VA Modernized Messaging Software as a Service (SaaS)
ID: 36C10A25R0002Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OFVETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OFTECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CENTER AUSTIN (36C10A)AUSTIN, TX, 78744, USA

NAICS

Other Computer Related Services (541519)

PSC

IT AND TELECOM - BUSINESS APPLICATION/APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (DA10)

Set Aside

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

    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking proposals for a Modernized Messaging Software as a Service (SaaS) solution to enhance communication capabilities for Veterans' healthcare services. The primary objective is to develop a secure, encrypted, and HIPAA-compliant text messaging application that replaces outdated physical pagers, ensuring the protection of sensitive Veteran data while maintaining a clear separation between government and personal information on user devices. This initiative is critical for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of IT services provided to Veterans, as it supports secure communication across various healthcare points. Interested parties must submit their proposals by October 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST, and can direct inquiries to Anthony D Browner at anthony.browner@va.gov or Mary B Accomando at mary.accomando@va.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Amendment A00001 to solicitation 36C10A25R0002 for Modernized Messaging, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Acquisition Center, amends the original solicitation dated July 2, 2025. The amendment, effective July 18, 2025, extends the offer receipt deadline to July 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST. Its primary purpose is to provide an amended Request for Proposal (RFP) that corrects CLINS 1005, 1008, 2005, 2008, 3005, 3008, 4005, 4008, 5005, and 5008. Offerors must use this revised RFP to submit their responses. All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.
    This government solicitation (36C10A25R0002) from the Department of Veterans Affairs outlines a requirement for a Modernized Messaging Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. The VA seeks a secure, encrypted, and HIPAA-compliant alpha-numeric and numeric text messaging application to replace physical pagers. The solution must be FedRAMP HIGH/secure with FIPS-199 Security Characterization HIGH, ensure no government data is stored on devices, and provide 100% separation of government and personal data. The contractor will be responsible for project management, obtaining and maintaining a VA Authority to Operate (ATO), and providing implementation, operations, maintenance, sustainment, and engineering (OMS&E) support. The contract includes a base year and four option years, plus an option to extend services for six months, with provisions for increased quantities of licenses and expanded site coverage. The Performance Work Statement (PWS) details specific tasks, deliverables, applicable documents, and performance requirements, emphasizing data security, privacy, and compliance with federal regulations.
    This document addresses numerous questions and answers related to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Request for Proposal (RFP) for a messaging software application solution. Key topics include IT support, data utilization, on-site support, and a request for an RFP extension (which was declined). The VA will use Single Sign-On (SSOi) and Entra ID for identity. The solution must prevent VA data from being stored on devices, with images/messages stored on the contractor's Cloud Service Provider (CSP) for three years. Integration with VA's Active Directory/Entra ID/global address directory (GAL) is required. Permissible data types are broad (text, IMG, GIF, PNG), but executable files are prohibited. The VA requires annual licenses, not perpetual, and confirms implementation costs are in specific CLINS (0007 and 0010), with "implementation" removed from optional year CLINS. The VA mandates FedRAMP HIGH authorization and FIPS-199 Security Characterization HIGH, rejecting moderate standards. All messaging must occur within the SaaS platform, with no data residing on user devices. The contractor is responsible for obtaining a VA Authority to Operate (ATO) within one year. The VA will not provide existing equipment, and no travel is anticipated for deployments. The VA declines to remove FAR 52.227-19 or alter perpetual license terms.
    The document serves as an amendment to the solicitation for the Modernized Messaging project, specifically RFP 36C10A25R0002, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs' Technology Acquisition Center. The primary intent is to correct specified Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINS) 1005, 1008, 2005, 2008, 3005, 3008, 4005, 4008, 5005, and 5008 to ensure clarity and accuracy for potential offerors. Bidders are instructed to utilize this amended version when preparing their responses to the RFP. The due date for offers is set for July 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST, and all prior terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain in effect unless explicitly altered by this amendment. This document is critical for maintaining transparency and fairness in the procurement process while allowing contractors the opportunity to submit accurate proposals pursuant to the updated solicitation terms.
    This document outlines a request for proposals (RFP) issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a modernized messaging software application. The goal is to transition from traditional communication methods to a secure, cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that ensures Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance. Key requirements include providing secure and encrypted text messaging services, safeguarding sensitive personal information, and maintaining the confidentiality of Veterans' health data. The contract will cover an initial year with four optional one-year extensions, detailing multiple deliverables such as project management, go-live tasks, and operational support. The contractor must gain a VA Authority to Operate (ATO) and adhere to federal security standards throughout the contract period. The work is to be performed in a variety of VA facilities across the U.S. The document emphasizes the importance of user privacy, with stipulations against storing government data on personal devices, and mandates detailed plans for implementation and operational management.
    The purpose of the document is to provide clarifications regarding a Request for Proposal (RFP) related to a messaging software application for the VA. Key points include the requirement for the solution to be hosted on a contractor's Cloud Service Provider (CSP) and compliance with FedRAMP HIGH security standards. The VA specifies that all data must reside on the CSA with no government information stored on devices, which includes a prohibition of certain file types from being transmitted. The document addresses multiple inquiries from potential bidders, indicating the initial troubleshooting will be managed by the existing site IT support before contacting the contractor. It clarifies that while on-site Go-Live support is not required, integration with existing systems like Active Directory is mandatory. The RFP seeks to enable secure, encrypted messaging with various types of files, supporting up to 120,000 licenses over the contract duration, and removes implementation costs from specific CLINs. Overall, the document outlines the VA's commitment to securing sensitive information while ensuring a functional and effective messaging software solution. It reinforces the standards and expectations for potential contractors engaging in the bidding process while ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of VA communications.
    This government Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) seeks a contractor to provide a Modernized Messaging Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. The solution must offer secure, encrypted, alpha-numeric, and graphic communications within a FedRAMP HIGH/FIPS-199 Security Characterization HIGH cloud environment. Key requirements include protecting Veteran data (PHI, PII, SPI), ensuring no VA data is stored on devices, and maintaining 100% separation of government and personal data. The contractor will be responsible for program management, obtaining and maintaining a VA Authority to Operate (ATO), implementation, and ongoing operations, maintenance, sustainment, and engineering (OMS&E). The contract includes a base year (August 2025-July 2026) with four 12-month option periods and a potential six-month extension, covering up to 20,000 base licenses with options for up to 100,000 additional licenses and expanded site coverage.
    This document, 36C10A25R0002 Attachment 1-Functionality Checklist, outlines the requirements for a non-physical pager, non-life safety text messaging software application solution for the VA. Key requirements include FedRAMP HIGH secure, encrypted alpha-numeric and numeric communications, compliance with FISMA and FIPS-199 Security Characterization HIGH, and strict protection of VA data (PHI, PII, SPI). The solution must not store VA data on devices and ensure 100% separation of government/corporate and personal data on BYODs. It also details extensive go-live tasks, contractor management, FedRAMP and ATO compliance, and numerous use cases for messaging functionality, including individual, group, and role-based communication, message escalation, and directory functions. The software must integrate with GFE and BYOD, allow remote data wiping, provide a web-based administration portal, and offer 24/7/365 technical support with high availability and response time KPIs. Training for end-users and support personnel is also required.
    The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is soliciting proposals for a Modernized Messaging Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, aimed at replacing outdated mobile pager systems with a secure, HIPAA-compliant text messaging platform. This initiative requires the implementation of a messaging application that ensures the security of Veteran information (Protected Health Information, Personally Identifiable Information) while maintaining privacy by preventing data retention on devices. The contractor will be responsible for program management, acquiring a VA Authority to Operate (ATO), and providing ongoing operations and maintenance support. The contract is structured over a base year with four optional 12-month extensions. Deliverables include project kickoff meetings, go-live artifacts, and comprehensive management plans, along with technical training and ongoing technical support. Compliance with federal security standards, including FISMA and FIPS, is mandatory. The messaging solution must enhance communication efficiency while safeguarding sensitive patient information. The VA's goal is to modernize its communication systems, thereby improving service delivery for veterans while adhering to stringent privacy and security protocols.
    The document outlines requirements for a secure messaging software application tailored for the Veterans Affairs (VA) communication system. The contractor must ensure no VA data is stored on devices, maintain compliance with FedRAMP and FISMA standards, and provide a non-physical pager software solution that allows encrypted communications. The application must support Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) as well as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios, ensuring total separation of government and personal data. Key functionalities include role-based messaging, configuration for group communications, troubleshooting support, and documentation processes associated with implementation and compliance. Additionally, the contractor is responsible for ongoing operations, technical support, and facilitating training for users while maintaining a high uptime of 99.95%. The summary reflects a structured approach to ensure the software meets health information regulations while providing effective communication solutions within healthcare environments. This requirement demonstrates the VA's emphasis on security, efficiency, and the need for modern technological solutions to support clinical operations.
    This document is a Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a "Modernized Messaging Software as a Service." The VA Office of Information & Technology (OIT), End User Services (EUS), seeks a secure, encrypted, and HIPAA-compliant alpha-numeric and numeric text messaging application. The solution must operate in a FedRAMP Moderate cloud environment with FIPS-199 Security Characterization Moderate. Key requirements include no government data storage on user devices, 100% separation of government/corporate and personal data, and protection of PHI, PII, and SPI. The contractor will provide project management, obtain and maintain a VA Authority to Operate (ATO), and deliver implementation, operations, maintenance, sustainment, and engineering (OMS&E) support for a base year and four 12-month option periods, plus an optional six-month extension. The scope includes up to 20,000 base licenses, with options for up to 100,000 additional licenses and expansion to 175 sites. The document outlines specific deliverables, governing laws, and software licensing terms.
    This government file outlines the requirements for a messaging software application, emphasizing privacy, security, and functionality. Key requirements include 100% privacy and separation of government and personal data on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), personalized passcode authentication, and audit trails for user activities with government data. The solution must support transmitting various media types while protecting PII, PHI, and SPI, and prevent government access to personal BYOD data. Functionality requirements cover individual and group messaging, message status tracking (received/read), group creation with role-based profiles and hierarchies, and customizable notifications. Performance expectations include rapid content loading (1-10 seconds), isolation of messaging to authenticated users, enhanced IP service for critical traffic, and the ability to override settings for urgent messages. The application must support hotlinking and secure HIPAA-compliant peer-to-peer communication. Service model questions address hosting, user access and authentication, multi-tenancy, scalability, and offshore development/data access. Use cases highlight role-based communication, message escalation, handling outdated on-call schedules, and surrogate assignments, emphasizing features like message templates, integrated directories, and priority messaging with unique alerts.
    Amendment 0002 to Solicitation 36C10A25R0002 for Modernized Messaging, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Acquisition Center, extends the deadline for offers to October 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST. This amendment provides a revised Request for Proposal (RFP) with identified changes, which offerors must use when submitting their proposals. The document emphasizes the importance of acknowledging receipt of the amendment to avoid rejection of offers. All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.
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