Research Equip (LAMb) - Cage and Rack Washer Replacement - CLEVE | EDA: 9/25/26

Amendment for Solicitation 36C24E26Q0091 – Cage and Rack Washer

This combined synopsis/solicitation is being amended for the following:

1. Deadline for quotes is extended to 09/25/2026, 10:00 AM Mountain Time.

2. Answers are provided to timely received questions.

Questions and Answers:

Q1: Canadian manufacturing requirement: The RFQ allows a LYNX 420RS “or equivalent,” but Section 4 requires the washer to be manufactured in Canada. Will equivalent equipment manufactured outside Canada be accepted, subject to the applicable procurement requirements, or is Canadian manufacture mandatory? Reference: Line Item 0001; Section 4.

A1: Canadian manufacturing is not required.

Q2: Small-business supplier eligibility: Please clarify the manufacturer-eligibility and country-of-origin requirements for a small-business supplier offering another manufacturer’s equipment. What supporting certifications or manufacturer information must accompany the quotation? Reference: Small-business set-aside under NAICS 339112.

A2: This opportunity is a small business set-aside. Vendors must meet the size standards for NAICS 339112 with a small business size standard of 500.

Q3: Spray system, pump, and safety equivalency: Will an alternative spray-arm arrangement, such as oscillating spray arms, and a differently rated pump be accepted based on demonstrated washing performance rather than the specified rotary spray, Aqua Pulse pattern, and 15 HP pump? Will equivalent emergency-release and internal safety systems be accepted instead of the exact pull-cable and friction-release arrangement? Reference: Section 4

A3: If the equipment is equivalent; must meet specs detailed in combined synopsis/solicitation.

Q4: MDBiomedics requirement: Must MDBiomedics be the installer and ongoing service provider, or may the equipment manufacturer’s authorized team perform these services? If MDBiomedics support is mandatory, please identify the required training, diagnostic access, documentation, and parts support, and whether bidders must obtain MDBiomedics’ acceptance before submitting a quote. Reference: Section 4.

A4: The installer must provide the same services that MDBiomedics can provide including the post-installation services.

Q5:Chamber dimensions and allowable footprint: Is the approximately 48″ W × 88″ H × 128″ L interior load clearance a mandatory minimum in each direction, or will alternative chamber dimensions be accepted if all required loads fit? Please confirm the maximum installed exterior width, height, and depth, including the technical compartment and required service clearances. Reference: Line Item 0001; Section 4.

A5: No alternative dimensions, Construction and Planning approved the specs provided.

Q6: Exterior dimensions and installation space: Will the VA accept a washer with a different exterior width, height, and depth from the referenced LYNX model, provided it fits the available installation space and maintains required operating and maintenance access? Please identify the maximum allowable dimensions, including the technical compartment, and whether any wall or pit modifications are permitted. RFQ reference: Line Item 0001; Section 4.

A6: No alternative dimensions, Construction and Planning approved the specs provided.

Q7: Pit depth and adaptation: Will an alternative washer installation using a 6″ nominal pit for the LT or 4″ nominal pit for the standard EVO, with an engineered support frame where appropriate, be accepted? Please identify any restrictions on adapting the existing pit. RFQ reference: Section 4—pit-mounted installation.

A7: No alternative dimensions, Construction and Planning approved the specs provided.

Q8: Control-system equivalency: Will the manufacturer’s standard touchscreen control system be accepted instead of the specified Scientek/Allen-Bradley platform, provided it supplies the required ten programmed cycles, adjustable parameters, process displays, access restrictions, alarm history, and date/time functions? Please confirm whether the named control hardware is mandatory. RFQ reference: Section 4—control system.

A8: If the equipment is equivalent; must meet specs detailed in combined synopsis/solicitation.

Q9: Door construction and emergency release: Will double-layer tempered-glass doors with active inflatable seals and door interlocks be accepted as an alternative to the specified insulated double-wall doors? Will the manufacturer’s emergency-release system be accepted, or are the exact friction-release hardware and two internal pull cables mandatory? RFQ reference: Section 4.  

A9: No alternative, Construction and Planning approved the specs provided.

Q10: Cycle records and printer: Is a panel-mounted printer mandatory, or will electronic cycle records downloadable through USB be accepted? Please specify the required recorded parameters, retention period, and any hard-copy requirements. RFQ reference: Section 4—panel-mounted printer.

A10: We cannot use USB; we must have a printer.

Q11: Utilities, heating, and drain cooling: Please confirm the available electrical supply, steam pressure and capacity, condensate return, water temperature/pressure/quality, compressed air, and drainage capacity. Please also confirm the maximum permitted drain-discharge temperature and whether the proposed manufacturer’s utility arrangement may differ from the existing washer connections. RFQ reference: Line Item 0001; Section 4.

A11: No alternative, Construction and Planning approved the specs provided to work with the original hook ups in place.