VA explores Microsoft alternatives for enterprise software stack

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is exploring alternatives to Microsoft for its enterprise software stack, which serves over 540,000 users. The VA has launched a market research effort to assess the costs of replacing Microsoft products, focusing on key capabilities like productivity tools, identity management, and unified endpoint management. The request for information (RFI) was posted on October 5, 2026, with responses due by October 16, a tight deadline given the level of detail required.

The VA seeks input on whether its current requirements are too restrictive, potentially leading to long-term vendor lock-in. Respondents must provide a detailed bill of materials, including pricing for each component, to support the VA's cost analysis. This data could be used in future negotiations with Microsoft. The RFI also opens the door to non-Microsoft solutions for productivity, security, and identity management, allowing vendors to propose alternatives.

The VA is lowering barriers for new vendors by waiving the need for FedRAMP authorization, instead evaluating security against NIST standards and its own directives. Any solution would require a VA authority to operate before deployment, with a target decision time of 60 days. This approach could attract commercial vendors that have avoided the FedRAMP process due to its cost and complexity.