How to bid on Rideshare for VHA Homeless Program Veterans from the VA

What the VA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs a contractor to provide nationwide rideshare coordination and transportation services for Veterans who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This includes scheduling, payment, reporting, customer support, and staff training.

The services will cover all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. This is a crucial service to help Veterans access shelter, housing, healthcare, community support, court obligations, essential goods, and employment-related activities. The contract has a 12-month base period with a potential six-month extension.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

Proposals for this opportunity are due by August 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. This is a firm deadline, and all required documents must be submitted by this time.

The VA will use the submitted proposals to evaluate and select a contractor for these rideshare services. Ensure all parts of your proposal are complete and accurate before the deadline.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% set-aside for eligible Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Firms specializing in transportation coordination, logistics, or rideshare management with a secure electronic platform are well-suited.

The ideal vendor will have the capacity to manage a nationwide service, including 24/7 customer support, comparative price analysis for rides, and detailed reporting. Experience with government contracting and a strong understanding of the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly Veterans, would be beneficial.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation and all related documents, you need to go to the original source on the portal. Click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though some bids allow access without an account. Once you have access, carefully review the Request for Proposal (RFP) and all attachments, especially Attachment D Contractor Questions w Government Responses 0001 and the Performance Work Statement (PWS), Section B.2, which details the full requirements.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Thoroughly read the Performance Work Statement (PWS) to understand all service requirements, including ride coordination, scheduling, payment, customer support, and staff training. Your proposal should directly address how your firm will meet each requirement.

Since this is a Time-and-Materials (T&M) contract, clearly outline your proposed rates and how you will ensure lowest-cost rideshare selection. Detail your secure electronic interface platform, ensuring it meets VA ATO-compliant and FedRAMP-authorized standards if cloud-hosted. Highlight your 24/7/365 customer support capabilities and your plan for monthly consolidated invoicing and trip-level reporting.

As an SDVOSB set-aside, ensure your business is properly certified and registered. Pay close attention to all incorporated provisions and clauses, especially those requiring offeror completion and signature, such as VAAR 852.219-75. Double-check all submission requirements and deadlines to avoid any disqualification.