Award-watch & pipeline scan (Feb 9, 2026): VA mobile imaging pad award + fast-turn DLA RFQs + TOP 2028 draft RFP feedback window

Executive takeaway

This batch has three distinct plays: (1) an award notice for a VA construction requirement (useful for competitor/award intelligence, not bidding), (2) two DLA Aviation/Maritime proposed procurements where “approved sources” are called out (strong hint that non-approved vendors may face barriers), and (3) a Defense Health Agency second DRAFT RFP for TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) 2028 that is explicitly seeking industry comments as market research (a chance to shape the final requirement set).

What the buyer is trying to do

VA: close out a construction need (award already posted)

The VA notice is labeled Award Notice for “Construct Mobile Imaging Pad (VA-26-00014107)” under an SDVOSBC set-aside. For most firms, the value is in understanding what is getting bought, by whom, and under what procurement vehicle/number for future capture—not in responding.

DLA: fill specific NSN requirements with controlled technical data

Both DLA items are posted as proposed procurements with NSNs, quantities, and delivery destinations, and both state that specifications/drawings are not available in the notice. Each also lists approved sources, which often indicates a constrained competitive field or a need to qualify an alternate source.

DHA: validate TOP 2028 approach via draft RFP feedback

The TOP 2028 posting is explicit: the second DRAFT RFP is being released as market research to gather industry feedback and recommendations on requirements and approach. DHA notes it may revise documents based on comments and that submissions may be FOIA-releasable if not appropriately marked.

What work is implied (bullets)

• Construct Mobile Imaging Pad (VA): construction effort to create/modify a pad supporting mobile imaging operations (award notice indicates work is already awarded; exact scope should be validated in the original record/attachments if accessible).
• NSN 2915-00-588-8812 COVER, ADJUSTING HEA (DLA Aviation): supply of 142 EA to DLA Distribution Cherry Point; RFQ to be issued electronically; no hard-copy solicitation; no specs/drawings in the notice.
• NSN 4320-12-402-7532 PUMP, ROTARY (DLA Land and Maritime): supply of 2 EA to DLA Distribution San Diego; RFQ to be issued electronically; no hard-copy solicitation; no specs/drawings in the notice.
• TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) 2028 second DRAFT RFP (DHA): review draft volumes/attachments, identify gaps and risks, propose improvements/innovations, and submit written comments by the stated deadline; mark proprietary content appropriately due to FOIA considerations.

Who should bid / who should pass (bullets)

Bid if…

• You are an approved source (or a distributor for an approved source) for the specific DLA NSNs and can meet the stated quantities/delivery timeframes.
• You are positioned to contribute meaningful industry feedback for TOP 2028 (healthcare support services for TRICARE beneficiaries overseas) and want to influence the final solicitation approach.

Pass (or treat as capture intel) if…

• You were looking to pursue the VA mobile imaging pad: it is posted as an award notice, not a live competition.
• You are not an approved source for the DLA NSNs and do not have an alternate-source qualification path (the notice indicates constrained sources and no drawings/specs posted).
• You cannot support fully electronic quoting and tight RFQ cycles for DLA.

Response package checklist (bullets; if unknown say “verify in attachments”)

• DLA RFQs: submit quote electronically by the deadline shown in the notice; download the RFQ from the link provided in each notice (hard copies not available).
• DLA technical/basis of quote: verify required documentation and any source/traceability requirements in the RFQ (specifications/drawings are not available in the notice).
• TOP 2028 DRAFT RFP feedback package: prepare written comments/recommendations; mark proprietary information appropriately due to FOIA releasability; verify exact submission instructions and required format in attachments.
• VA award notice: no response package (track for award intel and future recompete planning).

Pricing & strategy notes (how to research pricing; do not invent pricing numbers)

• DLA NSN buys: build pricing using your recent sales history for the NSN (or closest part number), current material/lead-time realities, packaging/shipping to the specified DLA distribution location, and the RFQ’s delivery schedule. If you’re not the OEM, confirm your ability to meet any traceability/approved-source requirements within the RFQ.
• Approved-source signal: when the notice names approved sources, your pricing strategy should account for whether you can legitimately supply from those sources. If not, consider whether it is realistic to pursue qualification rather than compete on price alone.
• TOP 2028 (draft stage): there is no pricing request here; the “win” is positioning. Use this window to propose requirement clarifications, performance metrics, and risk-sharing/incentive ideas aligned to the draft documentation (verify in attachments), so your eventual pricing model is grounded in a realistic scope.

Subcontracting / teaming ideas (bullets)

• DLA items: if you are a small business without direct OEM status, consider teaming with an authorized/approved manufacturer or an established distributor that can meet any source approval constraints (verify in the RFQ).
• TOP 2028: assemble a comment response that reflects multiple perspectives (operations, compliance, beneficiary experience, overseas network execution). If you expect to prime later, use the draft feedback process to align potential teammates around key requirement interpretations (based strictly on the draft attachments).

Risks & watch-outs (bullets)

• DLA: the notice states specifications, plans, or drawings are not available—do not assume you can quote without the RFQ details and exact part identification/requirements.
• DLA: “approved sources” are explicitly listed; quoting without being able to supply from an approved source may result in a non-competitive/invalid quote.
• DLA: “quotes must be submitted electronically”—ensure your internal process supports the portal/file requirements and timing.
• TOP 2028: DHA notes responses may be releasable under FOIA unless appropriately marked; treat your submission as potentially public.
• TOP 2028: this is not a solicitation for proposals; avoid investing as if it were an RFP response—focus on actionable, bounded feedback tied to the draft documents.
• VA: labeled “Award Notice”—avoid wasted bid effort unless you are doing post-award market/competitor analysis.

Related opportunities

• Z1DA--Construct Mobile Imaging Pad (VA-26-00014107)
• 29--COVER,ADJUSTING HEA (NSN 2915005888812)
• 43--PUMP,ROTARY (NSN 4320124027532)
• TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) 2028 Second DRAFT RFP

How to act on this

1. For DLA notices, open the RFQ from the notice link and confirm approved-source eligibility, delivery schedule, and exact quote submission instructions.
2. For TOP 2028, download and review the second DRAFT RFP attachments; draft focused comments, and clearly mark any proprietary content before submission.
3. Log the VA award notice for market intelligence and future pipeline tracking.

If you want a second set of eyes on bid/no-bid decisions, RFQ compliance traps, or how to structure your TOP 2028 draft feedback for maximum influence, consider working with Federal Bid Partners LLC.