6835--Med Gas Base Plus Four
VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.262-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 22 (36C262) · Response deadline: Thu, 12 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a contractor for medical gas supplies and related services. The solicitation title "Med Gas Base Plus Four" suggests a multi-year arrangement with a one-year base period and four option years, though see the solicitation for exact period of performance details. Medical gases (NAICS 325120) are essential commodities in VA healthcare facilities—products such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and medical air used for patient care, surgical procedures, diagnostics, and laboratory operations.
VA medical centers require reliable delivery of compressed and liquefied gases, often with associated equipment like cylinders, regulators, manifolds, and piping system maintenance. Contractors in this space typically provide bulk liquid systems, portable cylinder exchanges, and 24/7 emergency response capabilities given the life-safety nature of the product.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Veterans Affairs, Department of — Network Contract Office 22 (36C262) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 36C26227Q0053 |
| NAICS | 325120 (Industrial Gas Manufacturing) |
| Set-aside | Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14) |
| Response deadline | November 12, 2026, 10:00 AM Pacific Time |
| Place of performance | Tucson, AZ |
Who can bid
This opportunity is restricted to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns verified through the Small Business Administration's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program or the VA's Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) legacy system. Your firm must meet size standards for NAICS 325120 (1,500 employees) and be at least 51% unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans with day-to-day management and long-term strategic direction.
Given the medical nature of this requirement, bidders likely need experience handling compressed gases subject to FDA regulation, DOT hazardous materials transportation requirements, and applicable NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code provisions for medical gas systems. See the solicitation for any specific licensing, accreditation, or past performance requirements.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the delivery environment. Tucson-area VA facilities may include the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. Map your distribution network against the specific facilities served, including after-hours and emergency delivery capabilities. Medical gas interruptions can endanger patients, so demonstrate redundant supply chains and response protocols.
Address quality and regulatory compliance. Industrial gas manufacturers and distributors serving healthcare markets should highlight FDA registration, current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) compliance, and USP-grade gas certification. Detail your cylinder tracking, lot traceability, and expiration date management procedures.
Price strategically across the "base plus four" structure. If the contract indeed includes option years, structure pricing to remain competitive over five years while accounting for commodity volatility in industrial gas markets. Consider fuel surcharges, inflation adjustments, or economic price adjustment clauses—see the solicitation for permitted mechanisms.
Leverage SDVOSB status substantively. Beyond eligibility, emphasize veteran workforce involvement, community engagement with veteran populations, and any VA-specific experience. Past performance on VA or other federal healthcare contracts strengthens your narrative.
Clarify scope ambiguity early. The notice title suggests medical gas but doesn't specify exact products, volume ranges, or service tiers. Submit questions through SAM.gov well before the deadline to avoid assumptions.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation documents at SAM.gov using solicitation number 36C26227Q0053. Review all attachments for detailed specifications, delivery requirements, evaluation criteria, and any amendments. Note the firm deadline of November 12, 2026, 10:00 AM Pacific Time—late submissions are typically ineligible. Register in SAM.gov immediately if not already active, and confirm your SDVOSB certification status is current and visible to contracting officers.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →