7A21--Award #: 36C10B26F0044 EHRM AudioCare Licenses (VA-26-00009741)
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 Technology Acquisition Center NJ, has awarded a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) task order for EHRM AudioCare Licenses, a one-time system upgrade, and annual license maintenance support services to Payton Merger Sub II LLC (dba AudioCARE). The award, valued at $98,018.60, was made on January 22, 2026, under GSA FSS contract 47QTCA22D00CM. This action was justified as a limited source procurement due to the proprietary nature and critical integration of the AudioCARE system within the VA's Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) environments.
Scope of Work
The awarded contract covers:
- A one-time system upgrade for the AudioCARE system.
- Annual license maintenance support services for the AudioCARE system.
Contract & Timeline
- Award Number: 36C10B26F0044
- Award Amount: $98,018.60
- Award Date: January 22, 2026
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) task order
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Awardee: Payton Merger Sub II LLC (dba AudioCARE)
- Period of Performance:
- System Upgrade: 90 calendar days from award.
- Licensing & Support (Base Period): November 21, 2025 - November 20, 2026.
- Includes four (4) 12-month option periods for licensing and support.
Justification for Limited Source Award
The award was justified under FAR 8.405-6(a)(1)(i)(B) due to the unique and specialized nature of the AudioCARE system. AudioCARE is critical for the VA's Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM-IO), being fully integrated, authorized, and functional within current EHRM environments. Replacing the system would incur significant costs ($1.5M-$2.3M), require extensive new certifications, and cause substantial delays (6-9 months), potentially disrupting automated Veteran notifications, medication adherence, and continuity of care. Payton Merger Sub II LLC (dba AudioCARE) is the sole manufacturer and distributor of its proprietary products, with no other entities capable of providing the required support or accessing the source code for configuration.
Market Research
Market research included an RFQ posted to the NASA SEWP GWAC (July 30 - August 6, 2025), which yielded no responses. Further research via SAM.gov, GSA eLibrary, and GSA Advantage confirmed Payton Merger Sub II LLC as the sole owner/distributor. The vendor also confirmed their exclusive capability via email on October 14, 2025.