R605--American Psychological Association (APA) Mental Health (MH) Database Subscription
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 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Program Contracting Activity Central (PCAC), has issued a Sources Sought Notice (36C776-26-AP-1114) for an American Psychological Association (APA) Mental Health (MH) Database Subscription. This RFI aims to gather information for planning purposes and to determine potential set-asides for a future requirement. Responses are due by Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST.
Scope of Work
The VA requires a contractor to provide enterprise-wide, web-based access to three specific APA Mental Health databases: PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and PsycBOOKS. These resources are intended to improve clinical decision-making across the VHA healthcare system. Key requirements include:
- Unrestricted, simultaneous user access from any web-enabled VHA computer, including remote users with VPN.
- Authentication via IP address validation, referrer URL, or federated access (no user login required), with LibLynx support for remote users.
- 508 compliance or a plan for achieving it.
- Compatibility with standard web browsers and Windows environments.
- 24/7 system accessibility with minimal downtime.
- Provision of training services on an as-requested basis.
- Delivery of enterprise and IP-level usage statistics.
- Ability for authorized users to share content via email among VA colleagues.
- Databases must include current editions of books and journal issues with no embargo period.
- Related patient education material is required.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), single award.
- Anticipated Duration: 12-month base period with four (4) 12-month option periods.
- Set-Aside: None specified; responses will assist VA in determining potential set-asides (e.g., Small Business, HUBZone, 8(a), SDB, WO, SDVOSB, VOSB) under NAICS code 519290 (Library Services).
- Response Due: March 19, 2026, 11:00 AM EST.
- Published Date: March 6, 2026.
Submission Requirements
Interested contractors capable of providing the listed APA databases in their entirety must submit:
- Company Name and Address, Point of Contact (Name, Email, Phone), and UEI Number.
- Indication of eligibility for small business programs.
- Confirmation of authorized reseller status for APA MH Database Subscription, with supporting documentation (no more than two years old).
- Information on whether the service is offered via a GSA contract (if yes, provide contract number).
- Explanation of ability to comply with Limitation on Subcontracting requirements (e.g., VAAR 852.219-75 for SDVOSB or FAR 52.219-14 for small business).
Responses should be emailed to Andrew Allen at Andrew.Allen6@va.gov. The email subject line must reference the Sources Sought Number, Project Identifier, and Project Title. Proprietary information should not be included.
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or an obligation on the part of the VA. Responses will not be returned, nor will respondents be notified of the Government's evaluation. No phone calls will be accepted.