ISI Annual Maintenance and Support - VISTARAD

Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition

This document justifies the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeking to award a firm-fixed-price contract for a brand-name Imagine Systems Inc Radiology (ISI Rad) client software license. This action will be issued open market via Contract Opportunities at SAM.gov.

• The VA requires a Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) application to replace the current VistARad application.

• The software must recognize and manipulate Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) images using C++ language for integration with VistA.

• The application must also integrate with the Indian Health Service (IHS) Resource Patient Management System (RPMS) for interoperability with patients in the IHS community.

• The proposed action is to obtain a single VISN-wide software license.

• Contract type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of performance: Base year with two 12-month option periods.

• This action will be synopsized on the Contracting Opportunities Page.

• Any proposals received will be evaluated.

• The statutory authority cited permits other than full and open competition, specifically "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."

• The VistARad application's image manipulation toolkit will be unavailable after December 31, 2022.

• ISI Rad is identified as the only COTS solution that meets all VA's functional requirements, including integration with VistA and IHS RPMS without development effort.

• Failure to procure ISI Rad would leave VHA Radiologists without a diagnostic tool, impacting primary diagnostic interpretations and potentially delaying patient care and safety.

• Procuring an alternative or developing a solution internally is estimated to cost over $1M and take over a year, duplicating existing functionality.

• Existing clinical workflows would be disrupted.

• Market research has been ongoing since 2013, including reviews of industry publications and web-based research.

• Alternative software reviewed (e.g., Laurel Bridge DICOM® Connectivity Framework, DCM4CHE DICOM toolkits, PACs) would require significant development to integrate with VistA and IHS RPMS, and lack the necessary verification, validation, and patching capabilities.

• No other sources were identified that could meet the government's requirements.

• The government will continue market research to enable future full competitions.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation (Request for Quote - RFQ) for the "ISI Rad License, Annual Support and Maintenance" from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA requires this commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution to continue diagnostic radiology interpretations for VA Medical Center Radiology Departments, for exam exports, workload management, and remote comparison exams. It also serves as a backup for their Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).

• ISI Rad Enterprise License Yearly Maintenance and Support: For 1 enterprise license.

• Optional Tasks:

  • On-site training per site as needed (days, including travel expenses).
  • Remote Virtual Training per session.

• The services are required in accordance with the "ISI Rad License, Annual Support and Maintenance" Product Description dated November 26, 2025.

• Compliance with VA's Technical Reference Model (VA TRM), VA Critical Security Controls, and Section 508 accessibility standards for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is required.

• Offerors must provide evidence of product registration/qualification/designation for EPEAT, Energy Star, and FEMP for sustainable products.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance:

  • Base: February 10, 2026 – February 9, 2027
  • Option 1: February 10, 2027 – February 9, 2028
  • Option 2: February 10, 2028 – February 9, 2029

• The total contract duration, including options, shall not exceed 36 months.

• RFQ Number: 36C10B26Q0112

• Offer Due Date: February 13, 2026, 13:00 PM, Central Standard Time.

• Submission Method: Via SAM website and email to Shakiya.Harris@va.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical and Past Performance are more important than Price.

• Offerors must submit a quote on an "all or none" basis.

• This acquisition is listed as "UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: NAICS: 541512, SIZE STANDARD: $30 Million."

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and VAAR clauses related to contract terms, conditions, security, privacy, and information technology requirements.

• Points of Contact are provided for the VA Program Manager, Contracting Officer's Representative, and Contracting Officer.