6530--AbilityOne ETS Items Added to the AbilityOne Procurement List After 12/22/2006

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking information from service-disabled veteran owned small businesses (SDVOSB) or veteran owned small businesses (VOSB) authorized to distribute items that are Essentially the Same (ETS) as items added to the AbilityOne Procurement List after December 22, 2006. The purpose of this special notice is to identify 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. Respondents are required to provide technical documents, proof of authorization to distribute the items, and certification from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Some key points to consider include: • The definition of Essentially the Same (ETS) items, which includes form, fit, and function sufficient to enable interchangeability. • The requirement for SDVOSB or VOSB respondents to provide proof of authorization to distribute the items from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). • The need for respondents to complete and submit specific attachments, including Attachment I, II, or III, depending on their business type. • The encouragement for respondents to include relevant information, such as specifications, brochures, capability statements, and past experiences, to assist the VA in confirming the commercial items proposed are ETS.