The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking industry input on next-generation approaches to digital identity, authentication, and post-login navigation for VA.gov, issuing a Sources Sought and market research request through the Technology Acquisition Center in New Jersey. The notice, titled “Exploring Next-Generation Digital Identity, Authentication, and Navigation on VA.gov,” was posted on January 7, 2026, with responses due January 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST.
VA’s framing highlights persistent friction points for some veterans using its digital services, including identity verification, multi-factor authentication, recovery journeys, accessibility, and challenges associated with varying levels of digital literacy and connectivity. VA says it delivers services via VA.gov and the VA Health and Benefits mobile app, but wants to gather market intelligence on solutions that can provide a more seamless and frictionless experience while meeting or exceeding current security standards.
The RFI asks respondents to submit a capability statement addressing requirements described in two attached documents and to provide a rough order of magnitude estimate. The market research description indicates VA is interested in concrete proposals and evidence, including relevant case studies, detailed user journey workflows for identity proofing, sign-in, recovery, and navigation, along with risks, tradeoffs, and lessons learned from comparable deployments. VA also requests clarity on the tools, platforms, APIs, data integrations, and operational capabilities required to deliver the proposed experience.
The structure of the request suggests VA is looking beyond authentication alone and is explicitly tying identity and access management to post-authentication usability. That is consistent with a broader pattern in public-sector digital service design, where agencies attempt to reduce abandonment and help users complete tasks after sign-in, not simply pass identity proofing checks.
The move follows VA’s ongoing efforts to modernize veteran access to digital services. The department previously mandated that veterans transition to either Login.gov or ID.me for accessing benefits and healthcare services online, with roughly 3 million veterans and beneficiaries needing to migrate to one of these platforms. VA has also been exploring biometric authentication technologies through a separate proof-of-concept initiative focused on facial and iris recognition systems.
—
By the ID Tech Editorial Team
