S119--Intent to Sole Source: Cable Services-Cequel Communications for the Beckeley VAMC

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 5 has issued a Special Notice announcing its intent to sole source a cable television services contract for the Beckley VA Medical Center. The notice, identified under Solicitation No. 36C24525Q0348, is specifically targeted at Cequel Communications LLC for providing cable services to approximately 150 locations within the medical center. The sole source justification is based on Cequel Communications' unique position as the only cable provider in Beckley, owning all cable lines in the city and being the sole landline service provider. The rural geographic location of the medical center and restrictions on satellite equipment installation further limit potential alternative vendors. The contract falls under NAICS category 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications) and PSC category S119 (Utilities- Other).

The primary objective of this contract is to provide limited basic and expanded basic cable television services for patient use across the Beckley VA Medical Center. The anticipated contract will be a firm-fixed-price agreement with a one-year period of performance from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Contractors should note the response deadline of March 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET, with any additional information requests directed to Cassie White at cassie.white@va.gov. The Statement of Work requires the contractor to deliver cable services across multiple buildings, with specific channel requirements including news, sports, entertainment, and educational programming. Key operational requirements stipulate that only the Contracting Officer Representative or Chief of Facilities can authorize service calls, and VA Biomed staff will handle internal repairs. The VA will not be charged for external repairs or upgrades, and the contract includes provisions for potential future service expansion.