Q999--New Requirement (FY2027) | Service Dogs Health Insurance | Prosthetic Sensory Aid Services (PSAS)

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aims to provide veterinary health insurance and wellness coverage for Service Dogs owned by eligible Veterans. This initiative seeks to ensure Service Dogs remain in optimal condition, relieve Veterans of financial and administrative burdens associated with their care, and improve the efficiency of providing veterinary services.

• Provide comprehensive veterinary health insurance and wellness coverage for VA-approved Service Dogs.

• Coverage is for privately owned Service Dogs, not VA-owned.

• The number of eligible Service Dogs may fluctuate.

• Coverage applies regardless of the dog's age, breed, geographic location, or pre-existing medical condition.

• The policy must not require out-of-pocket expenses for the Veteran, except for costs exceeding the policy's maximum authorized amount.

• The contractor will directly reimburse veterinarians for covered services.

• The contractor must provide a detailed transition-in plan.

• The contractor must provide a transition-out plan at least 60 days prior to contract expiration.

• Monthly reports are required, detailing claims paid, denied claims, costs, and dog population data.

• Annual reports are required, summarizing vaccinations, examinations, sick/injured services, and changes in the Service Dog population.

• A toll-free, 24-hour emergency customer hotline must be available.

• A dedicated account manager must be provided, with a 24-business hour response time for inquiries.

• Performance Period: One 12-month base period, four 12-month option periods, and one 6-month option period.

• Place of Performance: Throughout the United States (U.S.) and all U.S. territories.

• Compliance with Title 38 CFR § 17.148 and applicable HIPAA and Privacy Act regulations.

• Veterinarians reimbursed must be licensed in their respective states.

• The contractor must ensure government access to records for fit-for-service determinations.

• The VA retains exclusive authority to add or delete dogs from coverage.

• The contractor must provide policy information to Veterans within 15 calendar days of coverage activation.

• All contract personnel must sign a Certificate of Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a Request for Quote (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC) is seeking qualified sources to provide Health Insurance for Service Dogs for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Prosthetic Sensory Aid Services (PSAS) organization. The goal is to determine the interest and capability of businesses for NAICS code 524128 – Other Direct Insurance (except Life, Health, and Medical) Carriers.

• Health Insurance for Service Dogs owned by U.S. Military Veterans.

• Services are to be provided throughout the U.S.

• Period of Performance: To Be Determined.

• This is a Sources Sought Notice, not an invitation to bid.

• The government will use responses to make acquisition decisions regarding the type of solicitation and advertisement method.

• All business sizes are invited to respond.

• Interested Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business, Small Business, and Large Business offerors must be registered and verified in their respective coordinating databases.

• Responses must include Contractor’s Unique Entity ID (SAM), firm name, address, phone, and point of contact.

• Responses are due by May 20, 2026, 03:30 PM EST.

• Points of Contact for responses: Katelyn Wardman (Katelyn.Wardman@va.gov) and Max Andrade (Max.Andrade@va.gov).

• An attached document titled "Service Dogs Health Insurance PWS" is referenced.