Enterprise Access Layer Switch – 48-Port Multigigabit
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), Office of Information & Technology, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify firms capable of providing Enterprise Access Layer Switches. Specifically, they are seeking information on 48-Port Multigigabit switches with PoE++, Layer 3 capabilities, and a 5-year maintenance support option. This is for information and planning purposes only, not a request for quotes or proposals. Responses are due by February 27, 2026.
Scope of Interest
The VA is seeking information on Enterprise Access Layer Switches that are TAA compliant and include all necessary power cords and software. Key technical specifications, detailed in the "Salient Specifications.xlsx" document, include:
- Chassis: Fixed configuration, 19-inch rack mountable, AC power, redundant power supplies.
- Packet Processor: Non-blocking Layer 2/3 switching, hardware-based IGMP Snooping & IPv6 MLD, minimum 32,000 MAC addresses.
- Port Interfaces: Minimum 36 access ports (100/1000/2500 Mbps) and 12 access ports (100/1000/2500/5000/10000 Mbps), modular uplink ports with SFP+ connectivity, 802.3af/at PoE support, and stacking capabilities for 9+ switches with 100Gb bidirectional stacking.
- Operating System: Support for IPv4/IPv6, OSPF, VRRP, PIM, BGPv4, L2 features (802.1q, LACP, Jumbo Frames), port security (802.1x, MAC Authentication Bypass), QoS, ACLs, NTP, Spanning Tree, FedRAMP authorization, and cloud-native management.
- Network Fabric Virtualization: VXLAN support as a leaf node.
- Licensing: Perpetual licensing for all features.
- Scaling: Management for 300 primary locations, 3000 sub-locations, and 50,000 network devices.
- Configuration Management: Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP), automated/manual configuration, misconfiguration prevention, change tracking.
- Telemetry, AAA, Programmability: Streaming telemetry, SSO integration, role-based access, REST API support.
Response Requirements
Interested parties should provide:
- Firm name, point of contact, phone, email, and Unique Entity ID (UEI).
- Business status (including small business type/certifications) and NAICS code (anticipated: 541519 Information Technology Value Added Resellers).
- Proposed contract vehicle (e.g., GSA, NASA-SEWP, Open Market).
- Informal Market Research Quote for planning purposes.
- Specifications for the product being offered.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified (for market research)
- Response Due: February 27, 2026, 7:00 PM EST
- Published: February 23, 2026
- Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
- Office: TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CENTER NJ (36C10B)
Additional Notes
This notice is solely for information and planning. It does not constitute a solicitation, nor does it commit the VA to any contract. The VA will not pay for information submitted. Not responding does not preclude participation in future solicitations.