DC VAMC BIOMED INDUSTRY DAY OCTOBER 29, 2025

An in-person Industry Day for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is scheduled for October 29, 2025, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm est. The event will be held at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center located at 50 Irving St. NW, Washington DC 20422. This event will focus on the identification of commercially available ceiling lifts which will be compatible with the existing system in use at the Washington DC VAMC.

The event will consist of introductions of relevant VA staff; tour of the Washington DC VAMC which will provide vendors with the opportunity to see existing ceiling lifts and ceiling tracks; and followed by 30-minute, one-on-one meetings between the government and vendors. The one-on-one meetings will provide the government to ask questions of the vendors; examine vendors’ equipment, if applicable; and dialogue.

The event will provide the VA’s clinicians and biomedical engineers with information regarding industry’s ability to provide ceiling lifts compatible with the existing track system and with the following salient characteristics.

Ceiling Lift Salient Characteristics:

Rail Compatibility: Compatible with existing single-rail and H-rail track configurations used in our facility Powerful Motorized System: Features a powerful, motorized system that allows for smooth vertical and horizontal patient transfers, including a minimum lifting capacity of 600 lbs. The motors must have an expected lifespan of at least 10 years.

Lifting Speed: Must have a minimum lifting speed of 1.5 inches/second when lifting a load of at least 400 lbs, with a preferred soft/slow start and stop.

Hand-Held Remote: Includes an easy-to-use hand-held remote control for caregivers to operate the lift seamlessly. The hand control must be wired.

Safety Mechanisms: Equipped with numerous safety mechanisms such as emergency stop and lowering functions (without the need for an Allen wrench), overload protection, and compliance with relevant health and safety certifications and standards for medical equipment.

Slings and Accessories: Compatible with various slings and lifting accessories to meet different patient care needs.

Quiet Operation: Designed to operate quietly, reducing noise for a more comfortable patient experience.

Durability and Maintenance: Engineered for durability and easy maintenance, ensuring reliability over the long term.

Ergonomics: Ergonomically designed to minimize strain on caregivers while ensuring patient comfort and safety.

Lifting Range: Substantial vertical lift range to accommodate transfers from different surfaces like beds and chairs (~8ft).

Battery Operation: Battery-operated with rechargeable batteries that continuously charge anywhere on the track via AC charging, meeting minimum requirements: If NiMH – must have 2 – 24V NiMH, 2.1Ah. If Lead Acid – must have a minimum of 12V, 5Ah, sealed rechargeable valve regulated.

Electrical Data: Rating 24 V DC, 15 A max.

Staff Training: Comprehensive training program for hospital staff on the proper use, care, and maintenance of the ceiling lift system.

Infection Control: Easy-to-clean surfaces and components designed to minimize infection risk.

Scales: Scales must be included for each motor with a minimum weight capacity identical to the lift motor for the purposes of weighing Veterans.

Performance Assurance: The supplier must provide lift systems from a manufacturer that is not currently undergoing assessment, investigation, or evaluation by the National Center for Patient Safety related to performance events. Vendors interested in attending this event must take following actions and provide the following information:

Company Name:

SAM ID:

Primary Point of Contact:

Point of Contact Email:

Company Website: Socioeconomic Status (if applicable):

Compatible Equipment Model(s): Product Literature, Brochures, and/or Capabilities Statement: GSA Contract Number (if applicable): Vendors interested in attending this event must respond to this notice by emailing Kenneth.Dougherty@va.gov no later than October 3, 2025, at 4:00 pm eastern.

Additional Notes: Only vendors who provide the requested information by the suspense date of October 3, 2025, will be permitted to attend this event. Selected respondents to this notice will be notified by the government and provided additional event information needed to attend.