VA seeking PCHS-2 vendors
New CIO approves request for proposals for a $1.37 billion hardware and software contract
In one of his first acts as the new chief information officer at the Department of Veterans Affairs, John Gauss approved a request for proposals for a $1.37 billion follow-on contract for hardware and software.
The VA is seeking at least two vendors for the project known as PCHS-2 (Procurement of Computer Hardware and Software-2) and requires at least 40 percent of the subcontracts to be awarded to minority-, women- or veteran-ownedbusinesses. The RFP calls for a one-year base with four one-year optionsfor hardware and software. Proposals are due Sept. 24.
The contract will include information technology solutions, networks, security, health care automation and paperless office products. It also calls for a portable system that's powerful enough to perform as a desktop PC replacement. The contract also includes handheld computers, which havebecome an important technology tool for doctors at most VA hospitals.
PCHS is in its fourth year as a governmentwide acquisition contractand has been a popular contracting option for providing personal computerhardware and software at competitive prices. Total PCHS sales have exceeded $631 million.
Although PCHS-2 is limited to the VA, agency officials hope to turn it into a governmentwide vehicle in the near future.
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