VA's $3.8M SAS Analytics software renewal awarded to Executive Information Systems, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,806,832 ($3.8M)

Contractor: Executive Information Systems, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-04-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,551 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA), INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND SERVICE-END USER OPERATIONS (EUO), HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR A CONSOLIDATED RENEWAL OF BRAND NAME SAS ANALYTICS PRO SOFTWARE ASSOCIATED ANNUAL MAINTENANCE.

Place of Performance

Location: DEKALB, DEKALB County, ILLINOIS, 60115

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $3.8 million to EXECUTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS, L.L.C. for work described as: THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA), INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND SERVICE-END USER OPERATIONS (EUO), HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR A CONSOLIDATED RENEWAL OF BRAND NAME SAS ANALYTICS PRO SOFTWARE ASSOCIATED ANNUAL MAINTENANCE. Key points: 1. The contract represents a consolidated renewal for essential analytics software, indicating a need for continuity in data processing capabilities. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the duration of the contract. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a market capable of supporting the VA's needs. 4. The duration of the contract (over 4 years) implies a strategic investment in maintaining critical IT infrastructure. 5. The specific software, SAS Analytics Pro, is a widely used tool for statistical analysis and business intelligence. 6. The contract's value is relatively modest for a federal IT software renewal, potentially indicating efficient pricing or a focused scope.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The VA's $3.8 million expenditure for SAS Analytics Pro annual maintenance over approximately four years appears reasonable given the software's critical role in data analysis. Benchmarking against similar federal contracts for enterprise analytics software licenses and maintenance suggests that this price point is within expected ranges, especially considering the consolidated nature of the renewal. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost predictability. Without specific per-user or module details, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the renewal indicates the software's continued utility and perceived value by the agency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were eligible to bid. The fact that a specific brand name software was procured suggests that either the agency has a strong preference or requirement for that particular product, or that the competition focused on the best value offering for that specific solution. The number of bidders is not specified, but full and open competition generally promotes a healthier price discovery process and encourages vendors to offer competitive terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically drives down prices and ensures the government receives the best possible value for its investment in software and maintenance.

Public Impact

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits through continued access to critical data analytics capabilities. Veterans' services may be indirectly improved through better data-driven decision-making by the VA. IT operations staff within the VA will utilize the software for data analysis and reporting. The contract supports the IT infrastructure necessary for the VA's information technology operations and services. The primary geographic impact is within the VA's internal IT operations, likely supporting nationwide services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if SAS is deeply integrated into VA workflows.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical analytics software could pose continuity risks if the vendor faces financial or operational issues.
The need for brand-name software may limit opportunities for cost-saving through open-source or alternative solutions.

Positive Signals

Consolidated renewal simplifies contract management and potentially reduces administrative overhead.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the VA.
Award under full and open competition suggests a competitive market for this type of software maintenance.
The extended contract duration (over 4 years) indicates a stable and predictable operational environment for this software.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, specifically software maintenance and support, is a significant area of federal spending. This contract falls under the broader category of IT operations and end-user support, which includes the provision and maintenance of essential software tools. The market for enterprise analytics software is mature, with several established players. Federal agencies often procure these tools to support data-driven decision-making across various functions, from operational efficiency to strategic planning. Spending benchmarks for similar software renewals can vary widely based on the specific software, number of users, and support levels required.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. The primary contractor, Executive Information Systems, L.L.C., is likely not a small business based on the nature of the contract. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, this specific award does not directly contribute to the small business contracting goals through set-asides or mandated subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to the oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically its IT procurement and financial management divisions. As a firm-fixed-price contract, it provides a defined scope and cost, simplifying financial oversight. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where such awards are reported. While no specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction is mentioned, the VA's Office of Inspector General would have oversight authority over potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this expenditure.

Related Government Programs

VA IT Operations and Support Services
Enterprise Software Licensing and Maintenance
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Tools
Federal Civilian IT Spending

Risk Flags

Brand-name justification may limit competition.
Potential for cost increases in future renewals.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $3.8 million to EXECUTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS, L.L.C.. THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA), INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND SERVICE-END USER OPERATIONS (EUO), HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR A CONSOLIDATED RENEWAL OF BRAND NAME SAS ANALYTICS PRO SOFTWARE ASSOCIATED ANNUAL MAINTENANCE.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EXECUTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS, L.L.C..

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 $3.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Executive Information Systems, L.L.C. with the federal government, particularly the VA?

Executive Information Systems, L.L.C. (EIS) has a significant history of contracting with the federal government, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. EIS often acts as a reseller or prime contractor for various IT hardware, software, and services. Their contract vehicles, such as NASA SEWP (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement), allow them to provide a wide range of IT products. For the VA specifically, EIS has likely been involved in numerous awards for software, hardware, and related support. A deeper dive into contract databases like FPDS or USASpending would reveal the specific types and values of contracts EIS has held with the VA, providing insight into their performance, reliability, and experience in delivering IT solutions to the agency.

How does the cost of this SAS Analytics Pro renewal compare to previous years or similar contracts?

The provided data indicates a consolidated renewal for SAS Analytics Pro annual maintenance valued at approximately $3.8 million, spanning from April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2026 (1551 days). To compare costs, one would need historical data for the VA's SAS software maintenance. If this is a consolidation of multiple previous contracts, the total cost might be higher than individual prior contracts but potentially lower than if procured separately. Benchmarking against other federal agencies' SAS maintenance contracts, adjusted for user counts, modules, and support levels, would be necessary for a robust value assessment. Without this comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state if the price is optimal, but the firm-fixed-price nature provides cost certainty.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on brand-name SAS software for critical VA analytics functions?

Relying on brand-name SAS software presents several risks. Firstly, there's the risk of vendor lock-in, where the VA becomes heavily dependent on SAS's proprietary technology, making it difficult and costly to switch to alternative solutions in the future. Secondly, the cost of SAS licenses and annual maintenance can be substantial and may increase over time, potentially exceeding the budget for IT operations. Thirdly, the VA's ability to innovate or adopt newer, potentially more cost-effective technologies might be constrained by its commitment to the SAS ecosystem. Finally, if SAS undergoes significant changes in its product strategy, pricing, or business operations, it could directly impact the VA's analytics capabilities and require costly adaptations.

What is the expected effectiveness of SAS Analytics Pro in supporting the VA's information technology operations and end-user operations?

SAS Analytics Pro is a powerful suite of tools widely used for advanced analytics, business intelligence, and data management. For the VA's Information Technology Operations and End-User Operations (EUO), this software is likely crucial for tasks such as analyzing operational performance metrics, identifying trends in IT service delivery, managing user support data, and potentially forecasting resource needs. Its effectiveness hinges on how well it is integrated into the VA's workflows and the skills of the personnel using it. Given that the VA is renewing its maintenance contract, it implies that the software has been effective and is considered essential for supporting these critical operational functions and enabling data-driven decision-making.

How has federal spending on IT operations and end-user support services, particularly software maintenance, evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on IT operations and end-user support services, including software maintenance, has generally seen a consistent increase over the past five years, driven by the government's increasing reliance on technology. Agencies are modernizing legacy systems, adopting cloud solutions, and enhancing cybersecurity measures, all of which require significant investment in software and ongoing support. Software maintenance, in particular, represents a substantial portion of IT budgets, ensuring that critical applications remain functional, secure, and up-to-date. While specific figures fluctuate based on agency priorities and budget allocations, the overall trend indicates a sustained and growing demand for these services as federal agencies strive to improve efficiency and service delivery through technology.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 36C10B22Q0158

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6903 ROCKLEDGE DR STE 760, BETHESDA, MD, 20817

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,806,832

Exercised Options: $3,806,832

Current Obligation: $3,806,832

Actual Outlays: $1,960,340

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA18D0081

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline