5820--VHA High Frequency Radio Network RFI

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions submitted by potential bidders and the government's responses regarding the RFI for a High Frequency Radio System. It aims to clarify requirements and provide additional information to assist bidders in preparing their responses.

• Phase 1 Award Results: Information regarding the network engineering and architectural design from a previous award (36C25925P1232) is not available.
• Site Surveys: Site surveys to determine site readiness, cable length, and antenna/radio location have not been completed.
• RF Power Level: No preferred RF power level is specified; recommended power levels should be part of the network diagram submitted by the vendor.
• Remote Control: Remote control is not required but can be included in the response.
• Base vs. Mobile Stations: Recommendations for base station vs. mobile station configurations should be based on the location of facilities (VAMCs and CMOPs) and included in the vendor's response.
• "Hybrid" Configuration: This term refers to a fixed, mobile, or combination configuration.
• Locations: The locations considered for this RFI are detailed in the "VHA Facility Inventory Locations HFRN.xlsx" attachment.

This Q&A document clarifies several aspects of the RFI, particularly regarding site readiness, technical specifications, and the scope of locations. Bidders should incorporate these clarifications into their responses, especially concerning the network design and facility considerations.

Request for Information (RFI)

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) concerning the VHA High Frequency Radio Network (HFRN). The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Technology Acquisition Center is seeking information regarding this requirement.

• Solicitation Number: 36C10B26Q0267
• Product Service Code (PSC): 5820
• NAICS Code: 334220
• Response Date: April 2, 2026, 14:00 Eastern Time
• Contracting Office Address: Department of Veterans Affairs, Technology Acquisition Center, 23 Christopher Way, Eatontown NJ 07724
• Place of Performance: Nationwide

The RFI references several attached documents that provide further details:

• RFI QA 36C10B26Q0267 3.27.26.xlsx (Questions and Answers)

• VHA Facility Inventory HFRN.xlsx (Facilities List)

• 36C10B26Q0267 (Likely the main RFI document)

• RFI QA 36C10B26Q0267 3.27.26 (Duplicate reference to Q&A)

• VHA Facility Inventory HFRN (Duplicate reference to Facilities List)

• david.gabrysiak@va.gov

• debra.clayton2@va.gov

• david.gabrysiak@va.gov (Phone: 401-273-7100 X-6746)

This is an RFI, not a solicitation. The government is gathering information and is not requesting proposals at this time. Vendors interested in this potential future requirement should review the attached documents for detailed information.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 1 to Solicitation 36C10B26Q0267.

• The subject line indicates "HF Radios RFI Amendment 1".
• The document references "HF Radio\RFI\VHA Facility Inventory (HFRN).xlsx" and "VHA Facility Inventory HFRN" as attached documents.

This amendment likely provides updated information or attachments related to the RFI for HF Radios. Bidders should review the attached documents for any changes to requirements, scope, or submission details.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a facility inventory for various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers (MC) and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CMOP). It lists official station names, facility types, property types, addresses, and contact information for station and district/VISN points of contact.

• Official Station Name: The name of the VA facility.
• Type of Facility: Indicates if it's a Medical Center (MC) or Community Pharmacy (CMOP).
• GSA Property Type: Specifies if the property is Government Owned or Leased.
• Street Address, City, State, Zip Code: Full address details for each facility.
• Station Contact Name, Phone, Email: Primary contact person at the facility.
• District/VISN Contact Name, Phone, Email: Contact person for the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) or District.

This document provides a comprehensive list of VA facilities, their locations, and key personnel. Bidders may use this information to understand the geographic distribution of potential work sites, identify relevant points of contact for specific regions or facilities, and gauge the scale of operations if the opportunity involves services across multiple locations. It is crucial for understanding the operational footprint of the VA in relation to the opportunity.

Request for Information (RFI)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is conducting market research to identify capable sources for a High Frequency (HF) Radio Network (HFRN). The VHA intends to procure equipment, installation, configuration, testing, and training for approximately 210 critical medical and support facilities nationwide. The goal is to establish a resilient, independent long-range communication capability to serve as a "last-resort" during disruptions to primary communication systems, such as disasters or cybersecurity incidents. The VHA aims to have the HFRN fully operational by July 2027.

Respondents are requested to provide capability statements addressing:

• HF Radio Network Solutions: Details on available hardware, features, technical specifications, interoperability with existing systems, fixed/mobile/hybrid configurations, handset usability in austere conditions, secure (non-classified) communications (AES 256 encryption minimum, interoperable with Federal crypto or a VA-recommended plan), digital/analog signal capabilities, and voice/data content for PHI/PII sharing. Also requested are site readiness, physical security, facility roles, and permitting requirements.
• Installation and Integration Support and Deployment Strategy: Recommended nationwide configurations, advice on turnkey vs. multivendor approaches, known geographic constraints, lead times, production capacity, installation requirements (power, grounding, antennas, space, cabling), and site survey processes.
• Training, Maintenance, and Support Services: End-user and technician training offerings (curriculum, delivery methods, duration), post-installation support, maintenance, warranty options, and 24-hour helpdesk services.
• Corporate Capability: Experience with HF or emergency communications, past performance with large-scale federal deployments, and available contract vehicles.
• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM): Detailed pricing estimates for equipment, installation, training, and support, along with performance metrics for repair/maintenance and volume discount structures.

Interested vendors should submit:

• Company name, address, DUNS/UEI
• Business size/socioeconomic status and NAICS codes
• For small businesses, confirmation of performing at least 50% of the work
• Point of contact information
• A written response (maximum 20 pages) addressing the requested information.
• Submissions must be in PDF format, named "HFRadio_companyname.pdf".
• Email submissions to david.gabrysiak@va.gov and debra.clayton2@va.gov by April 2, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT.

This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The government will not pay for any costs incurred in response to this RFI.