DG11--VEText Messaging Services (VA-25-00009147)
ID: 36C10B25Q0056Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OFVETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OFTECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CENTER NJ (36C10B)EATONTOWN, NJ, 07724, USA

NAICS

Other Computer Related Services (541519)

PSC

IT and Telecom - Network: Satellite Communications and Telecom Access Services (DG11)

Set Aside

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside (FAR 19.14) (SDVOSBC)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking information from qualified vendors to provide a commercial telecommunications short message service (SMS) gateway for its VEText Messaging Services initiative, aimed at enhancing appointment reminders for Veterans. The objective is to enable Veterans to confirm or cancel medical appointments via text messages, integrating seamlessly with the VA's existing VistA scheduling system to improve communication and reduce appointment "no-shows." This Request for Information (RFI) is purely for planning purposes and does not obligate the government to procure any services; interested vendors must submit detailed capability statements, including company information and proposed solutions, by 10:00 AM EST on November 8, 2024, to the designated VA contacts. Responses should adhere to a 10-page limit and include a Rough Order of Magnitude estimate for pricing models, with no funds currently authorized for this effort.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Christopher KnightContract Specialist
    christopher.knight2@va.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is soliciting information for a commercial SMS gateway service under the VEText initiative (VA-25-00009147). The goal is to enable Veterans to receive appointment reminders and manage their medical appointments via text messages, integrated with the VistA scheduling system. This Sources Sought Notice is purely informational and does not solicit bids or proposals; no obligation or funds are associated with this request. Interested parties are invited to provide detailed responses explaining their capabilities, including company details, a proposed solution, pricing models, and any technical recommendations related to the draft Product Description (PD). The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) associated with this requirement is 541519, focusing on Information Technology Value Added Resellers. Responses are due by 10:00 AM EST on November 8, 2024, via specified email addresses, emphasizing the need for specific and relevant capability statements. This request underscores the VA's commitment to improving appointment management and communication with Veterans through modern technology solutions.
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding VEText Messaging Services, specifically aimed at enhancing SMS appointment reminders for Veterans. The RFI seeks capable vendors to provide a telecommunications short message service gateway that integrates with the VA's existing scheduling system, allowing Veterans to confirm or cancel medical appointments via text. This document is a modification to a previous notice, clarifying that the RFI is intended only for planning purposes and does not obligate the government to procure services. Interested vendors are required to submit detailed responsive information, including company size, proposed solutions, and pricing models, while adhering to a 10-page limit. The responses are due by November 8, 2024, and must be emailed to designated VA contacts. The initiative is part of the VA's aim to improve healthcare access and communication with Veterans through technology solutions, indicating a focus on integrating innovative practices within the existing framework. Vendors are encouraged to specify their categorization under NAICS code 541519 and outline their technical capabilities in detail to support the VA's needs.
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking information on commercial telecommunications SMS gateway services to enhance its VEText system, which sends appointment reminders to Veterans and allows appointment confirmations or cancellations via text. This Request for Information (RFI) serves solely for planning and is not a solicitation for bids or proposals; thus, no payment will be provided for responses. The initiative aims to alleviate the issue of "no-shows" at VA medical facilities, which hampers care efficiency and impacts patients with chronic conditions. The proposed solution should include detailed specifications for a long code-based service, with optional tasks for short code-enabled services. Vendors are requested to submit responses that address their capabilities, proposed solutions, and pricing models, adhering to a page limit of 10. The expected contract performance period includes a base year plus an optional year, commencing February 2025. The initiative is grounded in compliance with accessibility standards and aims to improve communication with Veterans, ensuring enhanced service delivery and efficiency in scheduling.
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Technology Acquisition Center is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for a commercial telecommunications SMS gateway service named VEText, aimed at sending appointment reminders to Veterans. This service allows Veterans to confirm or cancel medical appointments via text, integrated with the VA's scheduling system. The RFI is for planning purposes only and does not obligate the government to procure any services or products. Interested vendors must provide specific information, including company details, a technical proposal, project pricing, and any recommendations on the draft requirements. Responses are due by 10:00 AM EST on November 8, 2024. The project is classified under NAICS 541519, highlighting a focus on information technology services. This RFI serves as a preliminary step in gauging market response and vendor capabilities to enhance communication and appointment management for Veterans with minimal staff involvement.
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