical gases, including any Wholesale Drug Distributor licenses required in the contractor's home state and the state of delivery (Arizona). The VA does not require submission of the licenses with the quote, but the awardee must possess all required licenses before beginning performance, because FAR 52.212-4(q) makes compliance mandatory. Labeling updates for medical oxygen must include hyperoxia warnings and “No Smoking/No Vaping/No Open Flames” symbols consistent with FDA's 2024 final rule and CGA guidance. The contractor shall update labels by the effective date noted above.

Annex A — Research Schedule, Delivery Locations, and Quantities Item Size # Contractor Furnished Tanks # VA Furnished Tanks Estimated Monthly Usage Unit Air, Compressed, CGA Type 1, MedicalE128cylinder Air, Compressed, CGA Type 1, MedicalH21cylinder Carbon Dioxide, Medicinal, Grade AH3210cylinder HeliumH310cylinder Nitrogen GaseousH182012cylinder Nitrous OxideF21cylinder Nitrous Oxide, 8" ODG31cylinder Oxygen, GaseousE42cylinder Oxygen, GaseousH12128cylinder Oxygen, Gaseous (Aluminum Tank)E400200cylinder Oxygen, Gaseous (Aluminum Tank) MRI SpecificE43cylinder 100% Carbon DioxideG 4283221cylinder Argon, High Purity grade22021cylinder Helium, 99.999% PurityH 21866cylinder Lung Diffusions Gas Certified — 0.3% CO, 0.3% CH4, 21% O2 Bal N2Size 200 / H62cylinder Nitrogen, Ultrapure, Purity 99.999%23021cylinder Helium 80%, Oxygen 20%H32cylinder Liquid Nitrogen (We have (6)30- (2)50 Liter)25 Liter8100

Research Services Location / ItemSizeContractor FurnishedVA FurnishedEstimated Monthly UsageUnit R/S SHIELD LN2175L011.5DEWAR R/S SHIELD LN2 (CRYOVATS)230L28028CYLINDER R/S VABBB LN2185L202CYLINDER R/S PCASE CO2200CGA320102/12CYLINDER R/S PCASE O2200 CGA540102/12CYLINDER

Annex B — Cylinder Specifications Summary Specification CategoryStandard UsedDescription Valve ConnectionsCGA V-1Standardized outlet/inlet connections to prevent misconnections Color CodingCGA C-9Standardized medical gas cylinder color identification Hydrostatic TestingCGA C-1Required pressure testing intervals and methods Steel Cylinder InspectionCGA C-6Visual inspection criteria for steel cylinders Aluminum Cylinder InspectionCGA C-6.1Visual inspection criteria for aluminum cylinders

Response Information Requested If your company is interested in and capable of providing the required supplies/services, you must provide the information indicated below, or your intent, interest in participation, and information provided will not be considered valid for research purposes. Response to this notice should include company name, address, point of contact, and size of business, pursuant to the following questions: Submit your capabilities statement illustrating how your organization can/cannot meet the list of DRAFT/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS/SOW requirements. For instances where your company cannot meet the DRAFT/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS/SOW requirement(s), please explain. For instances where your company can meet the DRAFT/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS/SOW requirement(s), please clearly show how your company meets/exceeds each requirement; otherwise, your response will be recorded as “interest only.” Please review the list of DRAFT/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS/SOW requirements and provide any additional feedback or suggestions. If none, please reply as N/A. Please indicate the size status and representations of your business, such as but not limited to: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), HUBZone, Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Large Business, etc. Is your company considered small under the NAICS code identified in this RFI? Are you the manufacturer, authorized distributor, and/or can your company provide a solution to the required supplies/services described in the list of DRAFT/SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS/SOW? If you are a large business, do you have any designated/authorized distributors? If so, please provide their company name, telephone, point of contact, and size status (if available). If you're a small business and you are an authorized distributor/reseller for the items identified above, do you alter, assemble, or modify the items requested in any way? If you do, state how and what is altered, assembled, or modified. Limitations on Subcontracting: How does your business ensure compliance with the limitations on subcontracting as outlined in 13 CFR § 125.6? Are the items you are identifying/providing considered Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) items as defined in FAR Part 2.101 under commercial items? Non-Manufacturer Rule: If applicable, can you confirm your business complies with the Non-Manufacturer Rule? Specifically, does your company: provide a product from a small business manufacturer or processor; not exceed 500 employees; primarily engage in the retail or wholesale trade and normally sell the type of item being supplied; and take ownership or possession of the item(s) with its personnel, equipment, or facilities in a manner consistent with industry practice? Please indicate whether your product conforms to the requirements of the Buy American Act. Please indicate if the manufacturer is/will be US domestic Small Business / US Domestic Large Business / Foreign. What is your lead time to deliver a single unit with all components? Is there scale in lead time with greater quantities? Please elaborate. What is the estimated life span of your solution? What support/services does that entail? Does your organization offer a leasing solution? Please elaborate. Does your company have a Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) GSA/NAC/SAC/BPA/NASA SEWP or any other Federal Government contract? If so, please provide the contract number(s). If you are an FSS GSA/NAC/SAC/BPA/NASA SEWP or any other Federal Government contract holder, are all the items/solutions you are providing information about available on your schedule/contract? Please state if all or some items are available on the contract. General pricing of your products/solution is encouraged. Pricing will be used for the purpose of market research only. It will not be used to evaluate for any type of award. Please provide your SAM.gov Unique Entity ID/CAGE Code number.

Submission Instructions and Deadline Responses to this notice shall be submitted via email to sam.choo@va.gov. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Responses must be received no later than Monday, October 19, 2026, by 10:00 AM PST. All responses to this Sources Sought/RFI will be used for planning purposes only. Responses to this Sources Sought Notice / RFI are not considered a request to be added to a prospective bidders list or to receive a copy of the solicitation. If further RFIs and/or a solicitation or other announcement is issued as a result of the information provided from this RFI, all interested parties must respond to the specific posting separately IAW the specifications of that announcement.

View original listing