5820--HF Radios RFI Amendment 1
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify capable sources for a High Frequency (HF) Radio Network (HFRN). This initiative aims to establish a resilient, independent long-range communication capability for approximately 210 critical medical and support facilities nationwide. The network will serve as a "last-resort" during primary communication disruptions. Responses are due by April 2, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The VHA intends to procure equipment, installation, configuration, testing, and training for the HFRN, with a goal to have it fully operational by July 2027. The network must support secure (AES 256 encryption minimum), non-classified communications, including voice and data for PHI/PII sharing, and be interoperable with existing systems or federal crypto standards.
Requested Information
Respondents are asked to provide capability statements addressing:
- HF Radio Network Solutions: Hardware, features, technical specifications, interoperability, fixed/mobile/hybrid configurations, handset usability, secure communications, digital/analog capabilities, and site readiness.
- Installation and Integration Support and Deployment Strategy: Recommended configurations, turnkey vs. multivendor approaches, lead times, production capacity, and site survey processes.
- Training, Maintenance, and Support Services: End-user and technician training, post-installation support, warranty options, and 24-hour helpdesk.
- Corporate Capability: Experience with HF or emergency communications, past performance with large-scale federal deployments, and available contract vehicles.
- Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM): Detailed pricing estimates for equipment, installation, training, and support.
Submission Instructions
Interested vendors must submit:
- Company name, address, DUNS/UEI, business size/socioeconomic status, and NAICS codes.
- Confirmation for small businesses of performing at least 50% of the work.
- Point of contact information.
- A written response (maximum 20 pages) in PDF format, named "HFRadio_companyname.pdf".
- Email submissions to david.gabrysiak@va.gov and debra.clayton2@va.gov.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 2, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT
- Published: March 19, 2026
Additional Notes
This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The government will not pay for any costs incurred in response to this RFI. An attached Excel document, "VHA Facility Inventory HFRN.xlsx", provides a comprehensive list of VA facilities, their locations, and key personnel to aid bidders in understanding the operational footprint.