VA awards $2.28M for Project Management and Business Analysis to The Arcanum Group, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,284,040 ($2.3M)

Contractor: THE Arcanum Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2019-05-20

End Date: 2023-06-10

Contract Duration: 1,482 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: "IGF::OT::IGF" OTHER FUNCTIONS THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS ANALYSIS SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROGRAM.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20202

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.3 million to THE ARCANUM GROUP, INC. for work described as: "IGF::OT::IGF" OTHER FUNCTIONS THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS ANALYSIS SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Spending focuses on vocational rehabilitation and employment services. 2. The Arcanum Group, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Contract duration is 4 years, ending June 2023. 4. Services include project management and business analysis. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's fixed price of $2.28M over four years for project management and business analysis services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar consulting contracts is difficult without more specific service details.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method may not have yielded the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for essential program management, but the limited competition raises questions about optimal value.

Public Impact

Supports veterans through vocational rehabilitation and employment services. Ensures effective program management for VA initiatives. Contributes to the operational efficiency of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service Program.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
Lack of detailed service breakdown hinders precise value assessment.

Positive Signals

Supports critical veteran services.
Long-term contract provides stability for program management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611). Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the complexity and duration of services required.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, suggesting internal oversight. However, the limited competition warrants scrutiny to ensure accountability and value.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
Lack of detailed service scope makes value assessment difficult.
Contract duration is lengthy, increasing exposure to potential inefficiencies.
No small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.3 million to THE ARCANUM GROUP, INC.. "IGF::OT::IGF" OTHER FUNCTIONS THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS ANALYSIS SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE ARCANUM GROUP, INC..

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 $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-05-20. End: 2023-06-10.

What specific deliverables and performance metrics were established to ensure the effectiveness of the project management and business analysis services?

The provided data does not detail specific deliverables or performance metrics. Effective project management and business analysis require clearly defined outcomes, such as timely project completion, budget adherence, stakeholder satisfaction, and actionable business insights. Without these, assessing the true effectiveness and value for money is challenging.

How was the pricing determined to be fair and reasonable given the limited competition and the nature of consulting services?

The data indicates 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. Determining fair and reasonable pricing in such scenarios typically involves comparing proposed costs to historical data for similar services, using independent government cost estimates, or applying established cost-plus-fixed-fee structures. The specific methodology used here is not detailed.

What is the potential impact on veteran services if the project management or business analysis is suboptimal?

Suboptimal project management or business analysis could lead to delays in program implementation, inefficient resource allocation, and failure to meet the needs of veterans seeking vocational rehabilitation and employment services. This could result in reduced program effectiveness and a negative impact on veterans' ability to secure employment and reintegrate.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 116 INVERNESS DR E, STE 290, ENGLEWOOD, CO, 80112

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,446,331

Exercised Options: $2,284,040

Current Obligation: $2,284,040

Actual Outlays: $1,328,787

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA119A17D0139

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline