Opportunity
SAM #36C24126Q0649
Sole Source Emergency Medical Communication Services for VA Boston Healthcare System
Buyer
Department of Veterans Affairs
Posted
July 20, 2026
Respond By
July 24, 2026
Identifier
36C24126Q0649
NAICS
621910, 541690, 517919
This opportunity involves two sole source contracts for emergency medical communication services supporting the VA Boston Healthcare System. - Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office 1, is procuring: - Boston EMS Communication Services from Boston EMS, the only municipal authority with access to emergency dispatch, radio interoperability, and secure regional integration. - EMS Radio Subscription Service from Metropolitan Boston Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc., the exclusive provider of the CMED EMS Communications Network. - Services include: - Emergency dispatch connectivity - Radio system interoperability - Real-time incident coordination - Secure integration with regional first responder networks - Access to encrypted public safety channels and 24/7 dispatch operations - Both contracts are sole source due to proprietary infrastructure and legal requirements; no third-party vendors can provide equivalent access or services. - The EMS Radio Subscription Service contract is valued at $108,640.91 over five years (one base year plus four option years). - Period of performance: - Boston EMS Communication Services: Expected to begin August 7, 2026, ongoing with 24/7 requirements - EMS Radio Subscription Service: August 7, 2026 – August 6, 2031 (one base year, four option years) - OEMs: Boston EMS and Metropolitan Boston Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. - Requirements include legal authority, certification from the City of Boston, and operational participation in EMS communication systems.
Description
INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE The Department of Veterans Affairs, Network Contracting Office (NCO) 1, intends to negotiate and award a sole source procurement under the authority of FAR 13.106 1(b)(1)(i), Only One Responsible Source , for Boston EMS Communication Services beginning August 7, 2026. Boston EMS is the only municipal public safety authority that operates, controls, and maintains the emergency communication and dispatch network serving Boston area federal medical facilities, including the VA Boston Healthcare System. The communication services required including emergency dispatch connectivity, radio system interoperability, real time incident coordination, and secure integration with regional first responder networks are proprietary to Boston EMS. No third party vendor can provide access to Boston EMS s secured communication infrastructure, encrypted public safety channels, or 24/7 dispatch operations. These systems are governed exclusively by the City of Boston and are not commercially offered. Use of any alternate source would result in: Loss of interoperability with local emergency responders Disruption of critical patient transport coordination Absence of secure municipal radio network access Inability to meet VA requirements for emergency care continuity Because Boston EMS is the sole authority capable of providing these mission critical communication services, NCO 1 has determined that only one responsible source is available to meet the Government s minimum needs.
NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotations. However, interested parties who believe they can meet this requirement must submit a capability statement demonstrating: Legal authority to access and operate within the Boston EMS public safety communication network Ability to provide 24/7 emergency medical dispatch interoperability identical to municipal services Certification from the City of Boston permitting full operational participation in EMS communication systems All responses must be received by 07-24-2026 in this posting and must clearly demonstrate authorization to provide the required municipal level EMS communication capabilities. A determination not to compete based on responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.