Veterans Affairs Knowledge Network Satellite Downlink Maintenance

The Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center is seeking maintenance services for the Veterans Affairs Knowledge Network (VAKN), a digital satellite e-learning program that distributes educational content to VA facilities nationwide. The program involves maintaining approximately 200 satellite downlink antennas that transmit two channels: VA1 for employee training and VNN for patient education across medical centers and outpatient clinics in all 50 states, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The Request for Information (RFI) issued on February 10, 2025, with a response deadline of February 18, 2025, is seeking detailed information about contractor capabilities, including technical expertise, socioeconomic status, and pricing. Respondents must submit a 5-page response via email and provide comprehensive information about their company's qualifications, including VetCert verification for veteran-owned businesses. The VA will use these responses to determine potential set-aside decisions and assess the market's ability to fulfill the contract requirements.

The opportunity is specifically set aside for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and will likely result in a single Firm Fixed Price Task Order. The period of performance is anticipated to be 12 months with two potential 6-month option periods, covering maintenance activities such as onsite visits, equipment repairs, system integration updates, and phone support. The contract will require rapid response times varying by facility type, ranging from 5 to 10 business days, and will involve maintaining critical infrastructure including 100 Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs) and 100 Low-Noise Block Converters (LNBs). Work will be performed during standard business hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM local time, with contractors required to follow strict security protocols including personnel background checks. The procurement will use NAICS code 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications) with a size standard of 1,500 employees, indicating the scale and complexity of the required services.