36C24527Q0022.docx
DOCX document 25 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 36C24527Q0022
About this file
This is a Special Notice announcing an intent to sole source a contract for SMS vanity short code leasing and management services. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network 5 (VISN 5), seeks exclusive leasing, management, and maintenance of two SMS vanity short codes—838255 ("VETALK") and 98801 ("988, press 1")—to support 24/7/365 crisis text messaging services through the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). These short codes are identified as mission-critical assets essential for providing immediate, reliable access to crisis intervention and suicide prevention resources for Veterans and Active-Duty service members, ensuring compliance with the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act and the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act. GCH Technologies Inc. is identified as the only known responsible source capable of fulfilling these requirements, as it holds exclusive carrier-level ownership and control of both short codes, which cannot be legally reassigned without the current owner's cooperation.
The response deadline is October 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. The contract period of performance is base year 12/22/2026 through 12/21/2027, with four optional years available, for a maximum five-year contract term. The procurement will be awarded as a firm fixed-price agreement evaluated on lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) criteria, with the Government's Independent Cost Estimate developed to be comparable with the current contract (36C24525P0022) to justify fair and reasonable pricing. The solicitation is managed by Cassie White, Contracting Officer at the VA Central Office in Martinsburg, West Virginia (25405). Questions and requests for the Statement of Work should be directed to cassie.white@va.gov.
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Text version
Special Notice Special Notice
| SUBJECT* |
| GCH Technologies - Vanity Short Codes Annual Lease |
GENERAL INFORMATION
| CONTRACTING OFFICE’S ZIP CODE* |
| 25405 |
| SOLICITATION NUMBER* |
| 36C24527Q0022 |
| RESPONSE DATE/TIME/ZONE |
| 10-22-2026 10am EASTERN TIME, NEW YORK, USA |
| ARCHIVE |
| 30 DAYS AFTER THE RESPONSE DATE |
| RECOVERY ACT FUNDS |
| N |
| PRODUCT SERVICE CODE* |
| Q999 |
| NAICS CODE* |
| 561421 |
| CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS |
| Department of Veterans Affairs |
VAMC (613)
VISN 5 Contract Satellite Office 510 Butler Avenue, Building 306A Martinsburg WV 25405
POINT OF CONTACT*
Contracting Officer Cassie White cassie.white@va.gov Email only
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| AGENCY’S URL |
| https://www.va.gov/washington-dc-health-care |
| URL DESCRIPTION |
| homepage |
| AGENCY CONTACT’S EMAIL ADDRESS |
| cassie.white@va.gov |
EMAIL DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
This intent to sole source announcement is posted in accordance with FAR 5.2 – Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions.
Objective The Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 05, VACO VA Central Office, Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) requires exclusive leasing, management, and maintenance of SMS vanity short codes 838255 (“VETALK”) and 98801 (“988, press 1”) to support 24/7/365 crisis text messaging services. These short codes are mission-critical assets that ensure immediate, reliable access to crisis intervention resources. The contemplated period of performance is 12/22/2026 through 12/21/2027 (Base + four option years) Unique Qualifications The incumbent contractor is the only known responsible source capable of fulfilling these requirements. The contract enables the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) to comply effectively with key legislative mandates focused on Veteran mental health and crisis intervention services. By providing reliable, immediate, and accessible text messaging services, the VCL can offer continuous suicide prevention and intervention services as required by the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act (Public Law 110-110). It ensures that all communications are answered promptly and reliably, meeting the standards set forth by the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act (Public Law 114-247). This contract directly supports the VCL’s mission to provide critical, life-saving services to Veterans and Active-Duty service members, ensuring compliance with these important laws and fulfilling its commitment to those who have served our nation.
Award Information The incumbent contractor shall be provided with the opportunity to present a quote that shall be accepted as a firm fixed price agreement at the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA). The Government anticipates the Independent Cost Estimate shall be developed and comparable with the current Contract No. 36C24525P0022 to justify fair and reasonable pricing. The period of performance shall be for one base year period + four optional years not to exceed 5 years.
The base year Period of Performance reads as follows: 12/22/2026-12/21/2027
If anyone requests additional information or would like to obtain a copy of the statement of work (SOW) for more details Cassie (KC) White – cassie.white@va.gov
| *= Required Field |
| Special Notice |
Special Notice
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .