6515--Automated Asset Management using RFID and BLE (VA-26-00044895)

Pre-solicitation Notice / Request for Information (RFI)

This document serves as a pre-solicitation notice and a response to a Request for Information (RFI) for Solicitation 36C10B26R0017. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is planning to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Automated Asset Management Using Passive Radiofrequency for Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 21. The goal is to maintain, expand, and enhance the existing Automated Asset Management Platform (AAMP) across VISN 21 facilities.

• Integration of Zebra® Passive Radiofrequency Identification (RFID), CenTrak® Active RTLS technologies, and the AgileRank® aRTLS mobile application.

• Provisioning of hardware, software, and professional services for system design, installation, configuration.

• Interoperability with VA enterprise systems including AEMS/MERS, IBM Maximo®, and Nuvolo.

• This acquisition will be a single-award IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contract.

• The VA anticipates 1-3 task orders under the base ordering period.

• The contract will be firm-fixed-price.

• The formal solicitation is expected to be posted on or around May 15, 2026.

• The response date for the solicitation is May 15, 2026, 14:00 Central Time.

• Specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in this notice.

• This acquisition is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs).

• AgileRank aRTLS: VA SaaS Marketplace has public information; other details are proprietary to AgileRank.

• CDW Integration: Integration is UI to CDW; data delivery should be at least daily.

• Maximo vs. Nuvolo: Nuvolo is authoritative for lifecycle management and work orders.

• UAT Sampling: PWS states contractor provides methodology; UAT sampling will use statistical methods for >95% accuracy.

• IPv6 Adoption: Target completion is 2027 for all VISN 21 Health Care Systems.

• Meetings/Demos: Not permitted prior to solicitation release to ensure fair access.

• Task Orders: Anticipates 1-3 task orders; will be a single-award IDIQ.

• Subcontracting Goals: Requirements may vary per task order; no specific goals stated here.

• AAMP Status: CenTrak is 100% operational; Zebra is 100% operational at specific sites (Las Vegas, Palo Alto, Fresno, Mather).

• Knowledge Transfer: No formal knowledge transfer planned; offerors expected to have insight via OEM relationships.

• BLE Infrastructure: Site assessment is outlined in the PWS.

• On-site Presence: PWS does not outline staffing; it's performance-based.

• Key Personnel: Yes, specific positions will depend on task order requirements.

• Security Clearance: Contractor personnel require Tier 1, PIV eligibility, and necessary elevated privileges.

• OEM Licensing: PWS outlines requirements for teaming agreements with relevant OEMs.

• Proposal Costs: Government cannot provide direction on proposal structuring.

• This notice is for planning and informational purposes only and does not commit the VA to procure any supply or service.

• Previous Sources Sought Announcements contain background information.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for Automated Asset Management using RFID and BLE (VA-26-00044895) from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Acquisition Center.

Not explicitly detailed in the provided text, but the subject indicates a need for automated asset management solutions utilizing RFID and BLE technologies.

• Contract type, period of performance, and estimated value are not specified in this excerpt.

• Response Deadline: March 17, 2026, 2:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Responses must be submitted electronically to Juan C Perez at Juan.perez5@va.gov.

• Other Methods: Information submitted by any other method will not be considered.

• Set-Aside: SDVOSBC (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business).

• Solicitation Number: 36C10B26R0017

• NAICS Code: 541519

• Product Service Code: 6515

• Contracting Office: Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Acquisition Center, Eatontown, NJ 07724.

• Point of Contact: Juan C Perez, Contract Specialist, Juan.Perez5@va.gov, 512-981-4467.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for maintaining, expanding, and enhancing the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) existing Automated Asset Management Platform (AAMP). The goal is to integrate Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies to bridge the gap between active Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) and passive Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) solutions, providing real-time location information for medical equipment, staff, and patients.

The contractor will provide professional services, hardware, and software for the AAMP. Key areas include:

• Technology and Project Management: Developing a Master Project Plan, stakeholder engagement, and tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Requirements and System Design: Workflow discovery, architecture design for RTLS/RFID/BLE integration, coverage mapping, and data modeling.
• Procurement and Staging: Sourcing and preparing hardware and software.
• Installation and Deployment: Site readiness, hardware installation, asset tagging, and zone configuration.
• Integration with Enterprise Systems: Integrating with existing systems like Infor LBI®, CenTrak ConnectCore®, Zebra MotionWorks®, and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)/Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) platforms.
• BLE Enablement: Beacon placement, calibration, and mobile app integration.
• Data Governance and Cybersecurity: Ensuring HIPAA compliance, encryption, and adherence to VA security standards.
• Testing and Validation: Performing factory and site acceptance tests.
• Training and Change Management: Developing and delivering training materials.
• System Administration: Providing database and system administration services.
• Acceptance Testing: Conducting performance and user acceptance testing.
• Transition Planning: Transferring operational responsibilities to VA staff.
• Training Requirements: Delivering on-site or remote training sessions.
• Warranty Services: Providing one-year manufacturer's warranty and help desk support.

Performance will be evaluated based on Technical Needs, Project Milestones and Schedule, Project Staffing, and Value Added. Key metrics include understanding requirements, efficient task completion, meeting technical needs, timely milestone achievement, adequate staffing, and delivering valuable services and quality products. Specific performance standards include achieving at least 95% room-level location accuracy.

The contract is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The ordering period is three (3) years from the award date, with a period of performance (PoP) for each task order up to 12 months beyond the ordering period. Places of performance will be identified in individual Task Orders, potentially including various VA Health Care Systems (HCS) locations nationwide.

• Technology Compatibility: Hardware must be compatible with existing RTLS, RFID, and BLE technologies. Software must integrate seamlessly and ensure data integrity across systems.
• Teaming and Reseller Requirements: Contractors must maintain formal teaming agreements or authorized reseller status with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
• Security and Privacy: Strict adherence to VA cybersecurity policies, including FIPS compliance, PIV card enablement, and data protection measures, is required. Background investigations for personnel will be required based on position sensitivity.
• Energy Efficiency: Procurement of IT products must comply with ENERGY STAR, FEMP designated, low standby power, and EPEAT registered product guidelines.
• Accessibility: All electronic and information technology must comply with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Sources Sought / Request for Information

This notice is for planning purposes to identify qualified contractors capable of providing Automated Asset Management Using Passive Radiofrequency for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 21. The VA seeks to maintain, expand, and enhance its existing Automated Asset Management Platform (AAMP) across VISN 21 facilities.

• Integration of Zebra® Passive Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) systems, CenTrak® Active RTLS technologies, and the AgileRank® aRTLS mobile application.

• Provisioning of hardware, software, and professional services for system design, installation, configuration, and interoperability with VA enterprise systems (AEMS/MERS, IBM Maximo®, Nuvolo).

• The effort includes sustaining the current system, extending coverage with Bluetooth® Low Power (BLE), configuring existing hardware, and re-configuring system software as outlined in the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS).

• Responses are limited to 10 pages.

• Include company's technical capabilities, COTS vs. customization details, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) if applicable.

• Provide commercially available list pricing or ROM, including quantities and unit pricing.

• Identify company name, address, email, telephone, and point of contact.

• Include DUNS number, CAGE code, and socioeconomic status (SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, etc.).

• Specify if the company is an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or reseller.

• Identify existing contract vehicles (GSA, SEWP, GWAC, etc.) within scope.

• Indicate likelihood of responding to a future solicitation.

• Small businesses must include intent and ability to meet set-aside requirements (SDVOSB/VOSB).

• Responses must be submitted electronically to Juan C Perez at Juan.perez5@va.gov.

• Deadline: March 17, 2026, by 2:00 PM EST.

• This notice is set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBC).

• Responding SDVOSBs/VOSBs must demonstrate intent and ability to meet set-aside requirements (at least 50% performance by eligible concerns) and provide VA Center for Verification and Evaluation verification.

• This is a Sources Sought Notice only, for planning purposes. It is not an Invitation for Bid, Request for Task Execution Plan, Request for Quotation, or Request for Proposal.

• No contract award is guaranteed, and no payment will be made for information submitted.

• Potential offerors are responsible for monitoring the Governmentwide Point of Entry for additional information.

• A draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) is referenced as an attachment.