BD Catheters Addition to AbilityOne Procurement List Seeking Essentially the Same Items

The purpose of this special notice is to identify service-disabled veteran owned small businesses (SDVOSB) or veteran owned small businesses (VOSB) authorized to distribute the same or Essentially the Same (ETS) items as items added to the AbilityOne Procurement List after December 22, 2006. AbilityOne added 20 NSN s to the AbilityOne Procurement List manufactured by Becton Dickinson and CR Bard.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is required to identify any SDVOSB or VOSB capable of providing the same items or ETS items prior to consideration of AbilityOne for items added to the AbilityOne Procurement List after December 22, 2006, in accordance with VAAR 808.002. Essentially the Same is defined as an item or item(s) that are comparable in all the prominent physical, functional, or performance characteristics to items on the AbilityOne Procurement List.

This includes, but is not limited to form, fit, and function sufficient to enable interchangeability. Form includes similarity in appearance, shape, size, dimension, design, color, texture, environmental characteristics, quality, and/or other features. Fit pertains to the ability to physically interface, connect or integrate with other parts. Function entails the intended use of the product. ETS does not mean and will not be interpreted to mean the product/item is exactly the same.

See Attachment I - New AB1PL Adds - AB1_MRMSPO_1001 - ETS Review for the list of items added to the AbilityOne Procurement List. SDVOSB or VOSB respondents shall complete and submit Attachment II SDVOSB_VOSB Response ETS AbilityOne . Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) respondents shall complete and submit Attachment III OEM Response ETS AbilityOne .

Any respondents shall provide information on the respective attachments for the ETS item(s) and authorization to distribute the ETS items from the OEM and/or their authorization to distribute the same Becton Dickinson and CR Bard items.

In addition to providing the information requested above, responding companies are encouraged to include any relevant information (specifications, brochures, capability statements, past experiences, etc.) to assist VA in confirming the item(s) identified are ETS as outlined in this request. This special notice is issued for informational purposes only. This is not a solicitation or a request for quotes and shall not be construed as an obligation or commitment by the Government.

An award will not be made on any offers submitted in response to this notice, and it shall not be implied that the Government is committed to providing any solicitation or award following this notice. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this request, nor will the Government compensate a respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided. Do NOT include proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information in responses. All responses shall be received via e-mail to jeremy.boston@va.gov by 4:30 PM Eastern Time December 5, 2025.