The Request for Information (RFI) seeks industry feedback on the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for a project titled Ambient Scribe (AS), which aims to develop a cloud-based, AI-driven solution for transcribing clinical encounters within the VA’s Electronic Health Record (EHR). The RFI emphasizes that this is not a solicitation but rather a means of gathering information to improve future proposals. Interested parties should respond by January 18, 2025, and provide company information, including socio-economic category and unique entity identifier. The RFI outlines several key areas for feedback, including the feasibility of a hybrid contract structure, optimal contract types, and potential labor categories needed. Respondents are also asked to estimate costs for an 18-month pilot program and provide insights on the clarity of the PWS in terms of deliverables. The project is expected to result in a multi-year contract with a ceiling of $400 million, demonstrating the government’s commitment to leveraging AI in healthcare to enhance clinical documentation processes. The system must function across varying clinical environments and allow providers to edit notes prior to finalizing them in the EHR, promoting efficiency and accuracy in clinical settings.

The Request for Information (RFI) issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs seeks industry feedback on the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for a cloud-based ambient scribe solution utilizing artificial intelligence to transcribe clinical encounters. The project aims to integrate with the VA's Electronic Health Record system, enabling seamless initiation and documentation of patient encounters while minimizing manual data entry. The anticipated contract ceiling is $400 million, with a four-year performance period beginning in the second quarter of FY25. Respondents are asked to provide insights on potential obstacles to bidding, recommended contract types, labor categories, and estimated costs for an 18-month pilot program. The government emphasizes a need for feedback on the clarity and comprehensiveness of the PWS. Additionally, interested parties must submit their company’s socio-economic information and confirm their ability to meet outlined requirements. Overall, this RFI is a preparatory step to gather information before a formal solicitation for proposal submissions occurs.

The Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) initiative to implement an AI-driven ambient scribe solution aimed at improving clinical documentation and alleviating provider burnout. The contract entails providing a cloud-based software service that integrates seamlessly with the VA's Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, enhancing the efficiency of clinical encounters for over 9 million veterans. The service will automatically transcribe doctor-patient interactions, generating high-fidelity notes, while ensuring compliance with stringent security and privacy standards. Key tasks include developing a project management plan, conducting monthly progress reports, and providing necessary training and technical support for VA clinicians. The contract spans an 18-month base period with additional optional tasks to expand functionalities. Requirements stipulate adherence to federal security protocols, including the Federal Risk Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and the need for an Authority to Operate (ATO) from the VA. This initiative showcases the VA's commitment to leveraging advanced technology for efficient and effective healthcare delivery, directly addressing challenges in accessing timely care and reducing the administrative burden on providers, ultimately aiming to enhance service for veterans.

The "AI Ambient Scribe Pilot" project outlines a federal initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence for documentation and clinical support within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. The proposal details various cost components, including non-severable tasks for pilot implementation, which encompass deliverables such as meetings, training, and documentation preparation, as well as system configuration needs and EHR integration costs related to VistA and Cerner systems. The document provides a breakdown of costs per site, including licenses billed monthly for active users, and outlines optional tasks for specific enhancements during the base and option years of the project. Each option year specifies additional requirements for site customization, deliverable production, and specialty service configurations. The overall structure emphasizes clarity in cost allocation for different phases of the pilot, intending to enhance VA clinical workflows through improved documentation practices leveraging AI technology. The proposal reflects the government's vision for modernizing healthcare delivery while ensuring efficient budget management across various operational parameters.