VA Black Hills Health Care
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 Technology Acquisition Center Austin (36C10A), is conducting a Sources Sought to identify qualified firms capable of providing Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) voice and data communications services for the VA Black Hills Health Care system in South Dakota. This effort aims to centralize management and reduce telecommunications expenses. Responses are due January 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
This requirement covers the provision of LEC voice and data services, including Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) Line Flat Rate, Primary Rate Integrated Services Digital Network (PRI) ISDN, Direct Inward Dialing (DID), and Caller ID on PRI. The contractor must own the services/infrastructure, with VA designated as the customer of record. Qwest Networx must be the designated long-distance carrier for all voice services. Electronic submission of invoices via the VA OB-10 system or approved EDI software is mandatory. All disconnect or discontinuation requests must stop billing within 30 days, and VA accounts must be identified as Federal Government accounts, not subject to disconnect except by Government request.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Duration: Twelve months from date of award with four (4) 12-month option periods. The Base Period is anticipated from April 2, 2026, to April 1, 2027.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: January 23, 2026, at 22:00Z.
- Published: January 20, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Hot Springs VAMC (500 N 5th Street, Hot Springs, SD 57747) and Pine Ridge Clinic (1201 US Hwy 18 / 403 Veteran Avenue, Pine Ridge, SD 57770).
Performance Standards
Key performance metrics include a Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) of 4 hours for service outages and 72 hours for degraded service. Customer support must be 24/7/365 via a toll-free number, with CONUS-based, English-fluent representatives. Telecommunication availability is set at 99.9% uptime, with response times of 1 hour for major failures and 4 hours for minor failures. Service restoration is required within 24 hours.
Special Requirements
Contractor personnel must comply with all VA security directives (e.g., VA Directive 0710, VA Handbook 6500 series) and may require escorts within VA facilities. All Electronic and Information Technology (EIT) must comply with Section 508 standards. Quarterly Contract Status Reports are required, and invoicing must adhere to specific VA requirements. Contractor travel is not required for this effort.
Market Research Workbook
Bidders must utilize "Attachment 1 Market Research Technical Workbook.xlsx" to provide specific "yes" or "no" responses regarding their ability to provide required services to designated Service Delivery Points (SDPs). This workbook is crucial for assessing and reporting capability for each service line item and location, directly impacting evaluation.