3550--Vending Machines for Veteran Self-Employment Program at Buffalo RO (307)

SOURCES SOUGHT The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has a need to purchase two hospital vending machines to dispense surgical scrub clothing. The equipment being purchased is for a Veteran s small business operation within two local hospitals. Scrub dispensing machines will provide a convenient option for employees to obtain the clothing they need at the worksite with on-demand purchasing options. This will provide healthcare worker with the option to purchase from the vending station and receive their items immediately or to browse the online catalog via an integrated touchscreen. A shopping cart on the website will identify and record products sold online. They can then place their order and have their purchase delivered to their place of employment at no additional charge. A large flat screen television would sit on top of the vending station that will allow customers to view the product they want to purchase, whether packaged in the vending station for immediate purchase or in

the online catalog. Electronic payment options would be available at the kiosk or through online ordering. The business owner would like the capacity to later re-design or update the look of the website, set up the products to sell, promote its products and specials and keep the business completely in its control. The Veteran business owner views the main kiosk as the main point of contact for the buyer with multiple inventory storing towers which house the clothing. Once purchases are completed the inventory towers, utilizing an elevator and conveyor system, dispense the purchases. The vending machine needs wireless internet capability, touch screen technology for ease of use and video screens to promote the vendor s products and services. Also, each machine must offer an advertising opportunity and display video messages for the hospital where the machines are located. Technology must also have the capability to allow the owner to change prices and program remotely, thus eliminating the need to travel to the health care facility. The following features are required: Guaranteed delivery This sub-system guarantees that an item has been dispensed when the machine believes it has dispensed the item. This prevents items from being regarded as sold or credited against a staff member s usage if the machine were to not vend an item. Alerting system - The machine would be programmed to send e-mail or SMS text messages when product inventory is low or if the machine is experiencing operational issues. Programmable anti-theft function Anti-tampering software would alert the owner of suspicious activity, power disconnection or change in behavior of the machine. Inventory control - Each machine would gather and store data about inventory, customer preferences, accounting, and sales. The business owner would be alerted when to replenish the machine or check accounting functions. The applicable NAICS code is 333318, Vending Machines Manufacturing. The machines may either be 100% fabricated or the capabilities required by the Veteran business owner may be met through modification of an already manufactured vending machine. In either case, the machine supplied must be new equipment. In order to determine the type of set-aside applicable to this procurement, the Department of Veterans Affairs must determine if any Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), or Small Businesses are capable of furnishing these machines. If your firm is a SDVOSB, VOSB, or other Small Business that manufacturers Vending Machines, or has the capability of modifying Vending Machines, please respond back to john.player2@va.gov with your firm s name, DUNS, point of contact, and a brief capabilities statement and/or other company literature. At this time, the Government is only seeking responses from SDVOSB/VOSB and other Small Businesses that manufacture or that are primarily engaged in the modification of vending machines.