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Amendment 36C26226Q1321 0002
This Amendment to RFQ 36C26226Q1321 is intended to:
To answer the following questions submitted by vendors.
Will there be a drawing package released showing the room layout and design
Yes, they will be released to the awarding offeror.
The solicitation mentions removing 15 motors and installing 25 systems onto the existing structure. Will the additional 10 systems be required to have the manufacture install above ceiling supports?
The installation should include the supports intended to be installed above the ceiling grid attached to the existing building structure to support the rail and lift system to it s specifications.
Will the manufacturer be responsible for any modifications or relocations of sprinkler heads, ceiling tiles or HVAC.Â
No
Please confirm the site visit time and locationÂ
The date for this visit has passed. 11:00AM MST on August 21, 2026.
Since the contractor is prohibited from cutting or modifying any existing physical structure, will the Government provide existing structural as-built drawings for Building 38, Unit 3 East? This is necessary to assist our third-party Arizona-registered structural engineer in preparing and signing the required stamped drawings.
Yes
The solicitation states that 25 new systems will be installed across 15 rooms, while only 15 existing systems are being removed. Could the Government clarify the layout configuration? Specifically, will some rooms contain multiple independent lift systems (e.g., dual tracks), or are there rooms currently without lifts that will receive new installations?
There are currently some patient rooms on the unit in which one overhead lift system services two patient beds. The intent is to have an independent lift system above each individual patient bed, thus increasing the system procurement to 25.
For the Wi-Fi communication requirement, will the Government provide access to the VA guest or enterprise wireless network for these devices, or is the contractor expected to provision a standalone local wireless network? Additionally, are there specific VA cybersecurity, FIPS compliance, or medical device security clearances required for these lifts to connect to the VA's wireless infrastructure?
Amendment 0001 removed the mention of Wi-Fi connectivity from the SOW posted with the RFQ.
Regarding the requirement to test the rail system at 150% of rated capacity (900 lbs for a 600 lbs capacity system), is the contractor expected to provide all certified test weights and rigging equipment, or will the VA facility provide testing weights? Additionally, are there specific facility pathways or elevator weight limits we must observe when transporting these heavy test weights to Unit 3 East in Building 38?
The facility cannot guarantee availability of its own weight and rigging equipment. Therefore, the contractor shall supply all equipment and tools to complete the installation and testing, including test weights and rigging equipment.
Will the installation and removal work in Unit 3 East require Class III or Class IV Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) containment (e.g., negative air machines, anterooms, HEPA vacuums)? If so, will the Government provide the ICRA barriers, or is the contractor fully responsible for provisioning and maintaining them?
The project is expected to be at ICRA containment level II.
To minimize disruption to patient care in active inpatient Unit 3 East, what are the permitted work hours for removal and installation (e.g., standard business hours, evenings, or weekends)? Additionally, how many rooms will the VA make available to the contractor concurrently during each of the two planned mobilizations?
Working hours are Monday to Friday, no earlier than 0700 and no later than 1600. Up to three rooms can be made available concurrently.
Could the Government please explain the clinical or safety rationale behind each restrictive feature and identify where the requirement is truly based on a minimum need versus a preference for a particular product design.
Each salient characteristics have been carefully vetted to match the requirements of the requesting facility. It is the responsibility of the offeror to indicate whether their propose item meets each salient characteristic or not
Integrated scale with weight displayed on the hand control
4.2.12 and 4.2.14
The solicitation does not merely require the ability to weigh a patient. It dictates:
an internal Class III scale;
weight displayed specifically on the hand control;
no external scale attachment;
a particular integration method to preserve lifting height.
The Government s actual need appears to be accurate patient weighing without compromising safe patient handling, not a requirement that the display be physically located in the hand control. Please advise.
The requirement is that the display for the patient scale be physically located in the hand control, for easy accessibility/readability.
A Class III scale internalized into the motor is required to provide accurate weights to utilize for medication administration and titration, and to aid in accurate clinical decision making, and to maximize lifting distance of the system which an external scale would otherwise reduce.
FIPS / Wi-Fi / remote dashboard requirement
4.2.17 through 4.2.18
Could you please identify the applicable VA cybersecurity, network connectivity, encryption and authorization requirements for the remote monitoring and dashboard capabilities required under Sections 4.2.17 and 4.2.18. Specifically, please clarify whether any wireless connectivity to VA networks is required or contemplated and whether any cryptographic module must be FIPS validated.  If FIPS validation is required, please identify the specific FIPS standard, validation scope, and whether the requirement applies to the complete lift system, wireless module, software application, gateway, cloud environment, or only cryptographic modules used to protect VA data.
Amendment 0001 removed the mention of Wi-Fi connectivity from the SOW posted with the RFQ.
4.2.19 4.2.21 Trainer/gait training module
This is highly restrictive because it effectively requires a second clinical function beyond ordinary patient transfer.
The solicitation appears to require all systems to be configured around an advanced rehabilitation function that may only be necessary in limited locations. Please advise clinical rationale behind this. If the feature is intended only for future needs, Section 4.2.25 already addresses future modular upgrades. Requiring the feature now is potentially inconsistent with that provision.
The functionality is not limited to rehabilitation purposes. It extends to nontherapeutic care delivery during patient transfers and repositioning activities. These functions play a crucial role in promoting safe, early, and continuous Veteran mobility. By facilitating these aspects of care, the system supports improved nursing-sensitive patient outcomes, aligning with the Government's longstanding priority of achieving better health outcomes through effective clinical care.
4.2.22 Independent motor and traverse locking
Could the Government please explain the specific clinical use case requiring two independently controlled locking mechanisms rather than simply requiring the ability to safely maintain the patient s position when clinically necessary.
Specific clinical use cases for independently controlled locking mechanisms include, but are not limited to, the following:
When utilizing an ambulation or walking sling/harness at the bedside, independently controlled locks allow equipment to remain static in both movement vectors. This reduces the risk of patient falls during mobility exercises and enhances safety throughout therapeutic interventions.
Certain medical procedures, such as epidural placements or lumbar punctures, necessitate maintaining a specific and immobile patient position. Independently controlled locks ensure that the patient remains stationary, minimizing the risk of complications during these sensitive procedures.
For patients unable to remain immobile due to conditions like muscle spasticity or diseases such as ALS, Parkinson s, spinal cord injuries, toxic exposures, traumatic brain injuries, or various mental illnesses which are more prevalent among Veterans static positioning provided by independently controlled locks supports the delivery of complex wound care various anatomical areas, including upper and lower limbs.
When lifting and supporting the pannus of a plus-sized Veteran, independently controlled locking mechanisms offer healthcare workers greater control during care activities. This not only facilitates effective treatment but also enhances the comfort and dignity of the Veteran throughout the process.
4.2.25 Future upgrades without replacement
Could Government please clarify what exactly must be included now, and what is only required to be upgradeable later?
There is also a conflict with other sections. For example:
4.2.14 requires integrated weighing now;
4.2.18 requires remote dashboard capability now;
4.2.19 requires advanced mobility support now;
4.2.25 suggests these are future modular upgrades.
This should be clarified because vendors cannot determine whether the solicitation requires present functionality or merely future upgradeability.
Certain features must be included as present functionality to ensure both compliance with immediate operational requirements and flexibility for future enhancements. Specifically, integrated weighing, dashboard capability, and mobility support. In addition, the system must possess the current capability to support future upgrades such as the addition of positioning locks without necessitating the replacement of any existing components.
4.2.24 No beeps or flashing lights during normal operation
This may conflict with safety and accessibility requirements.
Audible and visual indicators can provide:
low battery warnings;
fault notification;
overload warnings;
maintenance alerts;
operational confirmation.
This is currently conflicting with 4.2.15, which requires automatic alerts for unsafe operating conditions.
Please clarify whether audible or visual indicators are prohibited only during routine lift movement, or whether required safety and fault notifications are exempt.
The requirement is the system does not provide beeps or flashing lights during NORMAL operation. UNSAFE and ABNORMAL operating conditions including low battery warnings, fault notifications, overload warnings, and maintenance alerts are not included in normal operation. Operational confirmation is indicated by usual functionality.
4.4.5 Generic replacement batteries
Clarification required please:
Lift motors shall accept generic type replacement batteries without voiding any warranties.
This could conflict with:
medical device certification;
validated battery performance;
safety testing;
warranty requirements;
manufacturer quality controls.
The requirement may compromise equipment safety, performance, regulatory compliance, and warranty coverage by requiring compatibility with unspecified generic batteries.
The Government requires the capability of replacing lift motor batteries with generic equivalents without voiding any warranties.
4.1.8 Same manufacturer requirement
due to documented past safety issues with mixed-manufacturer systems.
Can the Government please identify these documented safety issues, by providing:
incident reports;
safety studies;
market research;
clinical engineering rationale;
standards supporting the requirement.
Each salient characteristics have been carefully vetted to match the requirements of the requesting facility. It is the responsibility of the offeror to indicate whether their propose item meets each salient characteristic or not.
Submit written offers in accordance with the following instructions, as well as Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Instruction to Offerors. Oral offers will not be accepted. Complete and submit enclosure 1 via email no later than 12:00PM PST Monday, August 31, 2026, to israel.garcia2@va.gov.
There are no other changes to the terms and conditions of this Solicitation.
All other terms and conditions remain in full force and effect.
