DA10--Clinical Information Systems (CIS)/Anesthesia Record Keeping Systems (ARK) Follow On for PICIS (36C1026R0057)

The Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center Austin intends to solicit a sole-source, firm-fixed-price follow-on contract for Clinical Information System/Anesthesia Record Keeping (CIS/ARK) maintenance and technical support services, with solicitation 36C1026R0057 anticipated for release by September 24, 2026.

The sole-source justification cites proprietary software code, extensive customization specific to VA's VistA/Computerized Patient Record System integration, and site-specific configurations that only the incumbent, PICIS Clinical Solutions Inc. (Peabody, Massachusetts), can provide. VA conducted market research from November 2025 through August 2026 evaluating CliniComp and Pacific Monarch; both were determined unable to replicate existing functionality without approximately $240 million in duplication costs. The contract covers software maintenance, updates, patches, testing, and licensing support across 60 VA Medical Centers within 11 Veteran Integrated Service Networks.

Period of performance includes a 12-month base period, four 12-month option periods, and 24 optional tasks, with maximum contract duration not exceeding 60 months and start date October 1, 2026. Optional tasks include supplemental licenses to accommodate potential facility expansion. VA anticipates migration to Oracle Cerner by 2031, after which this contract will not be exercised. Replacement with an alternative system would require 18 to 24 months per facility for implementation, totaling over five years for all 60 sites and risking significant clinical operational disruption.