Justification to Extend Contract - Teleradiology Services - New Mexico VA Health Care System

The contract extension for Teleradiology Services under number 36C26226D0032 is authorized to ensure uninterrupted diagnostic imaging support for the New Mexico VA Health Care System through November 30, 2026, with an estimated value of $896,312.50. This action is justified under FAR 12.102(b) as a sole-source award because VetMed Group LLC is the only responsible source capable of delivering the required services without disruption, given its deeply integrated presence within VA systems, including pre-credentialed radiologists, certified compliance with VA Directive 1663 and HIPAA, and proven use of VA-approved platforms like Intel PACS, Mirth, and Fluency for Imaging. The contractor provides 24/7 interpretation of radiologic studies—including X-rays, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound—with a capacity to handle approximately 1,900 daily studies, 50% of which are emergent, supported by a network of 50 board-certified radiologists specializing in neuro, breast, and thoracic imaging and backed by a 100% uptime guarantee through a National IT Control Desk. VetMed Group LLC, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, holds The Joint Commission accreditation since 2020 and operates under a VA-approved National IT Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring seamless alignment with VA clinical workflows and cybersecurity protocols. No physical delivery or packaging requirements apply as the services are delivered remotely, with performance based at the Albuquerque, New Mexico location. The extension serves strictly as a bridge to sustain continuity while the government completes acquisition planning for a future competitive procurement. The justification emphasizes risk mitigation, operational stability, and avoidance of transition delays over price competition, with no formal evaluation factors or line-item pricing structured due to the sole-source nature of the award. Payment, invoicing methods, and contract administration details are not specified in the documentation, and while the contract is funded under Title 38 USC 8153, it is not subject to the Buy American Act or Trade Agreements Act as the deliverable is a service. No alternate sources exist with the same level of system integration, credentialing readiness, or service reliability, making continuation with VetMed Group the only viable option to maintain uninterrupted patient care.