R499--FY26 Lifeguard and Pool Maintenance Services (B+ OPT)
VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.242-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 02 (36C242) · Response deadline: Tue, 20 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of Veterans Affairs intends to award a contract for lifeguard and pool maintenance services under solicitation number 36C24226Q0994. This is a requirements-type contract with a base year and option periods (B+ OPT), meaning the VA will establish a fixed-duration base period with the potential to extend services through pre-negotiated option periods if performance is satisfactory and funding remains available.
Services under NAICS 561210—Facilities Support Services—typically encompass operational support for recreational or therapeutic aquatics facilities. For VA medical centers, this commonly includes certified lifeguard staffing, water quality testing and chemical balancing, pool equipment maintenance, deck area sanitation, and compliance with health and safety regulations. The "R499" classification code indicates support services to buildings and dwellings. Specific facility locations, hours of coverage, and staffing levels are not provided in the metadata—see the solicitation for these requirements.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contract Office 02 (36C242) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 36C24226Q0994 |
| NAICS | 561210 (Facilities Support Services) |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | October 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no set-aside program indicated. Any responsible offeror—regardless of size standard or socioeconomic status—may submit a bid, provided they meet the requirements of the solicitation.
Under NAICS 561210, the Small Business Administration size standard is typically $47.5 million in average annual receipts, though offerors should verify current thresholds. Small businesses, including service-disabled veteran-owned, woman-owned, HUBZone, and 8(a) firms, are eligible to compete alongside other-than-small businesses. Past performance providing lifeguard services, aquatics management, or facilities support to federal or civilian healthcare facilities would strengthen a proposal, though incumbent status is not disclosed in the metadata.
Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov, hold applicable NAICS code registrations, and should verify any required small business representations in the solicitation itself.
How to put together a competitive bid
Personnel qualifications and certifications. Lifeguard services contracts typically require American Red Cross or equivalent CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding certifications. Propose certified staff with documented experience; identify whether the VA requires specific training credentials or allows equivalent programs.
Pricing structure. For a B+ OPT contract, develop "priced" option periods even if actual exercised quantities are uncertain. Ensure your pricingschedule accounts for seasonal fluctuations in pool operations, overtime scenarios, and potential holiday coverage. Labor rates should be fully burdened and competitive against market benchmarks for aquatics personnel in the relevant geographic area.
Technical approach. Address water quality management protocols, emergency action plans, staffing contingency procedures for unplanned absences, and coordination with VA facility managers. Healthcare facility experience—particularly VA or other federal medical centers—demonstrates understanding of patient-safety environments.
Past performance. Identify comparable contracts for federal, state, municipal, or private healthcare pool operations. Include referenceable contracts with similar scope, complexity, and dollar magnitude.
Bonding and insurance. Facilities support contracts typically require general liability, workers' compensation, and professional liability coverage. Verify specific requirements—see the solicitation.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation document on SAM.gov using solicitation number 36C24226Q0994. The solicitation will contain the statement of work, delivery/task order requirements, evaluation factors, specific certifications, and any amendments.
Note the firm deadline: October 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Allow adequate time for SAM.gov registration verification, document preparation, and submission system processing. Monitor SAM.gov for amendments or Q&A releases that may affect proposal requirements.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →