VA awards $7.2M for domain controller servers and services to ThunderCat Technology, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,226,363 ($7.2M)

Contractor: Thundercat Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-06-28

End Date: 2027-07-01

Contract Duration: 1,829 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE DOMAIN CONTROLLER SERVERS AND ANY CABLING, TRANSCEIVERS, LICENSING, AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION OF ALL HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE TO REPLACE END-OF-LIFE DOMAIN CONTROLLER SERVERS LOCATED AT VA FACILITIES.

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $7.2 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE DOMAIN CONTROLLER SERVERS AND ANY CABLING, TRANSCEIVERS, LICENSING, AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION OF ALL HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE TO REPLACE END-OF-LIFE DOMAIN CONTROLLER SERVERS LOCATED AT VA FACILITIES. Key points: 1. Contract aims to replace aging domain controller servers across VA facilities. 2. Focus on hardware, cabling, transceivers, licensing, and installation services. 3. Procurement method indicates competition after source exclusion. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests predictable costs. 5. Long-term duration of 1829 days for delivery and performance. 6. Contract awarded to a single entity, ThunderCat Technology, LLC.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $7.2 million for domain controller servers and associated services appears to be within a reasonable range for a multi-year IT infrastructure refresh. However, without specific details on the number of servers, the exact scope of professional services, and the pricing of individual components (hardware, software licenses, installation), a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar large-scale server replacement contracts within the federal government or private sector would be necessary for a more definitive evaluation of cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which suggests that while the initial solicitation was open, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but this procurement method implies a limited competitive landscape compared to a truly full and open competition. This could potentially impact price discovery and may indicate a need for specific capabilities or certifications that narrowed the field.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have benefited from the broadest possible competition, potentially leading to a higher price than if more vendors had been able to bid. The exclusion of sources warrants scrutiny to ensure it was justified and did not unduly restrict competition.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities will receive upgraded domain controller servers, improving IT infrastructure reliability. Ensures continued operation and security of critical IT systems supporting VA operations. Services include installation and licensing, ensuring a complete solution for the VA. The contract supports the modernization of IT hardware within the VA's network.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' could lead to suboptimal pricing.
Lack of detailed unit cost breakdown makes it difficult to assess value for money on individual components.
Long contract duration might not fully account for rapid technological advancements in server hardware and software.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the VA.
Comprehensive scope including hardware, software, and installation simplifies procurement and management.
Award to a single vendor streamlines the delivery and support process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer hardware and related professional services. The market for domain controllers and server infrastructure is mature, with numerous vendors offering solutions. The VA's spending on IT infrastructure is substantial, reflecting the need to maintain and upgrade complex systems supporting millions of veterans. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large federal agencies' IT hardware refresh contracts, particularly those involving server replacements and network infrastructure upgrades.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a small business set-aside. The prime contractor, ThunderCat Technology, LLC, may or may not be a small business itself, but the contract's structure does not mandate small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the Firm Fixed Price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods and services. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract were identified.

Related Government Programs

IT Infrastructure Modernization Programs
Server and Hardware Procurement
Network Services Contracts
Department of Veterans Affairs IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Limited competition after exclusion of sources
Lack of detailed unit pricing for components
Potential for technology obsolescence over the contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $7.2 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE DOMAIN CONTROLLER SERVERS AND ANY CABLING, TRANSCEIVERS, LICENSING, AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION OF ALL HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE TO REPLACE END-OF-LIFE DOMAIN CONTROLLER SERVERS LOCATED AT VA FACILITIES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, 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 $7.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-06-28. End: 2027-07-01.

What specific types and quantities of domain controller servers are being procured, and what is the rationale for selecting these particular models?

The provided data does not specify the exact models or quantities of domain controller servers. The contract description indicates a need to 'replace end-of-life domain controller servers.' The rationale for selecting specific models would typically be detailed in the technical requirements and performance work statement (PWS) associated with the solicitation. This would likely include factors such as required processing power, memory, storage capacity, compatibility with existing VA network infrastructure, security features, and energy efficiency. Without access to the PWS or related documentation, the specific rationale for model selection remains unknown. However, the need to replace end-of-life equipment suggests a focus on maintaining operational continuity and security by upgrading to current, supported hardware.

How does the pricing of the domain controller servers and associated services compare to market rates or similar federal contracts?

A direct comparison of pricing is difficult without detailed line-item costs for the servers, cabling, transceivers, licensing, and professional services. The total award of $7.2 million over approximately five years covers a broad scope. To assess value, one would need to benchmark the per-unit cost of the servers against commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) pricing and compare the professional services rates to industry standards or other government contracts for similar IT support. The 'limited' competition aspect suggests that the price might not be as competitive as it could be in a broader solicitation. Further analysis would require accessing the contract's detailed pricing structure and comparing it against established IT procurement data from sources like GSA schedules or other agency contract awards for similar hardware and services.

What are the specific risks associated with ThunderCat Technology, LLC's performance on this contract, considering their track record?

Information regarding ThunderCat Technology, LLC's specific track record and past performance on similar contracts is not provided in the data. A comprehensive risk assessment would require reviewing their performance history, including any past issues with delivery, quality, cost overruns, or customer satisfaction on previous government contracts. Without this data, potential risks related to contractor performance are speculative. However, general risks for IT infrastructure projects of this nature include potential delays in delivery, integration challenges with existing systems, unforeseen technical issues during installation, and the need for ongoing support. The 'limited' competition could also pose a risk if the contractor faces challenges and there are few alternatives for the VA to turn to.

What is the expected impact of these new domain controller servers on the VA's overall IT infrastructure and operational effectiveness?

The primary impact of replacing end-of-life domain controller servers is expected to be a significant improvement in the reliability, security, and performance of the VA's IT infrastructure. Domain controllers are critical for managing user access, authentication, and network resources. Outdated servers are more prone to hardware failures, security vulnerabilities, and may not support the latest network protocols or software requirements. The upgrade should enhance system stability, reduce downtime, improve login times, and enable the deployment of newer security features and network services. This, in turn, supports the VA's mission by ensuring that its IT systems function effectively to serve veterans and manage healthcare records and benefits.

How does this contract's value and duration compare to historical VA spending on similar IT infrastructure upgrades?

The $7.2 million award over approximately five years for domain controller servers represents a substantial, but likely typical, investment for an agency the size of the VA. Historical VA spending on IT infrastructure, particularly server replacements and network upgrades, often runs into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars annually across various contracts. The duration of five years is common for hardware refresh cycles, balancing the need for current technology with the cost and disruption of frequent replacements. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze VA's IT budget and contract databases for similar procurements over the past several years, looking at the average award value, contract duration, and scope of work for server and network infrastructure projects.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - COMPUTE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Thundercat Technology LLC

Address: 11190 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 200, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,983,702

Exercised Options: $7,226,363

Current Obligation: $7,226,363

Actual Outlays: $6,570,445

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD26B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline