6515--Sources Sought - Brand Name or Equal - Rauland Responder 5 Nurse Call System
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), Network Contracting Office 23 (NCO 23), is conducting a Sources Sought for market research to identify qualified sources capable of providing a Brand Name or Equal Rauland Responder 5 Nurse Call System. This effort aims to replace approximately 65% of the existing, obsolete Ascom nurse call system at the Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA. Responses are due by February 24, 2026, at 1700 Mountain Time.
Purpose & Scope
This Sources Sought is for market research to procure a Rauland Responder 5 Nurse Call System or an equivalent. The primary objective is to replace a failed Ascom nurse call system and integrate the new solution with the existing Rauland call System Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) server, Vocera, and Rauland Integration SIP Gateway Server. The scope includes:
- System Replacement: Replacing divested software and obsolete hardware of the Ascom system.
- Integration: Upgrading and integrating with existing Rauland infrastructure.
- Installation: Providing, installing, terminating, programming, and testing internal head-end equipment, associated cabling, and all required field devices.
- Demolition: Removing existing Ascom equipment.
- Programming: Installing, setting up, and configuring Rauland R5ware and R5 software.
- Server Provision: Providing new stand-alone server hardware and licensing for Rauland integration with the Vocera interface.
- Support: Providing documentation, training, and spare equipment.
Submission Requirements
Interested vendors must be an Authorized Distributor for Ametek or the manufacturer of an equal product. If offering an "equal" product, a demonstration of its ability to integrate with existing Rauland equipment (35%) will be required at the Iowa City VA Health Care System during the solicitation period. Responses must include:
- Company Name, Point of Contact, Email, Phone, and Unique Entity ID.
- Business Size (SDVOSB, VOSB, Small Business Other, Small Business, or Large Business) for NAICS 334290.
- GSA Contract or Federal Supply Schedule number (if applicable).
- Indication of Nonmanufacturer status for socio-economic small businesses.
- An Authorized Distributor Letter (if not the manufacturer).
- Comments/concerns regarding the DRAFT Statement of Work (SOW).
Contract Details
- NAICS Code: 334290 - Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (SBA Size Standard: 1,250 employees).
- Product/Service Code: 6515 - Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies.
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Priced, one-time supply contract with no option years (installation required).
- Set-Aside: This is a market research effort to identify qualified sources and their size classifications (SD/VOSB, Hub zone, 8(a), small, small disadvantaged, woman owned small business, or large business).
Important Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice only and does not constitute a solicitation or an obligation to procure. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response. Proprietary information should be clearly marked. A DRAFT SOW is attached for review.
Response Due: February 24, 2026, 1700 Mountain Time. Submit Responses To: Mr. Dennis Salmonsen, Contract Specialist, at dennis.salmonsen@va.gov.