Q999--GCH Technologies - Vanity Short Codes Annual Lease
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- 36C24527Q0022
- Agency
-
Veterans Integrated Service Network 5
Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 561421 Telephone Answering Services
- PSC
- Q999 Medical- Other
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Integrated Service Network 5, announced on October 7, 2026, an intent to sole source a contract for exclusive leasing, management, and maintenance of SMS vanity short codes 838255 (VETALK) and 98801 (988, press 1) supporting the Veterans Crisis Line, with a response deadline of October 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. GCH Technologies Inc. is identified as the only known responsible source; the company holds exclusive carrier-level ownership of both short codes, which cannot be legally reassigned without the owner's cooperation, and replacement would require full public rebranding and disrupt routing infrastructure, posing unacceptable risks to continuity of crisis services and public safety.
The contract supports 24/7/365 crisis text messaging services for Veterans and Active-Duty service members. The period of performance runs from December 22, 2026, through December 21, 2027 (base year), with four optional years available for a maximum five-year term. Award will be made as a firm fixed-price agreement evaluated under lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) criteria; the Government's Independent Cost Estimate will be developed to be comparable with the current contract (36C24525P0022) to justify fair and reasonable pricing. The incumbent contractor will be provided an opportunity to submit a quote. For additional information or a copy of the Statement of Work, contact Cassie White, Contracting Officer, at cassie.white@va.gov.
Notice text
This intent to sole source announcement is posted in accordance with FAR 5.2 Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions.
Objective
The Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 05, VACO VA Central Office, Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) requires exclusive leasing, management, and maintenance of SMS vanity short codes 838255 ( VETALK ) and 98801 ( 988, press 1 ) to support 24/7/365 crisis text messaging services. These short codes are mission-critical assets that ensure immediate, reliable access to crisis intervention resources. The contemplated period of performance is 12/22/2026 through 12/21/2027 (Base + four option years)
Unique Qualifications
GCH Technologies Inc. is the only known responsible source capable of fulfilling these requirements. Supporting justification from the Single Source Justification (P03) includes:
GCH Technologies holds exclusive control and carrier-level ownership of short codes 838255 and 98801. Vanity short codes cannot be reassigned without the current owner s cooperation.
Replacement of these codes would require full public rebranding, disrupt routing infrastructure, and pose unacceptable risks to continuity of crisis services and public safety.
Technical research confirms no other vendor can legally or technically provide these exact short codes.
Award Information
The incumbent contractor shall be provided with the opportunity to present a quote that shall be accepted as a firm fixed price agreement at the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA). The Government anticipates the Independent Cost Estimate shall be developed and comparable with the current Contract No. 36C24525P0022 to justify fair and reasonable pricing. The period of performance shall be for one base year period, not to exceed 12-months.
The Period of Performance reads as follows: 12/22/2026-12/21/2027
If anyone requests additional information or would like to obtain a copy of the statement of work (SOW) for more details
Cassie (KC) White cassie.white@va.gov
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 36C24527Q0022.docx | DOCX document |
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity