Opportunity
SAM #36C24E26Q0127
Sole Source R&D Technology Support Services for TRACTS High-Performance Computing Platform at VA Boston
Buyer
VA Regional Procurement Offices East
Posted
September 09, 2026
Respond By
September 18, 2026
Identifier
36C24E26Q0127
NAICS
541511
This opportunity is for a sole source contract to support and enhance the TRACTS High-Performance Computing (HPC) platform at the VA Boston Healthcare System. - The contract is intended for Ross Walker, the original architect and developer of the TRACTS HPC OnDemand platform. - Services include: - Continued development, enhancement, maintenance, and technical support for the proprietary TRACTS platform - Monthly workload optimization and workflow automation for MRI/fMRI data processing - Automation of clinical PACS data processing, including anonymization and scripting through Freesurfer, AFNI, SAS - AI/ML training and implementation, including three onsite visits for model development and staff training - Quality assurance planning and personnel certifications for privacy and information security - The contractor must have HPC and AI expertise and be able to access PHI/PII data (requires VA Personal Identification Verification Card) - The contract is for a one-year period with no option years specified - The NAICS code is 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) - No other OEMs or vendors are referenced; capability statements from other sources are invited to determine if competition is possible - Estimated contract value is not specified, but scope suggests a mid-range R&D services contract - Services are primarily remote with one onsite visit required at VA Boston - Deliverables include personnel certifications, monthly workload optimization, automated PACS data processing, AI/ML training, and quality assurance plan
Description
Pre-Solicitation Notice for the notice of intent to award a sole source contract.
This is not a solicitation. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Office of Research and Development (R&D), Regional Procurement Office (RPO) – East in Pittsburgh, PA intends to award on a sole source basis a Firm-Fixed-Price Contract for a one (1) year period to Ross Walker, 425 Freedom View Ln, Phoenixville, PA 19460, to provide services for the continued development, enhancement, maintenance, and technical support of the existing TRACTS High-Performance Computing (HPC) OnDemand platform.
Ross Walker is the only known source who can provide the services for the continued development, enhancement, maintenance, and technical support of the existing TRACTS High-Performance Computing (HPC) OnDemand platform required by the VA Boston Healthcare System Medical Center Research Services. This is a continuing need for the enhancement of the existing TRACTS platform, an existing proprietary implementation developed by Ross Walker for the Neuroimaging for Veterans Center. Ross Walker served as the principal architect, designer, and developer of the TRACTS platform, and the lead engineer for the current TRACTS infrastructure. The platform incorporates custom-developed configurations, workflow automation, system integrations, security configurations, deployment methodologies, and operational processes that are not commercially available or fully documented.
Since the intent is to procure this on a sole source basis, no solicitation will be posted to Contract Opportunities. The applicable NAICS code is 541511 with a $34.0 million size standard. The PSC is DB01. The authority for this action is RFO FAR 6.103-1 only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.
This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. Responsible sources may identify their interest by submitting capability information that clearly demonstrates the capability to perform the required work in accordance with the attached statement of work. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.
A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed requirement based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government.
The Government will not be responsible for any costs associated with the preparation of responses to this notification.
Capability information is required by Friday, September 18, 2026, 11:00 AM, ET, and must be sent by email to Shannon Hukriede at shannon.hukriede@va.gov. No telephone responses will be accepted.