VA awards $26.1M for satellite communication management, with 10 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,101,182 ($26.1M)

Contractor: Comprehensive Approach LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2020-07-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,190 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SATELLITE COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $26.1 million to COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH LLC for work described as: SATELLITE COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of satellite communication management. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and evolving satellite technology. 4. Performance context is critical for ensuring reliable communication for VA services. 5. This contract positions the VA within the broader telecommunications sector. 6. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.1 million over approximately six years for satellite communication management services seems within a reasonable range for this type of specialized support. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for telecommunications infrastructure and management would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the scope and is seeking cost predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while initial exclusions might have occurred, the opportunity was ultimately made available broadly. The receipt of 10 bids suggests a competitive marketplace for satellite communication management services, which generally leads to better pricing and service options for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process with multiple bidders typically results in more favorable pricing for taxpayers, as contractors vie to offer the best value to win the contract.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from reliable communication services facilitated by this contract. The contract ensures the management and operation of essential satellite telecommunications for the VA. Geographic impact is nationwide, supporting VA facilities and personnel wherever satellite connectivity is required. Workforce implications may include support roles for technicians and communication specialists.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Dependence on a single vendor for critical communication infrastructure could pose a risk if the vendor's performance degrades.
Rapid advancements in satellite technology could render current systems obsolete, requiring potential future upgrades or contract modifications.
Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures for satellite communication channels is paramount to protect sensitive VA data.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the VA, minimizing the risk of budget overruns.
A competitive award process with 10 bidders indicates a healthy market and likely competitive pricing.
The contract duration allows for stable service provision and relationship building with the contractor.

Sector Analysis

Satellite communication management is a niche but critical segment within the broader telecommunications industry. This sector is characterized by high technological barriers to entry and significant infrastructure investment. The market includes providers of satellite bandwidth, ground station operations, and integrated communication solutions. Government spending in this area is often driven by the need for secure, reliable, and geographically dispersed communication capabilities, particularly for agencies operating in remote locations or requiring resilient networks.

Small Business Impact

There is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside for this contract, and the prime contractor, Comprehensive Approach LLC, is not identified as a small business in this context. However, the contract's scope may necessitate subcontracting opportunities for specialized services, potentially including those offered by small businesses in areas like technical support or equipment maintenance.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics and oversight activities may not be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule contracts
Department of Defense satellite communication programs
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spectrum management

Risk Flags

Potential for technological obsolescence
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in satellite communications
Dependence on contractor performance for critical services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $26.1 million to COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH LLC. SATELLITE COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Comprehensive Approach LLC in managing large-scale satellite communication contracts for federal agencies?

Information regarding Comprehensive Approach LLC's specific track record in managing large-scale satellite communication contracts for federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on similar government contracts. Understanding their experience with the specific technologies and service levels required by the VA is crucial for evaluating their capability to fulfill this contract effectively. Further research into their corporate history and client testimonials, particularly within the public sector, would be beneficial.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar satellite communication management contracts awarded by other federal agencies?

Without specific data on comparable contracts, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the $26.1 million award over approximately six years averages to roughly $4.35 million per year. This figure needs to be contextualized by the scope of services, the number of satellites or ground stations managed, the bandwidth provided, and the level of technical support required. Agencies like the Department of Defense often have larger and more complex satellite communication needs, potentially leading to higher contract values. A detailed market analysis of recent awards for similar services, considering contract duration and service complexity, would be necessary for a robust benchmark.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include technological obsolescence in the rapidly evolving satellite industry, potential cybersecurity threats to communication channels, and the risk of vendor performance issues impacting critical VA operations. Mitigation strategies likely involve contract clauses for technology refresh, stringent cybersecurity requirements, performance monitoring, and contingency planning. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage risks effectively to maintain profitability. The VA's oversight mechanisms will be critical in identifying and addressing risks proactively.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for satellite communication management services?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. For satellite communication management, where requirements can be relatively stable, FFP provides cost certainty for the government and incentivizes the contractor to control costs efficiently. However, if unforeseen technical challenges or scope changes arise, FFP can sometimes lead to disputes or require costly contract modifications. The success of FFP in this case depends on the VA's ability to accurately define requirements and the contractor's proficiency in meeting them within the agreed price.

What is the historical spending pattern for satellite communication management services by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The provided data only details this specific contract award. To understand historical spending patterns, one would need to analyze VA's procurement data over several previous fiscal years. This would involve identifying all contracts related to satellite communication management, their values, durations, and awarded contractors. Analyzing this trend would reveal whether spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and whether the VA has historically relied on full and open competition or other methods for these services. Such analysis is crucial for strategic budget planning and identifying potential market shifts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Satellite Telecommunications › Satellite Telecommunications

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 36C10A20R0003

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11208 WAPLES MILL RD, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $42,472,087

Exercised Options: $26,101,182

Current Obligation: $26,101,182

Actual Outlays: $8,043,495

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline