SAM #36C24527Q0022

VA sole-source short-code leasing and support for Veterans Crisis Line texting

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking continued access to two SMS short codes for the Veterans Crisis Line’s 24/7/365 crisis texting service. - Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 05 / VA Central Office, Veterans Crisis Line; contracting office identified as VAMC (613), VISN 5 Contract Satellite Office. - Requirement: Exclusive leasing, management, and maintenance of short code 838255 (VETALK) and short code 98801 (988, press 1). No quantity or part numbers are specified. - Sole-source rationale: The notice identifies the incumbent as the only known responsible source, citing exclusive carrier-level control of the exact codes and continuity risks if the codes were changed. The incumbent is not named in the supplied information. - Contract and evaluation: Anticipated firm-fixed-price arrangement using lowest price technically acceptable evaluation. - Period: One-year base period, 12/22/2026–12/21/2027, plus four option years; the stated total period is not to exceed five years.

Description

This intent to sole source announcement is posted in accordance with FAR 5.2 Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions. Objective The Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 05, VACO VA Central Office, Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) requires exclusive leasing, management, and maintenance of SMS vanity short codes 838255 ( VETALK ) and 98801 ( 988, press 1 ) to support 24/7/365 crisis text messaging services. These short codes are mission-critical assets that ensure immediate, reliable access to crisis intervention resources. The contemplated period of performance is 12/22/2026 through 12/21/2027 (Base + four option years) Unique Qualifications GCH Technologies Inc. is the only known responsible source capable of fulfilling these requirements. Supporting justification from the Single Source Justification (P03) includes:

GCH Technologies holds exclusive control and carrier-level ownership of short codes 838255 and 98801. Vanity short codes cannot be reassigned without the current owner s cooperation. Replacement of these codes would require full public rebranding, disrupt routing infrastructure, and pose unacceptable risks to continuity of crisis services and public safety. Technical research confirms no other vendor can legally or technically provide these exact short codes. Award Information The incumbent contractor shall be provided with the opportunity to present a quote that shall be accepted as a firm fixed price agreement at the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA). The Government anticipates the Independent Cost Estimate shall be developed and comparable with the current Contract No. 36C24525P0022 to justify fair and reasonable pricing. The period of performance shall be for one base year period, not to exceed 12-months.
The Period of Performance reads as follows: 12/22/2026-12/21/2027

If anyone requests additional information or would like to obtain a copy of the statement of work (SOW) for more details Cassie (KC) White cassie.white@va.gov

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