Inactive

VA Rural Local Exchange Carrier (RLEC) Services for the Enterprise Request for Information Round 2 Questions/Industry Input Needed This is a Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research so... VA Rural Local Exchange Carrier (RLEC) Services for the Enterprise Request for Information Round 2 Questions/Industry Input Needed This is a Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue a RFP in the future. This request does not commit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. VA is not currently seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that VA will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested vendor's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Information The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Information & Technology (OIT), utilizes a variety of contracts to acquire Rural Local Exchange Carrier (RLEC) services often provided by Telephone Co-operatives. VA has recognized a need to reduce potentially duplicative, overlapping, and fragmented efforts. VA intends to establish a consolidated RLEC management and services agreement. This action aligns with Federal Government priority goals otherwise referred to as crosscutting goals as well as goals to improve management across the Federal Government. VA is focused on implementing these objectives by means of OIT Enterprise level management of RLEC services. OIT is tasked to accomplish the goal of reducing overall telecommunications and data expenses with minimal time of implementation as well as improvement in support, reporting, auditing and invoicing. OIT has the overall business and management responsibilities for all VA telephone and data services. OIT is currently responsible for the management of Information Technology (IT) operational expenses for VA Medical Centers (VAMC), Veteran Outreach Centers, Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) and other VA facilities throughout the United States (US) and the District of Columbia.as well as the US Territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, Samoa, Saipan, and the sovereign Republic of the Philippines. OIT intends to consolidate telephone services to all facilities within the area of performance; centralize management of telephone services, and reduce expenses to service delivery points that are not available on existing VA OIT service agreements. Goal VA anticipates changing the RLEC Services current state which features multiple contracts managed at a local level requiring significant effort to fund, implement and manage to a consolidated contract. The following goals are set for consolidation of LEC Services at the VA enterprise level: Goal Expected Outcomes Impact RLEC Contract consolidation at the Enterprise Level Improved Government Productivity Elimination of multiple contracts across the VA Improved TPBO processes Simplified Contract Management Business Initiative Framework This project shall include RLEC Services at locations within the Enterprise. The proposed action is to lower the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the Department s recurring telecommunications expenses for RLEC Services through merged contract management which will improve visibility into usage and spend patterns. Mission Statement This acquisition shall transition RLEC Services for the VA to an optimized model. The outcome shall address specific OIT requirements of effective and obtainable RLEC Services for VA Facilities. The future state will result in a consolidated RLEC contract vehicle, economy of scale, and enterprise level management of services. Business Context VA consists of approximately 807 CBOCs, 288 VA Vet Centers, 152 VA Hospitals, 131 National Cemeteries, and 56 Veterans Benefits Regional Offices. Visit this link for detailed information: http://www.va.gov/vetdata/docs/quickfacts/Homepage-slideshow.pdf. VA OIT seeks to standardize across the enterprise in managing assets and expenses for telecommunications services. A decentralized model of management has created an environment with lower capability to fund or an incapability to procure new requirements. VA is centralizing telecom contract management to an enterprise level Telecommunications Procurement Business Office (TPBO). The TPBO is tasked to lower the TCO in telecommunications spending and reduce procurement times and maintenance of RLEC services through centralization. Sponsor The OIT is the project sponsor. Charter VA Leadership has required consolidation of RLEC Services beginning in FY19. Stakeholders The Chief Information Officer (CIO), OIT Area Managers, and rural field location staff. In FY19, VA intends to consolidate all RLEC services contracts into one enterprise contract. It is anticipated that this effort will provide improved management of such. In support of this effort, VA is conducting market research to help further refine requirements and establish the best acquisition approach. The SDP listing is attached. Indicate which of the sites on the SDP list you can service via a reselling agreement to ensure account transition within 30 days of a contract award. Indicate your ability to do such on the attached SDP workbook. Provide company business size and status as designated by the NAICS 517911 (Telecommunications Resellers) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (i.e., Large Business, Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned Small Business, Hub Zone Small Business, etc.). Provide documentation on sharing agreements or documentation that demonstrates your ability to resell services for the locations on the SDP list. Do you have any innovative or better solutions for providing these services? Instructions for Submitting RFI Response Submit responses electronically to Colleen Grasso, Contract Specialist, Colleen.Grasso@va.gov no later than 1:00 PM EST on April 29, 2019. Responses should include a short summary of your company's capabilities to provide the required services. Page count: 10 pages excluding the SDP workbook response. Include the name, phone number, and email address of the lead from your organization. Identify existing contract vehicles in which your company is participating that relates to RLEC Services. VA reserves the right to not respond to any or all emails or materials submitted.