R426--Telephone Operator/Switchboard Services
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified vendors for Telephone Operator/Switchboard Services across three VA Health Care Systems: San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Central California. This is for planning purposes only, and no solicitation is currently available. Responses are due June 1, 2026, by 10:00 AM PST.
Purpose
The VA Network Contracting Office (NCO 21) is performing market research to determine the availability of vendors, regardless of business size, capable of providing comprehensive telephone operator and switchboard services. The information gathered will facilitate decision-making regarding a future procurement strategy.
Scope of Work
Services include operating Cisco Finess System phones, digital paging systems, and land lines for code calls. Key responsibilities involve professionally answering and processing all incoming calls, prioritizing emergencies, and responding to and recording emergency alarms, codes, bomb threats, fires, and disasters. Operators will transmit information over two-way radios, route calls, assist staff/patients, and report/log telephone equipment malfunctions. The requirement mandates 24/7/365 coverage, including holidays, and includes provisions for continuity plans during outages and high call volumes.
Contract & Timeline
This is a Sources Sought notice, not a solicitation. The anticipated contract type is Firm Fixed Price. The potential period of performance includes a base year (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027) and four option years, extending through September 30, 2031. The services will be performed at VA facilities in Palo Alto, CA; Fresno, CA; and San Francisco, CA. The applicable NAICS Code is 561421, Telephone Answering Service.
Eligibility & Submission
This opportunity is open to all business sizes. SDVOSB and VOSB firms must be registered with the Small Business Administration. All small businesses must adhere to Limitations on Subcontracting, ensuring at least 50% of personnel costs are expended for the prime contractor's employees. Contractors must have a current registration in SAM.gov.
Interested contractors must respond via email to Maricela.Berrones-Gauger@va.gov by June 1, 2026, 10:00 AM PST. Required information includes:
- Company's Socioeconomic Status (with SBA registration details if SDVOSB/VOSB).
- Legal name and Unique Entity ID (SAM).
- Primary point of contact.
- Capabilities Statement.
- Description of experience in telephone operator services.
- List of similar Government and Commercial projects.
- Details on subcontracting plans (per FAR 52.219-14 and 52.219-27).
- GSA Contract Number (if applicable).
- A price estimate for the five ordering periods.
Important Notes
Failure to provide all requested information will result in a non-responsive submission. This notice is for market research only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government to award a contract. All information is preliminary and subject to modification.