RFI - Veterans Affairs Co-located Hosting Services (CHS)
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 (OIT), Connectivity & Collaboration Services (CCS) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Co-located Hosting Services (CHS). This RFI seeks industry feedback for a like-for-like transition of existing CHS at VA’s Gateway North (Chicago, IL) and Gateway East (Sterling, VA) locations, with a roadmap towards a modern CHS solution. This is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses are due by April 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Scope
The VA is conducting market research to identify qualified sources capable of providing comprehensive co-located hosting services. The requirement involves transitioning current services and exploring future modernization. The RFI aims to gather information on industry capabilities, acquisition recommendations, and potential cost estimates.
Key Requirements
Respondents should demonstrate capabilities in providing:
- Co-location Facilities: Secure data center space for Government Furnished Equipment (GFE).
- Technical Standards: Adherence to TIA-942-B Rated 3 standards for facilities, power, cooling, connectivity, and security.
- Location Specifics: Proximity to Sterling, VA (within 30 miles) and Chicago, IL (within 30 miles), with considerations for distance from airports and railways.
- Infrastructure: Redundant utility feeds, N+1 redundant PDUs (up to 200 Watts/sq. ft.), ASHRAE Class A cooling, zoned fire suppression.
- Connectivity: Tier 1 IP backbone, carrier-neutral, supporting up to 100Gbps bandwidth, Trusted Internet Connections (TIC).
- Security: 24x7 staffing, mantraps, dual-factor authentication, 24x7 surveillance, lockable cabinets.
- Support Services: 24x7 on-site smart hands, Network Operations Center (NOC), managed shipping/receiving, on-call electricians and technicians.
- Ancillary Features: Staging areas, conference rooms, office space, secure storage, breakrooms, cots, showers, Wi-Fi, crash carts.
Submission Details
- Response Deadline: April 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.
- Submission Method: Email to
TAC-AProcurementTeamE@va.govwith the subject line "VA CHS- [Your company Name]". Email size limit is 5 MB; no zipped files. - Response Content: A capability statement (maximum 20 pages) addressing:
- Company Information (UEI, business size, POC)
- Acquisition Recommendations (GWACs, FSS, NAICS, contract type, evaluation discriminators)
- Technical Expertise (service approach, scalability, solution summary, processes, risk management, transition assistance, SLA metrics, timelines, case studies, prime contractor experience, compliance, industry standard feedback)
- Cost Estimate (ROM pricing for CHS, implementation, project management, transition)
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This RFI is for market research; no set-aside is applicable for the RFI itself. Responders should address NAICS 518210 (Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services) with a Small Business Size Standard of $40.0M.
Additional Notes
This is an RFI, not a solicitation. The VA is not seeking quotes or proposals and will not form a contract based on this notice. Responses will not be returned, and all costs incurred by responders are their responsibility. SAM.gov is the sole repository for information.