SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE
THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION ANNOUNCEMENT. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY.
This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and shall not be construed as a solicitation or obligation on the part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. No solicitation exists at this time; therefore, no request for a solicitation will be answered.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS), is conducting market research to identify qualified and capable sources (SDVOSB, VOSB, Small Business, and Large Business) that can provide a Direct Metal 3D Printer System that meets the salient characteristics and performance requirements listed below.
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS)
SCOPE OF WORK AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Direct Metal 3D Printer System
Introduction
The VAPHS Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) has a requirement for a Direct Metal 3D Printer System capable of producing high precision metal dental molds, surgical guides, and implant components for Veterans. The system is intended to support HERL s Technology Transfer Program and replace current labor intensive and less precise manual processes.
HERL s requirement is currently aligned to the DMP Flex 200 Direct Metal 3D Printer System, or brand name equivalent capable of meeting all salient characteristics detailed in this notice.
Purpose of Market Research
The Government seeks information from vendors capable of providing a system that meets or exceeds the performance characteristics required for metal additive manufacturing used in medical and dental applications.
This Sources Sought will be used to determine:
Potential availability of brand name or equal products
Business size and socioeconomic classification
Capability of vendors to deliver, install, and train HERL staff
Whether sufficient competition exists to determine an appropriate acquisition strategy
Background
The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System requires a high-precision metal 3D printer to support HERL research and clinical fabrication of dental and surgical components for Veterans.
Project Scope
VA Pittsburgh requires the purchase of a DMP Flex 200 Direct Metal 3D Printer System or Equal, including accessories, installation, and on-site training.
Specifications / Salient Characteristics
Minimum build volume: 5.51 in x 5.51 in x 4.53 in
Accuracy: ± 50 micrometers; Repeatability: 20 m (0.0008 inches)
500W laser suitable for metal medical/dental printing
System must be capable of printing metal materials only
Vendor must provide installation, setup, training, and packing material removal
Delivery Location
6425 Penn Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
General Requirements
-Delivery: All items listed in quote will be delivered to HERL in one shipment, preferably within 30 days of contract award.
-Installation: Contractor will assemble all items, so machine is in full working order upon delivery of device.
-The contractor must remove and discard all packing materials of the delivery.
-The contractor will coordinate delivery with end user in HERL prior to delivery. Failure to do so may result in the return of the equipment at vendor cost.
-Vendor will place the machine in the location specified by HERL employees.
-Training: Contractor will train HERL personnel on HERL property on use, care, and maintenance of the machine within 30 days of delivery of device.
-Training is less than one full day and will occur upon set-up of machine.
-Vendor and end user will coordinate the exact date of set up and training.
-Contractor will follow any and all VA lab safety protocol.
-Contractor will wear closed toed shoes, pants, and keep all baggy and loose items tucked in.
-Contractor will follow any additional direction from HERL staff regarding safety practices inside the machine shop.
-Contractor will be escorted by VA staff at all times while on VA premises.
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION VENDOR RESPONSE QUESTIONS
Business size/status under applicable NAICS code.
Is the equipment on a Federal Supply Schedule or GWAC? Include schedule number.
Are you the manufacturer or distributor? If not, address the Non-Manufacturer Rule.
If a large business, identify authorized small business distributors.
If a small business reseller, describe any modifications made to items.
Is the item manufactured in the United States?
If subcontracting, list percentage breakdown of subcontracted vs. self-performed work.
Provide general market pricing for research purposes only.
Provide capability statement addressing salient characteristics.
Review the SOW and provide feedback or N/A.
Provide your UEI number.
Submission Instructions
Responses must be sent to Olivia McDonald at olivia.mcdonald@va.gov no later than 4:00 PM EST on 05/29/2026.
DISCLAIMER
This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses are not offers and cannot be accepted to form a binding contract.
