Sources Sought Notice - Teleophthalmology Program Support

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by vendors regarding the Sources Sought Notice IHS_SS_26_0406, for informational and market research purposes.

• Existing System: The current Joslin Vision Network (JVN) is an integrated teleophthalmology platform supporting remote diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy across a network of over 120 sites, integrated with existing Indian Health Service (IHS) infrastructure.
• Acquisition Approach: The government is assessing industry capabilities to support the continued operation of the existing system. The final acquisition approach is undetermined, but any solution must ensure continuity of operations and avoid disruption. Vendors should address transition timelines, system compatibility, and risks.
• Technical Requirements: Vendors should refer to the original Sources Sought Notice for specific technical requirements.
• Equipment: Major equipment for the current configuration is outlined in the Sources Sought Notice; additional equipment needs should be addressed by vendors.
• Definition of "Telehealth": For this requirement, telehealth is defined as the use of telecommunication technologies to support remote acquisition, transmission, interpretation, and reporting of retinal images within the IHS teleophthalmology program.
• Service Distinctions: Telehealth and telemedicine are broad terms. Teleophthalmology and teleretinal services are specific to retinal imaging for diabetic retinopathy diagnosis and interpretation. The IHS-JVN program is a Category 3 telemedicine program.
• Scope of "Telehealth Services": Requirements include functions to support the teleophthalmology system, such as image acquisition, transmission, storage, interpretation, reporting, operational support, system maintenance, equipment support, and user training. AI is currently being developed and requires continued support.
• Standards and Frameworks: The system operates in accordance with federal and IHS requirements for clinical care, privacy, and information security, as well as established clinical standards for diabetic retinopathy screening, including American Telemedicine Association (ATA) guidelines for store-and-forward telehealth services.

This document clarifies aspects of the original Sources Sought Notice and may influence how vendors prepare responses or proposals regarding system capabilities, transition plans, and operational support.

Sources Sought Notice

This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is for market research and planning purposes by the Indian Health Service (IHS) to assess industry capabilities for the IHS-JVN Teleophthalmology Program Support Contract. The information gathered will help determine the appropriate acquisition method and potential set-asides.

The contract aims to maintain ongoing development, implementation, and support of IHS-JVN Teleophthalmology activities, including:

• Primary infrastructure support for all ongoing operations.

• End-to-end Quality Assurance (QA) of the IHS-Teleretinal (IHS-TR) program.

• Development and maintenance of external and internal websites for the program.

• Testing and certification of imaging and reading workstations.

• Support for regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA registration).

• Engagement in emerging clinical advancements, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) in image evaluation.

• Support for training, quality assurance, and clinical research.

• Logistics support, including deployment, maintenance, and repair of equipment.

• Software maintenance and enhancement, including integration with IHS Medical Record systems.

• Provision of equipment and supplies such as teleophthalmology platforms, cameras, workstations, and instrument tables.

• The applicable primary NAICS code is 541690 - Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.

• The anticipated period of performance is one year from the date of award, with up to four additional one-year option periods.

• Interested parties should submit a capability statement demonstrating their experience and capabilities.

• The capability statement should include a cover page, executive summary, technical areas, past performance, and optional other information.

• Responses are due by Monday, April 20, 2026, no later than 5:00 PM EST.

• Submissions should be emailed to cynthia.cason@ihs.gov and hillary.marshall@ihs.gov, with the subject line including "Teleophthalmology – Your Company Name".

• Generic capability statements are not sufficient.

• Priority will be given to Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE).

• Indian Economic Enterprises (IEE) and small business concerns are also encouraged to respond.

• Organizations not considered ISBEE/IEE or small business should not submit a response.

• This SSN is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or obligation to award a contract.

• Respondents must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• No classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in the response.