20250206 RFI BHL PWS-SAM for Release.docx

Department of Veterans Affairs Request for Information Behavioral Health Lab (BHL) Software Maintenance and Technical Support February 6, 2025

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 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Office of Mental Health, and the Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 4 Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) has a requirement for software that supports our clinical priority of using measurement-based care for the treatment of mental illness. This shall require software maintenance and technical support. Measurement-based care encompasses the use of standardized patient reported outcomes (PRO’s) to inform clinical decision making and to screen for symptoms. Currently VA uses the “BHL software suite” which is a commercial product by Capital Solution Design (CSD). The software is actively used throughout all VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) for delivering evidence-based measurement-based health care. The scope of work for this RFI must either continue supporting the BHL suite or propose a replacement strategy with no interruption in the current service.

The Government requests Industry to review and provide commentary on the attached Draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Behavioral Health Lab (BHL) Software Maintenance and Technical Support. 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 maximum 10-page submission detailing similar work experience to that of the BHL Software Maintenance and Technical Support PWS. Specifically, the work example(s) should be similar in scope and complexity. The complexity of this effort stems from integrating the software solution into the existing VA systems including electronic health records. The work example(s) provided in the submission should demonstrate the following:

a. Demonstrate ability to develop new assessments that are able to be accessed through desktop, touchpad, and mobile.

b. Assessment responses to be returned and incorporated into the Veterans electronic medical file in the Oracle/Millennium and Vista/CPRS systems.

c. 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. The use of the BHL software tool, since the year VA has started using it, has grown exponentially, from less than 100 to over 4,000 uses daily. We expect usage to continue growing for the next 5 years. This has resulted in additional support requirements, help desk calls, and policy enforcements. How will you accommodate this growth and how would you suggest the government work with you on this issue?

3. 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 may not know all of the specific 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

4. 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 business status under the following North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 541511 “Custom Computer Programming Services” with a Size Standard of $34 Million.

Responses are due no later than 11:00 AM ET, February 18, 2025 via email to John Mason, Contract Specialist at john.mason13@va.gov and Contracting Officer David Long, david.long4@va.gov. Please note “BHL Software Maintenance and Technical Support” in the subject line of your response. Mark your response as “Proprietary Information” if the information is considered business sensitive.