VA awards $2.19M for PVT TABLETS #12 to SoldierPoint Digital Health, LLC under a sole-source contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,185,680 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Soldierpoint Digital Health, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-04-29

End Date: 2025-04-28

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: PVT TABLETS # 12

Place of Performance

Location: GOLDEN, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80401

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.2 million to SOLDIERPOINT DIGITAL HEALTH, LLC for work described as: PVT TABLETS # 12 Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting potential for competitive pricing. 2. The contract duration of 364 days suggests a need for ongoing support or supply. 3. Focus on electronic computer manufacturing indicates a specific hardware requirement. 4. The award is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 5. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without knowing the specific technical requirements and quantities of the 'PVT TABLETS #12'. However, a $2.19 million award for a single delivery order, especially when not competed, raises questions about potential overpayment. Without comparative pricing data or a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to ascertain if the price reflects fair market value. The fixed-price nature of the contract shifts some risk to the contractor, but the lack of competition limits the government's ability to secure the best possible price.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded using a sole-source justification, meaning only one vendor, SoldierPoint Digital Health, LLC, was solicited. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process. While sole-source awards are permissible under specific circumstances (e.g., only one responsible source exists), they typically result in higher prices and reduced innovation compared to full and open competition. The lack of multiple bidders means the government did not benefit from price discovery through a competitive market.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium for this contract due to the absence of competition. Without bids from other companies, there's no market pressure to drive down costs, potentially leading to less efficient use of federal funds.

Public Impact

Veterans may benefit from the provision of 'PVT TABLETS #12', likely related to digital health services. The contract supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to provide healthcare and benefits to veterans. The services delivered are tied to electronic computer manufacturing, suggesting hardware provision or maintenance. The geographic impact is likely within the operational areas of the Department of Veterans Affairs, potentially nationwide.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition and potentially value for money.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award.
Potential for higher costs due to absence of competitive bidding.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a specific vendor, SoldierPoint Digital Health, LLC, indicating a relationship or specialized capability.
Fixed-price contract type can provide cost certainty if the scope is well-defined.
Delivery order structure implies it's part of an existing framework, potentially streamlining acquisition.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the IT and Healthcare sectors, specifically related to electronic computer manufacturing and digital health solutions. The market for digital health technologies and related hardware is rapidly growing, driven by increasing demand for telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and electronic health records. Spending in this area by federal agencies, particularly the VA, is substantial as they modernize their IT infrastructure and patient care systems. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific type and quantity of tablets procured, but the overall trend is towards increased investment in health IT.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it indicate any subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The sole-source nature of the award further suggests that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific procurement were not explored or mandated. This could limit the direct economic benefit to the small business ecosystem from this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the terms and conditions of the delivery order, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, as the justification and evaluation process are not publicly scrutinized through a competitive process. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs IT Modernization Programs
Veterans Health Administration Digital Health Initiatives
Federal Electronic Health Record Systems
Procurement of Medical Devices and Technology

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may indicate limited market availability or a specific capability requirement.
Lack of competition could lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Need for detailed justification for sole-source procurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.2 million to SOLDIERPOINT DIGITAL HEALTH, LLC. PVT TABLETS # 12

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOLDIERPOINT DIGITAL HEALTH, 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 $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-29. End: 2025-04-28.

What specific type of 'PVT TABLETS #12' are being procured, and what are their intended uses within the VA?

The provided data does not specify the exact model or technical specifications of the 'PVT TABLETS #12'. However, given the contractor 'SOLDIERPOINT DIGITAL HEALTH, LLC' and the agency 'Department of Veterans Affairs', it is highly probable that these tablets are intended for use in digital health applications. This could include patient monitoring, telehealth services, electronic health record access, or other clinical support functions within the VA healthcare system. The 'PVT' designation might refer to a specific program or product line related to patient vital tracking or a similar health-related function. Further details on the specific use case would require access to the contract's statement of work.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis to SoldierPoint Digital Health, LLC?

The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from circumstances where only one vendor can meet the government's needs. Common reasons include the existence of a unique capability, proprietary technology, urgent and compelling need where competition is not feasible, or if the item is a follow-on to a previously competed contract where only the original awardee can provide necessary compatibility or integration. Without the specific justification document (e.g., a Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition - J&A), it is impossible to determine the precise rationale. However, for a sole-source award of $2.19 million, a detailed justification would be required and should outline why other vendors could not fulfill the requirement.

How does the $2.19 million contract value compare to similar procurements for digital health tablets by the VA or other federal agencies?

Direct comparison of the $2.19 million value is difficult without knowing the exact specifications, quantity, and duration of the 'PVT TABLETS #12'. However, the price point for a single delivery order of this magnitude suggests a significant quantity or high-value specialized devices. Federal agencies often procure tablets for various purposes, ranging from standard commercial devices to highly specialized, ruggedized, or medically certified units. Prices for commercial tablets can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars each, while specialized devices can cost significantly more. A sole-source award, as in this case, inherently lacks a competitive benchmark, making it harder to assess if this represents a fair market price compared to what could have been achieved through competition.

What is SoldierPoint Digital Health, LLC's track record with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies?

Information on SoldierPoint Digital Health, LLC's track record with the VA and other federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. However, the award of this $2.19 million contract indicates they are an established vendor with the VA. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), previous contract awards, and any history of issues or successes. A positive performance history would suggest reliability, while a negative one might raise concerns about the suitability of a sole-source award.

What are the potential risks associated with this sole-source contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risk associated with this sole-source contract is the potential for inflated pricing due to the lack of competition, leading to a suboptimal value for taxpayer money. Other risks include vendor lock-in, limited innovation, and potential quality issues if the vendor is not adequately monitored. Mitigation strategies, though not explicitly detailed here, would typically involve rigorous contract management, clear performance metrics, regular reviews of pricing against market data (if available), and ensuring the vendor meets all contractual obligations. The VA's contracting officers are responsible for ensuring the government receives fair value, even in sole-source situations, through negotiation and oversight.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL/DENTAL/VETERINARY EQPT/SUPP

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2121 COOPERATIVE WAY STE 500, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,185,680

Exercised Options: $2,185,680

Current Obligation: $2,185,680

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C10G21D0016

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline