7G20--IN3114: Push-to-Talk (PTT) Radios with Multi-Network Nationwide Coverage (VA-26-00050016)

Pre-solicitation Notice

Pre-solicitation Notice

Pre-solicitation Notice

*=Required Field

Pre-solicitation Notice

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NOTICE OF INTENT

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Strategic Acquisition Center Frederick (SAC-F), on behalf of the VA Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC), intends to negotiate, with 911iNET LLC on a sole source basis, under the authority of Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) Subpart 12.102 entitled, Restricting Competition. This action is based on only one known vendor can provide a fully integrated, NDAA compliant PTT solution that meets all required security, multi network, and mission critical operational capabilities., which is exclusively distributed and supported by 911iNET LLC. The required services and support are essential to meeting the Government s unique multi network mission critical communication requirements. No other vendor is authorized or technically capable of providing these integrated services.

The procurement action will include thirty (30) fully configured Push to Talk (PTT) radio devices along with all required hardware, software, licenses, encryption components, configuration services, documentation, and technical support.

The contractor shall furnish thirty (30) fully functional PTT radio devices, inclusive of all required hardware, software, licenses, encryption, configuration, and support services necessary to ensure secure, reliable, and continuous communications, the solution shall support seamless operation across LTE/4G/5G cellular networks, Wi-Fi networks, and direct line-of-sight (LOS) radio communications, with automatic network switching to maintain connectivity.

Period of Performance

12-month base, plus 4 12-month option periods

Technical Requirements

Network Connectivity and Coverage

The contractor shall provide radios that meet the following connectivity requirements:

Operate over LTE/4G/5G cellular networks

Operate over Wi-Fi networks

Operate via direct line-of-sight (LOS) radio communication independent of cellular or Wi-Fi infrastructure

Nationwide coverage through cellular networks, to include Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, to ensure seamless nationwide coverage.

Support automatic and seamless network switching between available networks to ensure uninterrupted communications during outages, degradation, or loss of service

Require no manual intervention by the user to initiate network switching

Security and Encryption

The contractor shall provide radios that meet the following security requirements:

Utilize Advance Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption for voice and data communications

Be FIPS 140-3 compliant for cryptographic modules

Support Over-the-Air Rekeying (OTAR) to enable secure remote key management

Ensure encryptions keys are protected at rest and in transit

Prevent unauthorized access through authentication and role-based access controls

Device Management and Support

The contractor shall provide radios that meet the following device management capabilities:

Remote device management, including configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting

Ability to remotely enable, disable, lock, or wipe devices as required

Support for remote software and firmware updates

Administrative interface accessible to authorized government personnel

Contractor-provided technical support during standard business hours, at a minimum.

Device Form Factor and Ergonomics

The contractor shall provide radios that meet the following physical and usability requirements:

Small form factor suitable for handheld, wearable, or belt-mounted use

Lightweight and ergonomically designed for extended operational use

Bluetooth connectivity to support wireless accessories such as headsets or earpieces

Physical controls that are intuitive and easily manipulated by the operator, including:

Push-to-talk button

Volume control

Channel or group selection

Capable of one-handed operation while wearing gloves, where feasible

Performance and Reliability

The contractor shall provide radios that meet the following performance and reliability requirements:

Provide clear, low-latency voice communications

Maintain reliable performance during high-usage or emergency scenarios

Be designed for operational environments typical of public safety, law enforcement, or emergency responses missions.

Include a rechargeable battery capable of supporting a twelve (12) hour operational shift under normal use.

Reporting and Security Incident Notifications

The contractor shall not disclose any information regarding Government use or operations without prior written authorization from the contracting officer or designated representative

Reporting of Information Request or Suspicious Activity

The contractor shall immediately notify the Government of any attempt by an individual or entity to obtain information regarding:

The use, configuration, capabilities, or operational deployment of the radios

User identities, locations, communications patterns, or operational procedures

System architecture, encryption methods, or network routing

Notification shall occur:

Within one (1) business day of discovery

Via government-designated points of contact

In writing, with sufficient detail to support follow-on investigation

Security Incidents

The contractor shall report any actual or suspected:

Data breaches

Unauthorized access

Loss or compromise of encryption keys

Device tampering or compromise

Reports shall be made within 24 hours of identification and include mitigation actions taken or planned.

Deliverables

The contractor shall deliver:

Thirty (30) PTT radio devices, fully configured and operational

All required licenses, subscriptions, and encryption components

User documentation and quick-reference guides

Administrative and device management documentation

Initial configuration and setup support

Warranty documentation and support contact information

Delivery shall be made to a Government-designated location within the United States specified by the Contracting Officer (CO) or their representative (COR).

Compliance

The contractor shall ensure that all hardware, software, and services provided under this SOW comply with applicable federal laws, regulations, and security standards.

Hardware

The Equipment provided under this SOW shall be compliant with the Federal Acquisition Regulation Section 889 Part A John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in accordance with Pub. L. 115-232

The NDAA requires that the equipment supplied under this SOW shall not be manufactured, or have components manufactured, by any of the following prohibited companies:

Huawei Technologies company

ZTE Corporation

Hytera Communications Corporation,

Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company

Dahua Technology Company

The Contractor shall self-certify that the equipment provided under this SOW is compliant with the NDAA.

Acceptance Criteria

The Government will accept the deliverable upon verification that:

All devices meet the technical requirement outlined in this SOW

Encryption and security features function as specified

Automatic network switching operates as intended

Remote management capabilities are demonstrated

All required documentation is delivered and completed

The NAICS code is 517117 All Other Telecommunications, and the size standard is $40 million. SAC F anticipates awarding a 12 month base plus four 12 month option periods, firm fixed price contract to 911 INet LLC, to include RFO clauses 52.217 8 and 52.217 9, should an extension be required beyond 60 months.

Interested parties that believe they could satisfy the requirements listed above for SAC-F may clearly and unambiguously identify their capability to do so in writing on or before the response date for this notice. This is not a request for competitive proposals and a solicitation will not be issued. A determination not to compete this requirement based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information submitted in response to this notice will be used solely to determine whether competitive procedures could be used for this acquisition.

Any questions regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to Jennifer.Swift2@va.gov and Brian.Keen2@va.gov .All responses to this notice of intent must be submitted so that they are received at Jennifer.Swift2@va.gov and Brian.Keen2@va.gov no later than 05/20/2026, at 1PM ET.