DG10--36C255-26-AP-0917 VPN Ethernet Service to access LEADS 3.0 Marion VA Medical Center, Marion, IL
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 VA Heartland Network 15 Contracting Office, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified contractors for VPN Ethernet Service to access the Illinois Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS 3.0) at the Marion VA Medical Center, Marion, IL. This service will support the Police Desktop computer. Responses are due by February 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST.
Purpose
This Sources Sought Notice is for planning purposes only and is not a solicitation for bids, requests for quotations, or proposals. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice and will not pay for information submitted. The VA will use responses to inform its acquisition approach, statement of work, and performance specifications, and to assess the capabilities of potential Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB), 8(a), HubZone, and other Small Businesses.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a contractor to provide VPN ethernet service to enable access to the Illinois LEADS 3.0 system. This involves upgrading or retaining existing equipment to provide the necessary fiber, VPN line, and all other required items or software to establish a functional circuit. Crucially, this service must operate on its own network, separate from the VA network, due to the sensitive nature of law enforcement data associated with LEADS 3.0. Access will be exclusively through the state network via a VPN and the Police Desktop computer.
Information Requested from Interested Parties
Respondents must provide:
- Company Name, Address, Point of Contact, Phone, Fax, and Email.
- UEI number, CAGE Code, and Tax ID Number.
- Business size status (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB, HubZone, WOSB, Large Business) and confirmation of small business status under NAICS Code 517311 (Wired Telecommunications Carriers), which has a size standard of 1,500 employees.
- Indication of whether the company is a manufacturer, distributor, or offers an equivalent solution.
- Details on subcontracting plans, including estimated percentage breakdowns of self-performed work.
- Information on existing federal contracts (e.g., FSS GSA, NAC, NASA SEWP) and whether the proposed solution is available on those contracts.
- General pricing for market research purposes.
- A capability statement demonstrating qualifications and ability to perform the described work.
Set-Aside & NAICS
A total set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) firms is anticipated, based on Public Law 109-461, Section 8127. However, if SDVOSB responses are insufficient, an alternate set-aside or full and open competition may be considered. The applicable NAICS Code is 517311 - Wired Telecommunications Carriers, with a size standard of 1,500 employees.
Submission Details
Responses must be submitted via email to Erika Kobulnicky at Erika.Kobulnicky@va.gov. Telephone responses will not be accepted. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST.
Additional Notes
This is strictly a market research effort. Responding to this notice does not guarantee inclusion on a bidders list or receipt of a future solicitation. If a solicitation is issued, it will be announced separately, and interested parties must respond to that announcement independently.