7A21--VISN Radiology Artificial Intelligence

This contract, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs under solicitation number 36C24126Q0237, seeks the procurement and implementation of a Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Radiology Artificial Intelligence (AI) software platform specifically for VISN 1 VA New England. The platform must be FDA-approved and use Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) delivery models to enhance radiology workflows across all VISN 1 VA Medical Centers, integrating smoothly with existing VA Electronic Medical Health Record (EMHR) systems, Picture Archive and Communications Systems (PACS), and radiology operations. The AI solution is designed to support multiple imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, X-Ray, and Ultrasonography by processing DICOM raw images and metadata, with the goal of improving disease detection, diagnostic accuracy, and operational efficiency. The solution includes a web-based, clinician-facing interface compatible with MS Windows and Apple iOS, delivers a Radiology AI database and processing node (cloud-based preferred, with on-premises deployment required at one VISN 1 site), and necessitates extensive documentation such as Project Management Plans, System Security Plans, and security assessment reports in accordance with VA and federal regulations. The contract is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 541511 and encompasses a base performance period of 12 months, followed by four one-year option periods, covering all VISN 1 sites. Key deliverables include a post-award kickoff meeting, monthly progress and usage reports detailing system utilization and quality metrics, and ongoing operational support and training at eight specified VA Medical Center locations. Payment is on a monthly arrears basis with stringent invoice itemization requirements. Security and privacy are critical facets, governed by rigorous VA information protection protocols, including encryption standards compliant with FIPS 140-2, use of VA-approved Transport Layer Security configurations, and strict data segregation. Contractor personnel must complete mandated privacy training prior to access to VA systems. The system must also provide user authentication compliant with NIST SP 800-63-3 and VA identity and access management guidelines, including acceptance of Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credentials. The contractor is responsible for maintaining compliance with federal laws and VA directives concerning patient privacy and cybersecurity, including readiness for audits. Proposals are due by February 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time, with the contracting specialist Divianna Mathurin serving as the primary point of contact. The contract requires explicit disclosure of all AI components proposed at the time of submission and throughout contract performance