VETERANS CRISIS LINE OVERFLOW INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE NOTICE MANAGE OVERFLOW CALLS FOR VETERANS CRISIS LINE (vcl)

INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

This is a notice of intent to proceed with a sole source requirement above the simplified acquisition threshold. The contractor is Mental Health Association New York City (MHA-NYC). This procurement is for the acquisition of back-up call center support services for the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office, Office of Mental Health Operations, Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). In addition to back-up call center support, services also include front-end routing from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) to VCL; back-end routing of calls from VCL to back-up center(s); and providing crisis intervention services when VCL responders are not available. The period of performance will include a 12-month base period with four (4) 12-month option periods

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Communications Act has assigned toll-free numbers to be used as national suicide prevention numbers. The FCC has assigned the NSPL exclusively to SAMHSA, part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). MHA-NYC is the only entity permitted to use, manage and monitor the NSPL. Furthermore, MHA-NYC, as the sole grantee of SAMHSA, administers the NSPL and is the only entity with the ability to ensure that all calls placed by Veterans on the Lifeline network are properly routed to the VCL (front-end routing).

The Government intends to negotiate with only one source as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii) Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. Market research has found no other vendor is allowed to manage the NSPL (front-end routing) other than SAMHSA s grantee, MHA-NYC.

Vendors that believe they can meet these requirements in the future may respond to this notice. The response should contain a brief description of the vendor's capability. Please also include the size of your business (large or small) and a copy of your Capability Statement.

Any vendor who wishes to submit information for this requirement should email their information to the attention of Kevin Hershey at kevin.hershey@va.gov. Only email submissions will be accepted.

Contracting Office Address:

Strategic Acquisition Center (SAC)

10300 Spotsylvania Avenue

Suite 400

Fredericksburg, VA 22408



Primary Point of Contact:

Kevin Hershey

kevin.hershey@va.gov