U009-- Notice of Intent To Sole Source For The On Line Interactive Screening Program Veterans in Crisis
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 VAMC (613) VISN 5 Contract Satellite Office, has issued a Notice of Intent to Sole Source for an Online Interactive Screening Program for Veterans in Crisis. The VA intends to award this contract to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This program aims to enhance the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) chat service by providing an online, evidence-based assessment tool for veterans at risk of suicide. Interested parties must submit capabilities by March 7, 2026, 9:00 AM ET.
Scope of Work
The selected contractor will:
- Grant the VCL a license to use an online interactive screening program.
- Train VCL Chat Crisis Responders on program procedures.
- Provide ongoing technical assistance and support to the VCL.
- Collect and evaluate quantitative data related to the program.
- Develop, implement, and assist in evaluating an online, evidence-based assessment tool seamlessly linked to the VCL chat program. This tool must assess symptoms of depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions associated with suicidal behavior risk.
- Ensure the assessment tool is fully accessible from smartphones and mobile devices, and include a separate version for family members and advocates.
- Automate the classification of user submissions into four suicide risk tiers, routing them to a live Chat Crisis Responder.
- Implement an evaluation plan to measure tool utilization and outcomes, collaborating with VCL staff on data analysis and interpretation.
- Participate in presenting evaluation findings at conferences and in manuscripts.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Sole Source)
- Solicitation Number: 36C24526Q0302
- Product Service Code: U009 (Education Services)
- NAICS Code: 518210
- Set-Aside: Sole Source (intended for AFSP)
- Period of Performance: One base year (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027) with four one-year option periods, extending through March 31, 2031.
- Response Due: March 7, 2026, 9:00 AM ET
- Published: February 20, 2026
Justification & Submission
The VA's intent to sole source to AFSP is justified by AFSP's proprietary rights to the SCQ and its associated algorithm, and the potential risk to veterans' lives if an alternative vendor were used. Any interested party who believes they can meet these requirements must submit a capabilities statement to the contracting officer within 15 days of the notice publication.
Additional Notes
The VA will own all collected data and maintain purview over its analysis, interpretation, and presentation. The primary point of contact is Tara Davis, Contract Specialist, at tara.davis4@va.gov or (304) 263-0811.