Veterans Crisis Texting Platform
ID: 36C24524Q0573Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OFVETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF245-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 5 (36C245)LINTHICUM, MD, 21090, USA

NAICS

All Other Business Support Services (561499)

PSC

IT AND TELECOM - PLATFORM AS A SERVICE: DATABASE, MAINFRAME, MIDDLEWARE (DH10)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/12f5a2cfa03042c6a12bbbe8ef61d271/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking proposals for a Veterans Crisis Texting Platform to enhance communication with veterans and their families in crisis. The primary objective is to develop a web-accessible dashboard that allows Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) employees to manage SMS interactions, including automated responses and simultaneous text management, addressing the urgent mental health needs of veterans. This initiative is crucial given the high suicide rates among veterans, aiming to improve access to mental health support through effective communication channels. The total contract value is estimated at $21.5 million, with a base performance period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, and proposals are due by September 12, 2024. For further inquiries, interested vendors can contact Tara Davis at tara.davis4@va.gov or Amy Ritchey at amy.ritchey@va.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Tara Davis
    tara.davis4@va.gov
    Amy Ritchey
    amy.ritchey@va.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    36C24524Q0573.docx
    The Department of Veterans Affairs is preparing to issue a presolicitation notice for a firm fixed-price contract related to the Veterans Crisis Line 988 texting platform, with a solicitation expected around July 2024. The acquisition will be set aside for small businesses under FAR Part 13 and will be performed at the Washington VA Medical Center. Interested vendors may submit quotes after the release of the solicitation, with a response deadline of June 27, 2024.
    36C24524Q0573 Final.docx
    This document is a Request for Quote (RFQ) from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a texting platform aimed at the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). The primary purpose is to create a web-accessible dashboard that enables VCL employees to send and receive SMS messages from veterans and their families in crisis. The service will include automated responses and the capability to manage multiple text interactions simultaneously. The contract is structured as a fixed-price agreement with a base performance period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, and an option for an additional year. It emphasizes the importance of addressing veteran mental health crises, as suicide rates among veterans are notably high. This initiative aims to enhance access to mental health support and improve communication during emergencies. The document also delineates requirements for functionality, compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, and the legal obligations tied to handling sensitive information. The total expected cost is $21.5 million, and the proposal deadline is September 12, 2024. This RFQ highlights the VA's commitment to leveraging technology to better serve the mental health needs of veterans while ensuring strict compliance with security and operational standards.
    852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING-CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION.docx
    The VAAR 852.219-75 outlines the requirements for small business participation in federal contracts, specifically focusing on Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). Contractors must certify compliance with subcontracting limitations, which stipulate that for service contracts, no more than 50% of the contract amount may go to non-certified firms; for general construction, 85%; and for special trade construction, 75%. The document emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records and documentation to demonstrate compliance with these regulations. Violations can result in penalties, including fines and potential prosecution. Contractors are required to submit a formal certification with their proposals, ensuring commitment to these guidelines. The emphasis on compliance reflects the federal government's commitment to supporting veteran-owned businesses, reinforcing the integrity of the procurement process.
    Questions-Answers.docx
    The document outlines a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a texting platform to support the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). The incumbent contract number is 36C24521P0397, and potential vendors must have relevant past experience and CPARS ratings to be considered. In the previous year, the VCL processed over 3.5 million text messages during more than 80,000 conversations. The communication channels include text, chat, and phone, and normal industry standards govern SMS delivery and data access. The solicitation specifies a fixed-price contract of $21.5 million for the base period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with options for extensions. Current technology integrations are unclear, though compatibility with the VA's systems is required. The document indicates no immediate need for a comprehensive behavioral health approach or proactive outreach services. Additionally, data migration requires FedRAMP certification, and vendors must prioritize data protection and privacy compliance. The summarized information emphasizes the requirements for vendors to ensure a seamless transition while maintaining compliance with VA standards and regulations.
    S02_BUSINESS ASSOCIATE AGREEMENT-Form.docx
    The Business Associate Agreement outlines the terms between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and a designated business associate regarding the handling of Protected Health Information (PHI). This agreement is framed in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its related regulations, ensuring compliance in the use and disclosure of PHI. Key stipulations include that PHI remains the property of the covered entity, with detailed rules on how the business associate may use or disclose PHI. The business associate must implement strong safeguards, notify the covered entity of any breaches within 24 hours, and provide comprehensive breach reports within ten business days. Additionally, it must ensure that its subcontractors adhere to the same privacy standards. The agreement emphasizes the mutual obligations of both parties, such as the business associate’s duty to notify the covered entity of any changes in privacy practices and the covered entity’s responsibility to provide needed authorizations. It also states conditions for termination of the agreement and requires reviews every two years to ensure ongoing compliance and relevance. Overall, this agreement is essential for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of PHI while allowing for necessary health care operations.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Veterans Crisis Texting Platform
    Currently viewing
    Solicitation
    DA01--Veterans Crisis Line
    Presolicitation
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