Exploring Next-Generation Digital Identity, Authentication, and Navigation on VA. gov

The Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center is seeking market intelligence on next-generation digital identity, authentication, and navigation solutions for VA.gov through this Request for Information (RFI). The VA is exploring innovative approaches, capabilities, and emerging patterns to address persistent challenges Veterans face when authenticating, signing in, and navigating VA digital services, with particular emphasis on identity verification, multi-factor authentication, post-authentication navigation, accessibility, and digital connectivity. Respondents must submit a capability statement addressing specific requirements detailed in the RFI cover page and market intelligence request documents, with responses limited to 10 pages and due by 2:00 PM ET on January 27, 2026. The VA seeks solutions that deliver a seamless and frictionless digital identity experience while maintaining or exceeding current security standards compliant with NIST IAL2 and AAL2 requirements. Questions regarding the RFI were due by 12:00 PM ET on January 20, 2026, and a Q&A spreadsheet has been provided addressing substantive inquiries from potential respondents.

This is a market research effort with no set-aside designation and does not guarantee a future contract award or reimbursement for submission costs. The VA has not identified specific incumbent contractors or current service providers in the documentation. The RFI initially requested rough order of magnitude (ROM) pricing but subsequently removed this requirement after January 7, 2026, recognizing numerous unknowns and assumptions in cost estimation. The VA has provided reference pricing data from multiple vendors across various platforms, though these figures are for informational purposes only and do not represent guaranteed budget allocations. The VA indicated that any future implementation could potentially affect approximately 11 million existing users should the government pursue a solution requiring migration from current credential providers (Login.gov and ID.me), with similar user migration efforts historically requiring 18 months for 2 million users.