DA01--RFI - Virtual Emergent and Urgent Care Network (VA-26-00045329)

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information on a "Virtual Emergent and Urgent Care Network" (VF2F) to enhance access to care for Veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) aims to leverage virtual care to manage emergent and urgent medical needs, potentially reducing unnecessary emergency department visits. The solution should be interoperable with existing VHA systems.

• Software Platform: Must manage all aspects of virtual encounters, including triaging, patient tracking, communication, and documentation. It needs to be intuitive, support various clinical languages, and operate across the enterprise. Key features include:
  • Support for multiple acuity queues (high, intermediate, low).
  • Real-time escalation protocols for critical cases.
  • Ability to support 500,000 annual virtual care visits, with potential for 5 million annually.
  • Bidirectional data exchange with Federal EHRs (CPRS, Oracle/EHR), VistA, and other VHA platforms.
  • Integration with tools like Clinical Decision Support, Joint Legacy Viewer, and FHIR APIs.
  • Real-time charting, documentation (potentially AI-assisted), and order placement.
  • Tracking of lab and imaging studies, and scheduling of follow-up visits.
  • Built-in care team communication tools and real-time patient tracking displays.
  • Facilitation of prescribing medications and integration with VHA pharmacies.
  • Support for a validated Decision Support Tool (DST) or integration with one like ClearTriage.
  • Multi-modal communication (video, phone, chat, text) with Veterans.
  • Capture of data for key performance indicators.
  • Generation of real-time operational dashboards.
  • A knowledge portal for VHA and community resources.
• Staffing Models and Delivery Structure: Solutions should allow for staffing by VHA employees, contract staff, or a mix. The system must be accessible 24/7/365 across all states and territories. Vendors are encouraged to propose regional or national coverage strategies. The system should provide training modules and aim for an 85% or greater overall satisfaction score from Veterans. Wait times for initial contact with an emergency care clinician should not exceed 5 minutes, with subsequent waits for triage to a Licensed Independent Provider (LIP) under 10-15 minutes. Providers must be appropriately certified, with emergency medicine competency. The system should aim to resolve acute care concerns virtually in over 50% of cases and ensure that no more than 10% of Veterans experience a subsequent ED visit within 7 days of a virtual encounter.

This is a Request for Information (RFI), not a solicitation. The VHA is seeking information to inform future procurement.

Not applicable for an RFI.

Not applicable for an RFI.

This document outlines detailed requirements for a virtual emergent and urgent care network, focusing on both the software platform and the operational/staffing aspects. It references specific VHA systems and standards for integration.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is for planning purposes only to gather information for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in developing its acquisition strategy for a next-generation national virtual care model. The model aims to provide acute, unscheduled, urgent, or emergent care to up to 4 million Veterans annually, determining if care can be managed virtually or requires in-person attention. It seeks to expand options for Veterans far from facilities or preferring home care, and reduce low-value emergency visits.

The VA is seeking information on capabilities for a "Virtual Emergent and Urgent Care Network." Responses should address:

• A provider-facing software platform.
• Staffing models and delivery structure.
• How proposed solutions meet requirements outlined in "Attachment 1 - Virtual Emergent and Urgent Care Network Requirements."
• Information on plans, estimated costs, and timelines for any unmet requirements.
• Corporate experience and references.

This RFI is not a solicitation and does not obligate the government to acquire any products or services. No funds have been authorized for this effort, and no payment will be made for responses.

• Responses are due by 3:00 p.m. ET on March 27, 2026.
• Submit responses via email to ioannis.vardouniotis@va.gov and elena.juliano@va.gov.
• The subject line must include "Virtual Emergent and Urgent Care Network Requirements."
• Responses are limited to 15 pages. Marketing materials are not allowed.
• Generic capability statements will not be accepted.
• Responses should clearly indicate how solutions meet or do not meet each requirement in Attachment 1.
• Mark responses as "Proprietary Information" if business sensitive.
• Email file size shall not exceed 25 MB.

Set-aside decisions may be made based on the information provided in response to this RFI.

• The VA may use the information provided to develop its acquisition strategy and Performance Work Statement/Product Description.
• Information submitted becomes government property and will not be returned.
• The requirement may be delayed, canceled, or revised at any time.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to gather information regarding a potential "Virtual Emergent and Urgent Care Network." The solicitation number is 36C10B26Q0221.

• Response Date: March 27, 2026, 3:00 PM Eastern Time, New York, USA.
• NAICS Code: 513210 (Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services).
• Product Service Code: DA01 (Cost Analysis Services).
• Contracting Office: Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Acquisition Center, 23 Christopher Way, Eatontown NJ 07724.
• Point of Contact: Elena Juliano (Contract Specialist) at elena.juliano@va.gov or 848-377-5194.

Vendors should refer to the following attached documents for detailed requirements:

• Request for Information_Virtual Emergent and Urgent Care Network_Final
• RFI_Attachment 1 - Virtual Emergent and Urgent Care Network Requirements_Final

This is a Request for Information only, not a solicitation for offers. The VA is seeking market research to inform potential future acquisition strategies.