SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Readerboard Software Support and Secure Connectivity.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Action ID SSN 122025TNCRBSUPPRT

Tahoma National Cemetery – LED Readerboard Software Support & Secure Connectivity

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION

1. Purpose

Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA, is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors capable of providing software support, remote management services, and secure internet connectivity for the cemetery’s existing MP6-36 SMD Premier Full-Color LED Display Readerboard (6 mm pixel pitch).

This Sources Sought Notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. No award will result from this notice. Responses will assist the Government in determining the appropriate acquisition strategy and whether adequate competition exists.

2. Background

TNC operates an outdoor full-color LED readerboard used for visitor information, ceremony announcements, and veteran service communication.

Current system components include:

1. MP6-36 SMD Premier 6 mm Full-Color LED Display

1. Existing Content Management System (CMS) (Scala or compatible equivalent)

1. Existing Secure Cellular Internet Connection (Verizon or compatible equivalent)

The Government requires continuous, reliable operation of this system through software support, remote access, monitoring, and secure internet connectivity.

3. Additional Technical Information About the Existing Readerboard

The existing LED display is a typical industry-standard 6 mm (P6) outdoor SMD full-color sign, generally characterized by:

1. Pixel pitch: 6 mm

1. LED type: Outdoor SMD full-color RGB

1. Brightness: 6,000–8,000 nits (daylight visible)

1. Controller type: Typically NovaStar or Colorlight

1. Communication: Ethernet or fiber from controller to sign

1. Content delivery path:

5. CMS → Media Player → LED Controller → LED Display

5. or direct PC → Controller 1.

1. Outdoor/weather-resistant: Rated for wide temperature ranges

1. Designed for viewing distances of 10–200 ft

These details are provided to assist vendors in determining CMS and connectivity compatibility.

4. Clarification of What Is Not Required

The Government does not require:

1. Replacement of the LED display hardware

1. Removal or reinstallation of LED modules or cabinets

1. New electrical service or infrastructure

1. Structural work, steelwork, or physical sign modifications

1. Video wall processors unless required by the vendor’s CMS solution

This requirement is limited to software, remote support, monitoring, and internet connectivity only.

5. Network & Cybersecurity Requirements

Vendors must provide internet and remote management solutions that:

1. Keep the LED system isolated from VA internal networks

1. Use secure connection methods such as:

1. Carrier-isolated APNs

1. Locked-down cellular modems

1. Firewalled access points

1. Support authenticated remote access

1. Allow system monitoring without exposing the device to public inbound traffic

1. Comply with applicable federal information security practices for isolated/non-FISMA systems

Vendors must state clearly how their solution meets or exceeds these requirements.

6. Software Compatibility Requirements

Vendor’s CMS software (Scala or equivalent) must support:

1. Compatibility with NovaStar/Colorlight or similar LED control systems

1. Uploading and scheduling of:

1. JPEG, PNG, BMP images

1. MP4 or similar video formats

1. Multi-zone screen layouts

1. Remote scheduling, content push, and playback control

1. System health monitoring (connectivity, status, alerts)

1. CMS/cloud platform hosting details, including:

5. Data location

5. Authentication method

5. Logging practices

Equivalent solutions to Scala are acceptable if fully compatible with the existing LED controller hardware.

7. On-Site Support Requirements

Vendors must be capable of providing a minimum of two (2) on-site technical visits per year for:

1. System diagnostics

1. Media player or controller configuration

1. Connectivity testing

1. Validation of content deployment

1. Troubleshooting communication issues

1. Optional staff training as needed

Emergency/on-demand onsite support response times should be stated in the capability statement.

8. Required Capabilities

Vendors must demonstrate the ability to provide:

A. Software Support Services

1. CMS platform compatible with the existing LED readerboard

1. Remote programming and scheduling

1. System monitoring and updates

1. Content deployment and management

1. Help desk technical support

B. Secure Internet Connectivity

1. Secure connection for LED communications (wired or wireless)

1. Static or dynamic IP support

1. Modem/router equipment

1. Carrier service proposal (any carrier acceptable)

C. On-Site Service

1. Two annual visits

1. Diagnostic and configuration support

9. Questions for Industry (Optional Responses Encouraged)

Respondents are encouraged to answer the following:

1. Is your CMS compatible with LED systems using NovaStar or Colorlight controllers?

1. Can your CMS provide full remote scheduling, playback control, and monitoring?

1. Can your solution use any cellular carrier, or are specific carriers required?

1. Do you require any additional hardware to ensure system compatibility?

1. What are your standard remote and onsite support response times?

1. What is your recommended configuration for a secure, isolated connection for remote display management?

These responses will help refine the final procurement strategy.

10. NAICS and PSC Codes

NAICS:

1. 541512 – Computer Systems Design Services

1. 541519 – Other Computer Related Services

1. 517312 – Wireless Telecommunications Carriers

1. 517311 – Wired Telecommunications Carriers

1. 334310 – Audio/Video Equipment Manufacturing (secondary)

PSC:

1. D318 – IT/Telecom: Integrated Hardware/Software Services

1. D322 – IT/Telecom: Internet

1. D399 – Other IT/Telecom Services

1. 7025 – ADP Input/Output Devices

11. Response Instructions

Interested firms should submit a capability statement (max 5 pages) including:

1. Company name, address, UEI, and point of contact

1. Business size and socioeconomic category

1. Applicable NAICS codes

1. Capability narrative addressing Sections 3–9

1. Relevant past performance

1. Any available contract vehicles (e.g., GSA, BPA)

1. Answers to the Questions for Industry (Section 9)

12. Submission Information

Email responses to:

Brian Trahan at brian.trahan@va.gov

13. Disclaimer

This notice is for market research only. It is not a solicitation and does not commit the Government to any acquisition. Vendors will not be reimbursed for responding.

(End of Sources Sought)