7G21--Nurse Call System Replacement Request for Information Extending RFI and Posting QnAs

Amendment / Modification

• The RFI response due date has been extended to May 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

• All questions and answers resulting from the RFI's question-and-answer period have been posted.

• The Q&A portion of the RFI is now concluded.

• RFI Response Due Date

• Questions and Answers

• Bidders now have until May 4, 2026, to submit their RFI responses. The posting of Q&As indicates that no further questions will be accepted.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the nurse call system procurement.

• Calling Points: The requirement includes 220 bed, 105 shower, 130 toilet, and 20 stand-alone code blue calling points.
• Installation: J-hooks, existing cable trays, and conduit may be utilized. Abandoned device openings are to be blank plated. Reused conduit is acceptable.
• System Components: The existing nurse call system to be removed does not include a PA system. IP68 waterproof pull cords are required in bathrooms and wet areas. Anti-ligature devices from the same manufacturer are required in all mental health units.
• Code & Files: The government requires unlimited data rights to the uncompiled Crestron source code and configuration settings, which must be provided after installation.
• Compliance: ICRA Level 1 and 2 are considered sufficient for this project. The government's decision on Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act compliance will be based on the acquisition strategy and RFI results.
• NAICS Code: NAICS 541519 is considered appropriate for this nurse call system procurement.

The RFI response date has been extended through May 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a DRAFT PRODUCT DESCRIPTION for a "Brand Name or Equal Hillrom Voalte Nurse Call System" for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Birmingham VA Health Care System (BVHCS). It details the requirements for a new nurse call system, including installation, configuration, training, and support.

• System: Brand name or equal Hillrom Voalte nurse call system with code blue communication.

• Services: Staging, installation, termination/testing/labeling of cables, server/switch implementation, integration with 107 existing Hillrom beds, removal of the existing system, and post-installation inventory.

• Specific Components: Detailed lists of required components (Graphical Room Stations, System Reporting Services, Call Cords, Dome Lights, Push Button Switches, Room Control Boards, various cables, switches, UPS, etc.) are provided for multiple locations within the BVHCS.

• Salient Characteristics: The system must not use middleware for bed data, must be approved on the Medical Device Risk Assessment (MDERA), and the code blue system must provide specific information on a visual dashboard.

• Installation: Includes removal and replacement of existing components, adherence to codes and standards (NFPA, UL 1069, VA/ASHE), wiring infrastructure, system testing, and connection to the VA network (MD-LITE).

• Training: On-site clinical and technical training for VA staff, including quick reference sheets.

• Warranty & Support: 12-month manufacturer's warranty, 24/7/365 maintenance and technical support, including unlimited phone support and on-site service within 24 hours.

• Compliance: Adherence to Section 508 accessibility standards for ICT, VA Technical Reference Model (VA TRM), Zero Trust security controls, SSN reduction, IPv6 support, and specific security/privacy requirements.

• Requires a Contractor Project Manager (CPM) to liaise with the Government.

• Mandates a kick-off meeting within 60 days of award.

• Requires submission of a draft implementation project plan within 30 days of award.

• Detailed requirements for implementation plan, master delivery schedule, and inventory lists.

• Birmingham VA Medical Center, 700 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233.

This document outlines the comprehensive technical specifications, service requirements, and compliance obligations for a significant upgrade to the nurse call system at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. Bidders should review the detailed component lists, installation procedures, and support requirements to assess their capability to meet the VA's needs.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks market information to identify qualified contractors and specific brands of nurse call systems with integrated code blue communication capabilities. The primary goal is to find systems that can directly integrate with existing Hill-Rom hospital beds without middleware, relaying all required bed data to nurse stations via a visual dashboard. This RFI is for information gathering only and does not commit the government to a future solicitation or contract.

• Nurse call systems with code blue communication.

• Integration with existing Hill-Rom hospital beds without middleware.

• Capture and display of required bed data and patient/room data on a visual dashboard.

• Potential requirement includes staging, installation, termination/testing/labeling of cables.

• Consideration for "brand name or equal" Hillrom Voalte nurse call system.

• Proposed 'or equal' solutions must demonstrate integration capabilities and meet salient characteristics outlined in the Draft PD.

• Identify if 'or equal' solutions include Room Control Boards (RCB) capable of standalone operation during communication loss.

• NAICS Code: 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), Size Standard: 150 employees.

• The government is considering a potential requirement for brand name or equal Hillrom Voalte nurse call system, staging, installation, and related services.

• Responses are voluntary and will be used for market research and acquisition strategy development.

• No marketing materials or generic capability statements are allowed.

• Responses limited to 10 pages.

• Required information includes company details (Name, Address, POC, UEI, NAICS, Size/Status, SBA certification for VOSB/SDVOSB, Socioeconomic Category, Existing Contract Vehicles).

• Include a brief summary of technical capabilities, specifically addressing integration with Hill-Rom beds without middleware.

• Provide commercially available list pricing or Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for products/services.

• Indicate likelihood of responding to a future solicitation.

• Address sufficiency of the Draft PD and provide technical comments if necessary.

• SDVOSBs or VOSBs responding must indicate their intent and ability to meet set-aside requirements per VAAR 852.219-73 or 852.219-74.

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

• Questions due: April 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET.

• Responses due: April 30, 2026, 11:00 a.m. ET.

• Submit questions and responses via email to Richard.Melton2@va.gov and Diana.Armesto@va.gov.

• Subject line for questions: "36C10B26Q0355 BNE Hillrom Voalte Nurse Call System".

• Subject line for responses: "36C10B26Q0355 Nurse Call System".

• A Draft Product Description (PD) is attached to this RFI for additional details.

• All submissions become government property and will not be returned.

• Vendors are responsible for marking proprietary information.

• The government is not obligated to provide feedback or contact companies for clarification.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Information (RFI) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeking to identify qualified contractors and specific brands of nurse call systems. The system must be capable of integrating with existing Hill-Rom hospital beds without middleware to capture required bed data, along with other patient/room data. This information should be presented in a visual dashboard accessible from nurse station workstations.

• Nurse call system with a code blue communication capability.

• Integration with existing Hill-Rom hospital beds without middleware.

• Capture of all required bed data.

• Capture of other patient/room data.

• Provision of data in a visual dashboard.

• Dashboard accessed via workstations at nurse stations.

• Not specified in this RFI.

• This is an RFI, not a solicitation for proposals. The VA is gathering information.

• Response Date/Time/Zone: April 30, 2026, 11:00 AM Eastern Time, New York, USA.

• Not specified in this RFI.

• Solicitation Number: 36C10B26Q0355

• NAICS Code: 541519

• Product Service Code: 7G21

• Contracting Office Address: Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Procurement, Acquisition, and Logistics, Technology Acquisition Center, 23 Christopher Way, Eatontown NJ 07724.

• Place of Performance: 35233, USA.

• Point of Contact: Richard Melton, Contract Specialist, Richard.Melton2@va.gov, 512-981-4479.

• Referenced Documents: "P02 MR RFI Notice" and "P02 MR RFI Notice DRAFT PD" (attached).