VA adds tablets to contracting vehicle

The Veterans Affairs Department has added specifications for several tablet devices and systems — Android, Apple iPad, BlackBerry and Windows devices — in its upcoming Commodity Enterprise Contract.

The department on Aug. 10 added several amendments to the contract description on the Federal Business Opportunities website. Two of the amendments, B and C, specified tablets and light laptop computer devices.

Vendors are being asked to supply information on products and services available to meet the specifications by Aug. 26.

VA CIO details plans for iPhones and iPads on VA networks

According to the original synopsis released in March, the commodity contract will be an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, multiple-award delivery order contract for hardware and software commodity purchases.

The first phase will include desktops, laptops, servers, switches, routers and storage appliances, along with mobile tables and light laptop devices.

Roger Baker, assistant secretary for information and technology at the VA, recently said that employees would be able to use iPhones and iPads on departmental networks by Oct. 1.

Baker said the department was considering whether to acquire devices or whether to enable staff members to use their personal devices.