THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)/SOURCES SOUGHT
DISCLAIMER
1. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked as proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.
2. The submission of pricing, capabilities for planning purposes, and other market information is highly encouraged and allowed under this RFI In Accordance With (IAW) FAR Part 15.201(e).
SOURCES SOUGHT DESCRIPTION: AudioCARE TM-Communicator & ACS-TM-Base
3. This is NOT a solicitation announcement. This is a RFI/sources sought only. The purpose of this sources sought/RFI is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification relative to NAICS 513210. Responses to this sources sought will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After reviewing the responses to this sources sought, a solicitation announcement may be published. Responses to this sources sought synopsis are not considered adequate responses for a solicitation announcement.
4. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VISN 15 Network Contracting Office, is seeking sources that can provide the following:
The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center has a requirement for patient-specific text messaging functionality to support communication with patients regarding ad hoc surveys, announcements, product shortages, product recalls, product conversions, delivery carrier interruptions, and other one-time or recurring operational notifications. This requirement is for additional software licenses and associated support services for the existing AudioCARE system in use at the facility. The requirement is a non-personal services contract, and contractor personnel shall remain accountable solely to the Contractor.
The facility currently uses an existing AudioCARE platform and requires the AudioCARE TM-COMMUNICATOR module to add Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging capability to the current system. The text messaging module performs a communication function similar to the existing AudioCOMMUNICATOR capability, except messages are transmitted through an SMS aggregator rather than the facility's private exchange. The Government requires continued licensing, maintenance, software support, and related technical services to keep the system operational, secure, and available for intended clinical and administrative communications.
Product
Quantity
AudioCARE TM-COMMUNICATOR
1
ACS-TM-Base
6
The Contractor shall ensure the covered products and any contractor-supported interfaces perform in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Support shall include, at a minimum, the following:
Software licensing for the covered products for the full period of performance.
Technical support is necessary to keep the AudioCARE products in intended working condition.
Replacement or restoration of integral software components when repair or correction is required to restore proper performance.
Manufacturer-provided software updates and upgrades required for continued operation.
Remote support services through the contractor's technical support center during standard business hours.
Unlimited telephone support during standard business hours.
On-site technical support by a qualified technician when remote support is insufficient and direct access is required to resolve the issue.
Scheduling and deployment of manufacturer-approved software patches for covered products.
Remote user training on AudioCARE hardware and software once during each period of performance.
Unlimited support for launching and reporting on surveys, announcements, and notifications using AudioCARE TM-COMMUNICATOR.
5. It is the responsibility of the interested source to demonstrate to the government that the interested parties can provide the supplies/services that fulfill the requirement. If you are interested and are capable of providing the sought-out services, please provide the requested information as well as the information indicated below. Failure to respond to all questions in this sources sought will determine the interested party as non-responsive which may affect a set-aside decision for a resulting solicitation. Response to this notice should include company name, address, point of contact, size of business pursuant to the following questions:
a. Please provide your UEI number.
b. Please indicate the size status and representations of your business, such as but not limited to: Service- Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), HUBZone, Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Large Business, etc.)?
c. Is your company considered small under the NAICS code identified under this RFI?
d. If you are identified as a SDVOSB/VOSB or SB, identify how you intend to meet the requirements found in the limitations on subcontracting FAR or VAAR clauses. (providing 51% of the work outlined in section 4 above)
e. Does your company have an FSS contract with GSA, VA NAC, NASA SEWP, or any other federal contract, that can be utilized to procure the requirement listed above? If so, please provide the contract number(s).
f. Please submit your capabilities that show clear, compelling, and convincing evidence that you can meet the requirement described above to include required licensing.
6. Responses to this notice shall be submitted via email to Lisa Fischer at Lisa.Fischer1@va.gov. Telephone responses shall not be accepted. Responses must be received no later than Friday September 4th, 2026, at 1700 CST. If a solicitation is issued it shall be announced at a later date, and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from the responses to this sources sought. Responses to this sources sought notice are not a request to be added to a prospective bidders list or to receive a copy of the solicitation.
