RFI for Chatbot Services

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs requires chatbot services to support the clinical implementation of the SOPHROSYNE chatbot. The agency is seeking iterative design, testing, and revision of clinical workflows and protocols for both in-clinic and independent Veteran use. The project aims to optimize and version the chatbot to ensure clinical accuracy, usability, and strict alignment with Motivational Interviewing principles. The scope of work covers in-clinic piloting at designated pilot sites in coordination with agency personnel. The selected provider must conduct formative evaluations, including structured usability testing, end-user walk-throughs, and the collection and analysis of feedback from Veterans, clinic staff, and subject matter experts. Additionally, the agency requires the development and maintenance of an implementation toolkit, user guides, training materials, and a final maintenance guide to enable staff to operate and modify the tool after contract completion. Eligibility is restricted to onshore organizations based in the United States. The agency permits the performance of the work to occur offsite. The agency is currently looking for proposals to determine the budget and has not disclosed specific key dates in the initial request.