Veterans Affairs Knowledge Network Satellite Downlink Maintenance

ID: 36C10A25Q0020 • Type: Sources Sought

Description

Posted: March 18, 2025, 12:36 p.m. EDT

The formal solicitation will be issued as a VOSB set-aside on Contract Opportunities.

The Veterans Affairs Knowledge Network (VAKN) is an e-learning program that effectively distributes educational programs to VA employees via digital satellite technology. The network consists of approximately 200 VAKN downlink satellite antennas installed at VA facilities nationwide, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. VAKN sends two channels of programming to these facilities, VA1 and Veteran News Network (VNN). VA1 is an employee facing program that is designed to advance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of VA staff. VNN is a patient facing program that is designed to present education and information to Veterans, Veteran's family members and caregivers in an entertaining and informative way. Use of VNN as a primary waiting room TV channel, enhances the patient experience while also providing essential information that can improve a Veteran's quality of life and well-being. VNN and VA1 are distributed to VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) through inhouse analog or digital video distribution systems to patient waiting areas.

Posted: Feb. 10, 2025, 12:24 p.m. EST

Background
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Information & Technology (OIT), in partnership with the Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD), aims to provide high-quality, effective, and efficient Information Technology (IT) services to support care for Veterans.

The Veterans Affairs Knowledge Network (VAKN) was initiated in 2000 as an e-learning program to distribute educational content to VA employees via digital satellite technology. As of 2024, VAKN operates approximately 200 downlink satellite antennas across VA facilities nationwide, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. It broadcasts two channels: VA1 for employee training and Veteran News Network (VNN) for patient education, enhancing the experience of Veterans and their families while providing essential information.

Work Details
The contract involves maintenance for the VAKN digital satellite downlink network which includes site visits, phone support, equipment replacement or repair, and system integration updates. Specific tasks include:
1. **Project Management**: Delivering a Contractor Project Management Plan (CPMP) that outlines the approach, timelines, and tools for execution.
2. **Maintenance Services**: Performing diagnostics, repairs, or system integration updates on the digital satellite downlink systems at VA facilities.
3. **Installation Services**: Installing new VAKN digital satellite downlink systems as required.
4. **Service Level Agreements (SLA)**: The contractor must meet performance standards such as:
- Link Availability: 99.9%
- Time to Restore Routine Service: ≤ 10 calendar days
- Time to Restore Serious Service: ≤ 7 calendar days
- Time to Restore Catastrophic Service: ≤ 5 calendar days
5. **Reporting Requirements**: Monthly progress reports in Microsoft Word and Project formats detailing service performance.

Period of Performance
The Period of Performance is set for 12 months from the date of award with two optional extensions of 6 months each.

Place of Performance
Tasks will be performed at VA facilities located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

Overview

Agency

TAC Texas [VA - HQ - TAC]

Response Deadline

Feb. 18, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EST Past Due

Posted

Feb. 10, 2025, 12:24 p.m. EST (updated: March 18, 2025, 12:36 p.m. EDT)

Set Aside

Veteran Owned Small Business (VA-only) (VSA)

NAICS

517410 - Satellite Telecommunications

PSC

7G22 - IT And Telecom - Network: Satellite And Rf Communications Products (Hw, Perpetual License Software)

Place of Performance

Austin, TX United States

Source

SAM

Current SBA Size Standard

$44 Million

Pricing

Likely Fixed Price

Est. Level of Competition

Low

Odds of Award

29%

Signs of Shaping

The solicitation is open for 7 days, below average for the TAC Texas.

On 2/10/25 TAC Texas issued Sources Sought 36C10A25Q0020 for Veterans Affairs Knowledge Network Satellite Downlink Maintenance due 2/18/25. The opportunity was issued with a Veteran Owned Small Business (VA-only) (VSA) set aside with NAICS 517410 (SBA Size Standard $44 Million) and PSC 7G22.

Primary Contact

Name

Marcus Rivers Profile

marcus.rivers@va.gov

Phone

(512) 981-4119

Additional Contacts in Documents

Title	Name	Email	Phone
None	Mary B. Accomando Profile	mary.accomando@va.gov	None

Question & Answer

Incumbent or Similar Awards

Potential Bidders and Partners

Awardees that have won contracts similar to Sources Sought 36C10A25Q0020

Additional Details

Source Agency Hierarchy

VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF > VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF > TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION CENTER AUSTIN (36C10A)

FPDS Organization Code

3600-0010A

Source Organization Code

100170295

Last Updated

March 18, 2025

Last Updated By