3417--VR&E Laser equipment acquisition for Veteran
VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS BENEFITS ADMIN (36C10D) · Response deadline: Tue, 10 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of Veterans Affairs' Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) plans to acquire laser equipment for its Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) program. VR&E helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain suitable employment or achieve independence in daily living. The equipment will support rehabilitation and training services provided to veterans in the program. See the solicitation for specific technical requirements, quantities, and intended use.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 36C10D26Q0211 |
| NAICS | 333517 — Machine Tool (Metal Cutting Types) Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | November 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET |
| Place of performance | Oregon City, OR |
Who can bid
This opportunity is set aside exclusively for small businesses certified as small under NAICS 333517. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this code. For NAICS 333517, the size standard is typically 1,000 employees; verify current thresholds at SBA.gov.
Eligibility requirements:
- Active SAM.gov registration with valid CAGE code
- Small business status verified in SAM at time of offer and award
- Ability to perform in Oregon City, OR or deliver to that location
- No explicit veteran-owned or SDVOSB preference is indicated in the metadata, though VBA missions often align well with veteran-owned small business capabilities
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the product space: NAICS 333517 covers metal-cutting machine tools, including laser cutting systems. Laser equipment for VR&E likely involves industrial training systems, possibly CO2 or fiber laser cutters used in vocational rehabilitation settings. Research whether VA seeks production-grade equipment, educational/training models, or integrated systems with software and safety packages.
Technical approach specifics:
- Describe your equipment's compatibility with vocational training environments, not just industrial specs
- Address maintenance accessibility, operator training requirements, and safety certifications (OSHA, ANSI B11 standards for laser systems)
- If offering refurbished or remanufactured equipment, clearly disclose this; government solicitations often have restrictions
- Detail warranty terms, spare parts availability, and technical support geography—Oregon City is outside major metropolitan corridors
Pricing strategy:
- Laser equipment involves substantial freight, rigging, installation, and calibration costs; ensure your price captures these service elements if required
- Factor in Training Income Protection (TIP) labor or veteran-specific training if applicable
- Total small business set-asides attract strong competition; price aggressively but sustainably
Past performance:
- Cite similar federal or commercial laser equipment deliveries, especially to education, workforce development, or VA/DOL programs
- Emphasize successful installations requiring minimal government intervention
Compliance check:
- Confirm your SAM entity size certification matches 333517
- Review FAR 52.219-1 for small business representation requirements
- Check for any Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled VOSB evaluation factors in the full solicitation
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using number 36C10D26Q0211 — the metadata does not include detailed specifications, evaluation criteria, or delivery requirements
- Verify deadline conditions: The November 10, 2026, 11:00 AM ET deadline is fixed; allow buffer time for technical difficulties with SAM.gov or required registration updates
- Assess delivery logistics to Oregon City, OR; site surveys may be advisable if installation complexity is significant
- Submit questions early if solicitation Q&A provisions exist, allowing time for amendment review
The narrow window between posting (November 4) and deadline (November 6 effective days) suggests either a straightforward procurement or one requiring rapid response—prioritize immediate solicitation review.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →