36C10B24Q0429.docx

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GENERAL INFORMATION

SET-ASIDE

Technology Acquisition Center

23 Christopher Way Eatontown NJ 07724

POINT OF CONTACT*

Contract Specialist Michael Berberich michael.Berberich@va.gov 512-981-4488

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

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Department of Veterans Affairs Request for Information Artificial Intelligence Pilot Teams

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. Do not submit a quote. This RFI is for planning purposes only and shall not be considered a Request for Quotation. Additionally, there is no obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services described in this RFI. Your response to this RFI will be treated only as information for the Government to consider. You will not be entitled to payment for direct or indirect costs that you incur in responding to this RFI. This request does not constitute a solicitation for quotes or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a task order. No funds have been authorized, appropriated or received for this effort. The information provided may be used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in developing its acquisition strategy. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary, restricted or competition sensitive information contained in their response. The Government does not intend to pay for the information submitted in response to this RFI.

The VA Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) now serves a dual purpose as the VA Office of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (OCAIO). The mission of OCAIO is to deliver world-class AI-enabled IT products and services to VA and Veterans. AI instituted in a responsible manner has enormous potential to benefit Veterans, VA healthcare providers, and VA employees. Our vision is for VA to be a national leader in responsible use of AI to reduce healthcare provider burnout, improve Veteran and VA employee experience, and provide higher quality care for Veterans.

The Government requests Industry to review and provide commentary on the attached Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Artificial Intelligence Pilot Teams. The Government intends to review RFI responses to exchange information and improve industry’s understanding of the Government requirement and the Government’s understanding of industry capabilities. This will allow potential offerors to judge whether or how they can satisfy the Government’s requirements and enhance the Government’s ability to obtain quality supplies and services.

Submittal Information:

1. All responsible sources may submit a response in accordance with the below information. As part of your market research response, please provide a 10-page submission detailing similar work experience to that of the Artificial Intelligence Pilot Teams PWS. Specifically, the work example(s) should be similar in scope and complexity. The complexity of this effort stems from developing deep understanding of VA-specific user problems and how/where AI solutions should be applied, developing and releasing solutions to production that are compliant with VA’s AI governance policies, and integrating solutions into users’ workflows in existing VA systems including electronic health records. The work example(s) provided in the submission should demonstrate the following:

a. Ability to complete discovery work in understanding user problems and assessing for how and where AI should or should not be applied to solve these problems.

b. Ability to prioritize amongst problems to solve to maximize impact to a north star metric.

c. Ability to develop an AI-enabled product to complete user tasks and activities throughout the full, end-to-end user workflow.

d. Ability to integrate solutions with existing VA IT systems. Preference for experience with integrating solutions with VA healthcare IT systems, including electronic health record systems.

2. Interested vendors shall provide constructive comments and/or feedback regarding the following elements of the proposed procurement:

a. Proposed contract type

b. Schedule

c. Industry to propose a CLIN/Price Structure; note VA will likely not know the specific pilot projects to be worked under the contract at the time of solicitation or award

d. Industry to propose the Team level of effort and labor categories

e. Feasibility of the requirement, including performance requirements

f. PWS (specify by paragraph number or label as a general comment when appropriate)

g. Deliverables

h. Data requirements

i. Any other industry concerns, comments, or questions

3. Interested Vendors shall provide the following information in the initial paragraph of the submission:

a. Name of Company

b. Address

c. Point of Contact

d. Phone Number

e. Email address

f. Company Business Size and Status

g. NAICS code(s)

h. Socioeconomic data (For VOSB and SDVOSBs, proof of verification in SBA VetCert)

i. Indicate whether you can comply with the limitations on subcontracting at VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) 852.219-73, VA Notice of Total Set-Aside for Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses or VAAR 852.219-74 VA Notice of Total Set-Aside for Certified Veteran-Owned Small Businesses

j. System for Award Management Unique Identity Identification Number

k. Existing Contractual Vehicles (GWAC, FSS, or MAC)

While not required, artifacts supporting your submission may be submitted to better demonstrate the above. The artifacts can be in addition to the page limit.

There are no specific submission requirements other than the page limit, but the Government requests that it not be inundated with marketing materials or peripheral content, and that the submission be readable.

Please also provide any questions or comments you may have on the Draft PWS. Please provide your small business status under the following North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 541519 “Other Computer Related Services” with a Size Standard of $34 Million.

Responses are due no later than 11:00 AM ET, May 31, 2024 via email to Michael Berberich, Contract Specialist at michael.berberich@va.gov and Contracting Officer Jeffrey Bishop, jeffrey.bishop3@va.gov. Please note “Artificial Intelligence Pilot Teams” in the subject line of your response. Mark your response as “Proprietary Information” if the information is considered business sensitive.

See attached document: PWS - AI prototypes - RFI Draft v2.

Sources Sought Notice