Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Meta Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets and Accessories

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Healthcare, Innovation, and Learning (OHIL) has a requirement for Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to conduct VA Firearm Safety Training. OHIL and more specifically the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, VA Immersive, and Strategic Innovations Lab (SIL) has developed, in collaboration with private industry, training software to teach VA personnel the various aspects of firearm safety (TAC performance-based Task Order (TO) 36C10B21N10150056 entitled, “Product and Technology Ecosystem Management Services (PTEMS)). Under this contract the “Firearm Safe Handling” Virtual Reality Application is currently being developed to increase VA healthcare providers’ familiarity with firearms, enabling them to better support Veterans in crisis. This software was designed to be immersive using virtual reality. This training was developed and optimized for Meta Quest 3 VR devices under the PTEMS contract. VA Immersive has completed the testing phase under the PTEMS contract and is now moving to the pilot phase in which 33 Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headsets with accessories are needed for VA employees to use for training purposes and provide feedback.

The application is configured and optimized to run on the Meta Quest 3 device. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 41 U.S.C.3304(a)(1) as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Subpart 6.302-1 entitled, “Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.” Specifically 6.302-1(c) for Brand Name acquisition.

Any inquiries regarding this notice must be submitted in writing via email to the contracting point of contacts listed below no later than the date and time specified in the announcement.