VA awards $19.17M to MITRE for data analysis and automation support, extending through 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,166,709 ($19.2M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-28

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER SERVICES TO VBA SPMO FOR DATA ANALYSIS AND AUTOMATION SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $19.2 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER SERVICES TO VBA SPMO FOR DATA ANALYSIS AND AUTOMATION SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant investment in data analysis and automation for VBA. 2. MITRE Corporation, a well-established FFRDC, is the sole awardee. 3. Contract duration of two years suggests ongoing support needs. 4. Focus on technical services within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can be appropriate for R&D or services where costs are difficult to estimate. The total award amount of $19.17M over two years appears reasonable for specialized FFRDC support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to MITRE Corporation. While FFRDCs often have unique capabilities, the lack of competition limits price discovery and potentially alternative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized FFRDC services. The value for money depends on the unique capabilities MITRE brings and the effectiveness of the support provided.

Public Impact

Improved data analysis capabilities for Veterans Affairs. Potential for increased automation in VBA processes. Support for critical government functions through specialized technical expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires careful monitoring.

Positive Signals

Award to a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC).
Focus on critical areas of data analysis and automation.
Long-term support through a two-year contract.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990). Spending in this sector is broad, but FFRDC support for government agencies is a common and often necessary expenditure for specialized technical needs.

Small Business Impact

The awardee is MITRE Corporation, a large FFRDC, not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

As a sole-source award to an FFRDC, oversight should focus on performance metrics, adherence to the fixed fee, and ensuring the services provided align with the stated objectives for data analysis and automation.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
Potential for cost creep in CPFF contracts.
Reliance on a single FFRDC may limit access to broader market innovation.
Need for strong contract oversight to ensure value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $19.2 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER SERVICES TO VBA SPMO FOR DATA ANALYSIS AND AUTOMATION SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

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 $19.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-29. End: 2026-09-28.

What specific data analysis and automation capabilities will MITRE provide, and how will these directly benefit VBA operations and veterans?

MITRE is expected to leverage its expertise in data science, artificial intelligence, and process automation to enhance the Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) ability to process claims, manage data, and improve operational efficiency. This could involve developing new analytical tools, automating repetitive tasks, and providing insights from complex datasets, ultimately aiming to streamline services and improve the veteran experience.

Given the sole-source nature of this award, what mechanisms are in place to ensure fair pricing and prevent cost overruns for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?

For a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract awarded sole-source to an FFRDC, oversight typically involves rigorous review of incurred costs against the estimated budget, regular performance reviews, and clear definition of the fixed fee. The VA contracting officer must ensure that MITRE's costs are reasonable and allocable, and that the fixed fee adequately compensates MITRE for its services without incentivizing excessive spending.

How will the effectiveness of MITRE's data analysis and automation support be measured to ensure it meets VBA's strategic goals and delivers value?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of performance metrics defined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW). These could include metrics related to the accuracy and timeliness of data analysis, the successful implementation and adoption of automated processes, improvements in VBA's processing times or error rates, and the achievement of specific project milestones. Regular progress reports and stakeholder feedback will also be crucial.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: DRAFT TO 36C10A24N0033

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,753,254

Exercised Options: $19,166,709

Current Obligation: $19,166,709

Actual Outlays: $12,779,966

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C10A20D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline