R605--FY26-HIG-1048 -Covidence subscription (VA-26-00056873) | Pitts/Schoenecker
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), specifically the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Program Contracting Activity Central (PCAC), is conducting market research through a Sources Sought/Request for Information (SS/RFI) for a Covidence database subscription. This requirement aims to provide organization-wide access to a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) web-based platform for managing evidence synthesis projects. Responses are due by Friday, April 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time.
Purpose & Scope of Work
This SS/RFI is for planning purposes only to gather information and determine potential set-aside categories for a future solicitation. The VA seeks a contractor to provide access to the Covidence Database, a collaborative, cloud-based platform. This platform will enable VA researchers, clinicians, librarians, and trainees to import, screen, extract, and synthesize research evidence, supporting multi-user collaboration and transparent study selection workflows. The solution must offer expert-led support, training, and partner in developing Single Sign-On (SSO) through VALNET's partner, LibLynx. Access is required for all 170+ VA medical centers and affiliated providers, with self-registration, medical center-specific repositories, and administrative dashboards for oversight.
Key Requirements
The platform must be 508 compliant and accessible via personal mobile devices (Apple and Android). The contractor will be responsible for all site content and system support, ensuring minimal downtime. On-site and remote instruction with training materials, a dedicated account manager, customized webinars, and marketing materials are also required. Priority Support from evidence synthesis experts with a response time of less than 3 hours is essential.
Contract & Timeline
The Government anticipates a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), single-award contract with a base period of 12 months and four (4) twelve-month option periods.
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information
- Set-Aside: To be determined based on market research responses. Offerors must qualify as a small business under NAICS code 519290 (Library Services) for potential small business set-asides.
- Response Due: April 27, 2026, 10:00 AM CST
- Published: April 22, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested contractors capable of providing the listed services should submit the following via email to Shaun.Pitts@va.gov:
- Company Name and Address
- Point of Contact (POC) Name, Email Address, Phone Number
- UEI Number
- Indicate eligibility for small business programs (Small Business, HUBZone, 8(a), Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business, Large Business, or Other). Email correspondence must reference the Sources Sought Number (36C77626Q0175) and Project Title in the subject line.
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or obligation to award a contract. Responses will not be returned, and the Government will not provide feedback. Do not include proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information. No phone calls will be accepted.