***Amendment***DG11--Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) Services across the Enterprise

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through its Office of Information and Technology, is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors capable of providing comprehensive Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) services across multiple states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania. The requirement includes a full suite of voice and data telecommunications services such as POTS lines (flat rate and ground start), PRI circuits delivered over T-1 format, DID/DOD blocks, and a comprehensive array of feature services including Caller ID, Three Way Calling, Call Forwarding (Busy, No Answer), Call Waiting, Voicemail, Call Blocking (411, 900/976), Call Hunting/Roll Over, Third Party Billing Block, Remote Access to Call Forwarding, Call Redirect with Screening Removal for the Veterans Help Line, and Anonymous Call Reject. All services must be delivered 24/7/365 with maximum availability, including technical support and service restoration within 24 hours and response to major system failures within one hour of notification. The contractor must ensure the VA remains the customer of record and comply with strict information security protocols, including FIPS 140-2 validated encryption, VA-approved tools, data segregation, and adherence to the Privacy Act, FISMA, and Section 508 accessibility standards. The contract would feature a three-month transition period, a nine-month base performance period, and four 12-month option periods extending through 2031, with invoicing required monthly via the VA OB-10 or approved EDI system and strict documentation for each service delivery point. This is a Request for Information (RFI) under FAR 15.201(e), meaning no formal solicitation or binding obligation exists at this stage, and responses will not be considered offers or entitle respondents to compensation. Interested vendors must submit a five-page Vendor Capabilities Statement including company name, points of contact, and NAICS 517111 size standard, along with a fully completed Attachment 1 Market Research Workbook for Service Delivery Points (SDPs), where every single service requirement at every SDP must be marked “yes” or “no”—no blanks permitted. The workbook automatically calculates responses and ensures completeness. All responses must be submitted by 4:00 PM CST on July 13, 2026, to Chantel.Bass@va.gov. Contractors must also comply with VA personnel security requirements, including favorable background investigations for staff accessing