7C20--Data Center and Telecommunications Modernization (VA-26-00039374)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to questions submitted by potential vendors regarding the Enterprise Data Center and Telecommunications Modernization (EDCTM) Request for Information (RFI) 36C10B26Q0218, Amendment 01.

• Facility Inventory: The VA does not have a complete list of all in-scope facilities due to the dynamic nature of its operating environment. However, it provided general estimates:
  • Approximately 170 VA medical centers with Campus Support Centers (CSCs), Telecommunications Rooms (TRs), and Entrance Rooms.
  • Three Core Data Centers (CDCs) in Austin, Philadelphia, and Martinsburg, WV.
  • Four Gateway collocation facilities.
  • Approximately 50 Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) locations with Network Support Centers (NSCs) and TRs.
  • Approximately 1,200 outpatient clinics with NSCs and TRs.
  • Other smaller VA facilities.
  • An estimated total of 10,000 individual telecommunications spaces.
  • Definitions for these spaces can be found in the VA’s Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces.
• Cloud Migration: Cloud migration is not intended to be supported by this requirement. The modernization effort is strictly limited to on-premises data center infrastructure standardization and refresh.

This Q&A clarifies the scope regarding cloud migration, confirming it is out of scope for this requirement. It also provides a general overview of the facility types and approximate numbers involved, which may help vendors in tailoring their RFI responses regarding recommendations and pricing.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Data Center and Telecommunications Modernization (VA-26-00039374) RFI. The RFI response date and time remain unchanged.

• The document contains attached RFI Questions and Answers.

• The RFI response date and time are not extended.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for market research and planning purposes related to the Enterprise Data Center and Telecommunications Modernization (EDCTM) initiative. The VA is seeking industry input on the best approach for structuring and executing this requirement, which aims to standardize and modernize VA's data center and telecommunications infrastructure. This RFI is not a Request for Quote or Proposal and does not commit the Government to any future contract.

The primary objectives for the anticipated procurement are:

• Standardize legacy and non-standard telecommunications and data center physical infrastructure.
• Identify and replace end-of-life or obsolete infrastructure components.
• Standardize inconsistent or site-unique installation practices.
• Update or complete design documentation and specifications.
• Eliminate infrastructure designs that increase operational risk, cost, or complexity.

Illustrative categories of deliverables include:

• Telecommunications and IT Infrastructure (e.g., equipment racks, structured cabling)
• Power and Electrical Infrastructure (e.g., PDUs, busway systems)
• Environmental and Cooling Infrastructure (e.g., CRAC units, containment solutions)
• Facilities and Life Safety (e.g., fire suppression, security components)

The VA anticipates awarding a firm fixed price Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) or an alternative ordering-based strategy. Deliverables are envisioned as hardware-led line items with bundled ancillary services (site survey, design, engineering, procurement, installation, testing, documentation) priced on a firm-fixed-price basis.

• Responses are due no later than 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, March 11, 2026.

• Questions are due no later than 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, March 4, 2026.

• Submissions should focus on concepts, approaches, and lessons learned, not marketing material.

• A page limit of 10 pages applies to the response. No marketing materials or generic capability statements will be accepted.

• Responses should include company information, technical approach, capabilities, and recommendations regarding pricing, standardization, contract vehicles, and small business participation.

• Interested vendors must provide company size and status, NAICS codes, socioeconomic data, and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

• Set-aside decisions may be made based on RFI responses.

• All costs associated with responding are at the vendor's expense.

• Submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

• The requirement may be delayed, canceled, or revised at any time.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (36C10B26Q0218) for Data Center and Telecommunications Modernization, identified by VA-26-00039374. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Acquisition Center, is seeking proposals for this requirement.

Specific requirements and deliverables are detailed in the attached documents, which are referenced in the "DESCRIPTION" section.

Not specified in the provided text.

• Response Date/Time/Zone: March 11, 2026, 2:00 PM Eastern Time, New York, USA.
• Archive: 99 days after the response date.

Not specified in the provided text.

• Solicitation Number: 36C10B26Q0218
• Product Service Code: 7C20
• NAICS Code: 541519
• Contracting Office Address: Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Acquisition Center, 23 Christopher Way, Eatontown NJ 07724.
• Point of Contact: Michelle Prinston, michelle.prinston@va.gov, 848-377-5343.
• Additional Information: Refer to the attachments to this notice for complete details.