TVHS AC VRF System Installation
VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.249-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 9 (36C249) · Response deadline: Fri, 23 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of Veterans Affairs is soliciting bids for installation of a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) air conditioning system at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) in Nashville. VRF systems are advanced HVAC solutions that allow for precise zone-by-zone temperature control with multiple indoor units operating off a single outdoor condensing unit. This type of installation typically involves electrical work, refrigerant piping, controls integration, and commissioning—work that falls under the NAICS code for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors.
Given the medical facility setting, the installation likely requires coordination with active healthcare operations, adherence to infection control protocols, and potential work in patient-care or critical support areas. The scope may include demolition of existing equipment, new piping and wiring, ductwork modifications, and integration with building automation systems. Specific technical requirements, facility access procedures, and exact quantities of equipment will be detailed in the solicitation documents.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contract Office 9 |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 36C24927Q0016 |
| NAICS | 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) |
| Set-aside | Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14) |
| Response deadline | October 23, 2026, 12:00 PM CT |
| Place of performance | Nashville, TN |
Who can bid
This opportunity is set aside exclusively for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) under FAR 19.14. To qualify, your firm must:
- Be at least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
- Have one or more service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions
- Hold a valid Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned status in the VA's VetBiz registry (or SAM.gov under current verification processes)
- Meet the size standard for NAICS 238220 (currently $16.5 million average annual receipts)
- Be registered in SAM.gov with active status
Joint ventures are permitted under SDVOSB rules if the SDVOSB partner demonstrates 51% ownership and the venture meets applicable requirements. Non-SDVOSB firms may participate only as subcontractors, with limitations on their role in performance.
How to put together a competitive bid
VRF installation in an active VA medical facility demands more than competitive pricing. Evaluators typically assess technical capability, past performance, and price. To strengthen your bid:
Demonstrate relevant experience. Provide detailed references for comparable VRF or large-scale commercial HVAC installations, especially in healthcare or federal facilities. Note any work with Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG, Carrier, or other major VRF manufacturers.
Address operational constraints. Explain your approach to working in a 24/7 medical environment, including after-hours scheduling, infection control measures, containment barriers, and coordination with VA facility engineers.
Highlight certifications and training. Reference your technicians' EPA Section 608 certification, manufacturer-specific VRF training, and any relevant licenses from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors.
Detail project management. Assign a dedicated project manager with similar project experience. Outline your quality assurance plan, commissioning process, and warranty provisions.
Verify subcontractor arrangements. If teaming for electrical, controls, or sheet metal work, ensure subcontractor participation letters are included and that your firm maintains the required small business size status.
Next steps
Review the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 36C24927Q0016 to obtain the statement of work, technical specifications, evaluation criteria, and required forms. Note that responses are due October 23, 2026, by 12:00 PM Central Time—seven days from the posted date—leaving limited time for questions or site visits if offered. Confirm your SAM.gov registration is active and that your SDVOSB certification is current prior to submission.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →