There is a group in VA who are working on setting up a contract for the supply of PDAC (A5500) approved therapeutic footwear and related A5510/A5512 compliant inserts to VA. A Request for Information (RFI) has been released and is located here:

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/3b107b6e53914e59afcaaa6fbd331dd9/view

An RFI is sent out when the government is asking for the industry’s assistance in defining what will eventually become the requirements when actual bids are being sought (a Request for Quotation is released). It provides some details about what they are seeking and asks for input from the industry regarding capabilities and some other key questions.

They are trying to identify what the industry can truly be expected to be able to provide along with information about sources who would be interested in providing bids to do so. That helps determine whether expectations are reasonable and if they can anticipate that there will be a sufficient number of vendors able to provide what they want. This allows adjustments to be made prior to sending out the actual solicitation for bids.

This RFI will be followed soon by an invitation for interested vendors to participate face-to-face in an Industry Days event where they will have the opportunity to show the government team shoes that meet the qualifications we have specified and discuss their capabilities. Information regarding the dates, location and requirements to be given a time slot at the Industry Days will be released later.

This group within the VA is trying to reach out to the widest audience possible. The timelines are tight, however. Responses must be received by 3:00 PM EST on February 2, 2026.

This will positively impact the care of Veterans across the country and providing this is a valuable benefit to diabetic therapeutic footwear vendors.

Anna Norcross
email: anna.norcross@va.gov

Attachments/Links:
https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/3b107b6e53914e59afcaaa6fbd331dd9/view