DG11--SO 6 NLEC NG Recompete RFI Loopback

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through its Office of Information and Technology, is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors capable of providing nationwide Local Exchange Carrier services under NAICS code 517111. This effort aims to centralize the management of voice and data communications across all VA facilities including Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Outreach Centers, and National Cemeteries, with the goal of reducing overall telecommunications costs. The required services encompass Plain Old Telephone Service, Primary Rate Integrated Services, Direct Inward Dialing, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Voice Mail, and Automated Attendant, with a mandate for 24/7 availability and 99.9% uptime. Contractors must own and operate the underlying infrastructure and remain listed as the customer of record. The acquisition is structured as a potential Task Order under the National LEC NG Basic Contract, an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity vehicle, though no formal contract award is implied by this RFI. All responses must be submitted by July 8, 2026, via email to the designated point of contact and must include a five-page Vendor Capabilities Statement identifying company name, contacts, and size status under the 1,500-employee size standard, along with a completed technical workbook requiring a “yes” or “no” response for every Service Delivery Point — no blank entries are permitted. Special requirements emphasize stringent security and compliance protocols, including mandatory escorting of all contractor personnel on-site by VA staff, adherence to VA Directive 710 and Section 508 accessibility standards, and full compliance with FIPS 140-2 encryption for all electronic data transfers. Contractors are liable for liquidated damages in the event of data breaches involving sensitive VA information and must ensure supply chain integrity by sourcing equipment only from original manufacturers or authorized resellers. All software deliveries must include an NTIA-compliant Software Bill of Materials, and digital transmissions require FIPS 140-2 validated encryption with hash validation. While no contract value is disclosed, pricing will be governed by maximum unit rates established in the underlying basic contract. The Government retains sole authority to accept or reject deliverables, with inspections occurring at destination and acceptance contingent on meeting all performance, security, and accessibility criteria. Responses are purely for planning purposes, do not bind the Government to award, and respondents assume all costs associated with submission.