Web-based Clinical Information Database

The VA Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, representing VISN 16, plans to award a sole source contract to a company operating as "UpToDate" for access to a comprehensive point of care clinical reference tool. This decision is made under the authority of FAR Part 6.302-1(c), allowing a direct award without competition. The content is authored by an international faculty of over 3,000 experts and covers a broad range of medical specialties including Adult Primary Care, Cardiovascular Medicine, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Infectious Diseases, OB/GYN, Oncology, Pulmonary Medicine, Nephrology, and Rheumatology. The software also includes extensive resources such as more than 10,000 medical graphics, 100,000 Medline abstracts, and a full drug database, with updated material released three times per year at no additional cost. Potential interested parties have the opportunity to express their interest and capability to fulfill this requirement by submitting written responses to the Contracting Officer by March 25, 2003, at 3:00 p.m. Central Time, with fax submissions permitted. If no alternative responses are received by the deadline, the VA will proceed with negotiations directly with UpToDate. The contract aims to provide clinicians with reliable, up-to-date clinical support tools to enhance patient care at the point of care.