VA awards $6.9M for JAWS/Zoomtext software, impacting accessibility for veterans

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,942,367 ($6.9M)

Contractor: Thundercat Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-04-18

End Date: 2027-04-17

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: 508 ENTERPRISE FUSION (JAWS/ZOOMTEXT)/JAWS INSPECT UNLIMITED INDIVIDUAL USER SOFTWARE LICENSES WITH COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, PLUS ONE OPTIONAL TASK FOR UNLIMITED ENTERPRISE LICENSES OF FUSION FOR ALL KIOSKS INSTALLATIONS VA-WIDE.

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $6.9 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: 508 ENTERPRISE FUSION (JAWS/ZOOMTEXT)/JAWS INSPECT UNLIMITED INDIVIDUAL USER SOFTWARE LICENSES WITH COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, PLUS ONE OPTIONAL TASK FOR UNLIMITED ENTERPRISE LICENSES OF FUSION FOR ALL KIOSKS INSTALLATIONS VA-WIDE. Key points: 1. Software licenses for JAWS/Zoomtext and JAWS Inspect are the core of this award. 2. The contract includes an option for enterprise-wide kiosk licenses, potentially expanding reach. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a competitive process. 4. The primary sector is IT, specifically related to assistive technologies for users with disabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $6.9M award for unlimited individual user licenses and maintenance appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the software and its broad VA-wide application. Benchmarking against similar enterprise-level assistive technology contracts would provide further validation.

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.' This indicates that while sources were initially excluded, the final award was made through a competitive process, likely ensuring fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: This contract's taxpayer impact is focused on providing essential assistive technology to veterans, enhancing their ability to access information and services.

Public Impact

Enhances digital accessibility for veterans using VA systems and resources. Supports veterans with visual impairments in their daily interactions with VA. Ensures VA staff can effectively communicate and operate with assistive software. The optional enterprise licenses could significantly improve accessibility across all VA kiosks.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if optional enterprise licenses are exercised.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical assistive technology.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for accessibility for a significant user base.
Competitive award process suggests reasonable pricing.
Long-term contract provides stability for users.

Sector Analysis

This award falls within the IT sector, specifically focusing on software licensing and maintenance for assistive technologies. Spending benchmarks for enterprise-level software licenses vary widely, but this amount is significant for specialized accessibility tools.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC, is not identified as a small business. The contract does not appear to have specific small business set-aside provisions.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty. The duration of the contract allows for sustained support and management.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Vendor lock-in potential
Dependency on specific software features
Budgetary impact of optional task order
Ensuring equitable access across all VA facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $6.9 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. 508 ENTERPRISE FUSION (JAWS/ZOOMTEXT)/JAWS INSPECT UNLIMITED INDIVIDUAL USER SOFTWARE LICENSES WITH COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE SERVICES, PLUS ONE OPTIONAL TASK FOR UNLIMITED ENTERPRISE LICENSES OF FUSION FOR ALL KIOSKS INSTALLATIONS VA-WIDE.

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 $6.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-18. End: 2027-04-17.

What is the projected utilization rate of the individual user licenses versus the optional enterprise licenses?

The projected utilization rate is crucial for understanding the true value and potential cost escalation. If individual licenses are underutilized, the need for enterprise-wide deployment might be questioned. Conversely, high individual usage could justify the optional expansion, but a clear plan for deployment and user adoption is needed to assess cost-effectiveness.

How does the VA ensure ongoing vendor performance and software updates meet evolving accessibility standards?

The VA likely relies on contract performance metrics and regular reviews to ensure vendor compliance. The commercial software maintenance services should include updates and technical support. Adherence to accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508) should be a key performance indicator within the contract.

What is the long-term strategy for assistive technology procurement beyond this contract?

Understanding the VA's long-term strategy is important for assessing the sustainability of this investment. Are they exploring alternative solutions, consolidating contracts, or planning for future iterations of this software? This provides context for the current award's role in their broader technology roadmap.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 36C10B24Q0098

Offers Received: 1

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: $9,499,371

Exercised Options: $6,942,367

Current Obligation: $6,942,367

Actual Outlays: $4,349,047

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD26B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline