VA awards $209K contract for LYNX technical support to Micro Technology Services, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,919 ($20.9K)

Contractor: Micro Technology Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-05-13

End Date: 2027-05-12

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: LYNX TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE VA NY HARBOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

Place of Performance

Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK County, NEW YORK, 10010

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $20,919 to MICRO TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC. for work described as: LYNX TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE VA NY HARBOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Micro Technology Services, Inc. for technical support services. 2. The contract has a duration of 1094 days, ending May 12, 2027. 3. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a focus on smaller procurements. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty for the government. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 561621 for Security Systems Services. 6. The place of performance is New York, NY. 7. This award represents a single purchase order. 8. The award amount is $209,190.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $209,190 over approximately three years is relatively modest. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts is difficult without more specific service details. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs. The award amount appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized technical support services of this nature, especially considering the duration.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a limited number of bidders, often between 2 and 5. While the specific number of bidders for this particular contract is not detailed, SAP is designed for procurements below the simplified acquisition threshold, allowing for more streamlined competition than full and open procedures. This approach balances efficiency with ensuring some level of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Competing under SAP generally leads to more competitive pricing than sole-source awards, but potentially less than full and open competition. Taxpayers benefit from a more efficient process while still receiving a competitive price for these specialized services.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care at the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System will benefit from reliable technical support for LYNX systems. Ensures the continued operation and maintenance of security systems crucial for facility operations. The services are delivered within the New York metropolitan area. Supports the IT infrastructure necessary for healthcare delivery. Maintains the security posture of a critical healthcare facility.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the absolute lowest price compared to full and open competition.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical technical support could pose a risk if the vendor faces operational issues.
The specific scope of 'LYNX technical support' is not detailed, making it hard to assess if it fully covers all necessary aspects.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability for the VA.
Award to an established company (Micro Technology Services, Inc.) suggests a degree of reliability.
The duration of the contract allows for stable support over a significant period.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly within government contracting, is highly competitive. This contract falls under the Security Systems Services sub-sector, which is essential for maintaining operational integrity and safety in federal facilities. The market for such services is robust, with numerous providers capable of delivering specialized technical support. The award amount is typical for a focused, specialized service requirement under simplified acquisition procedures.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and awarded as a Purchase Order. There is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside. However, SAP is often utilized to encourage small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if Micro Technology Services, Inc. is a small business or if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are included or likely.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. As a Purchase Order awarded under SAP, it is subject to standard procurement regulations and internal VA oversight. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are typically internal to the agency. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

VA IT Support Contracts
Federal Security Systems Maintenance
Simplified Acquisition Procurements
Micro Technology Services, Inc. Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential vendor lock-in
Unclear scope of services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $20,919 to MICRO TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, INC.. LYNX TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE VA NY HARBOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MICRO TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, 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 $20,919.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-13. End: 2027-05-12.

What is the track record of Micro Technology Services, Inc. with the federal government, particularly the VA?

Micro Technology Services, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts. A review of public databases indicates they have been awarded contracts across various agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their contract history suggests experience in providing IT and technical support services. Further analysis would involve examining the past performance evaluations and the types of services they have delivered to ensure alignment with the current contract's requirements and to assess their reliability and quality of service delivery in previous engagements. Understanding their performance on similar VA contracts would be particularly relevant for assessing their suitability for this LYNX technical support role.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar IT support services for federal agencies?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $209,190 contract for LYNX technical support is challenging without detailed service level agreements and specific technical requirements. However, the contract's duration of approximately three years (1094 days) and its firm fixed-price nature provide some context. Generally, firm fixed-price contracts aim for cost efficiency. Comparing this to other IT support contracts, especially those under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), would require analyzing the scope of work, required expertise, and geographic location. Given the specialized nature of 'LYNX technical support,' it's plausible that the pricing reflects the unique skills and support needed, rather than generic IT services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential vendor performance issues, reliance on a single provider for critical systems, and the possibility of scope creep if 'LYNX technical support' is not precisely defined. Mitigation strategies employed by the VA likely include performance monitoring clauses within the contract, clear definition of deliverables, and the option to exercise contract modifications or terminate for cause if performance is unsatisfactory. The firm fixed-price structure also mitigates financial risk for the government by capping costs. However, the limited competition under SAP might reduce leverage in negotiating terms or addressing issues compared to a more broadly competed contract.

How effective is the LYNX technical support expected to be for the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System?

The effectiveness of the LYNX technical support hinges on the contractor's ability to maintain and troubleshoot the specific LYNX systems utilized by the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System. Assuming Micro Technology Services, Inc. possesses the requisite expertise and adheres to the contract's performance standards, the support should ensure the reliable operation of these systems, which are likely critical for security or operational functions within the healthcare facility. The firm fixed-price nature incentivizes efficient service delivery. Effectiveness will ultimately be measured by system uptime, response times to issues, and successful resolution of technical problems, as outlined in the contract's performance work statement.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar security systems services at the VA?

Historical spending patterns for security systems services at the VA can vary significantly based on the specific systems deployed, facility size, and geographic location. The VA, like other large federal agencies, invests substantially in maintaining secure and functional facilities. Contracts for security systems services often range from small, localized support agreements to large, multi-year enterprise-wide solutions. Analyzing past VA spending on NAICS code 561621 (Security Systems Services) would reveal trends in contract values, competition levels, and typical contract durations. This specific $209K award appears to be a targeted procurement for a specific facility's needs, consistent with a pattern of localized support contracts.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C24224Q0548

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1819 FIRMAN DR, RICHARDSON, TX, 75081

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,006

Exercised Options: $20,919

Current Obligation: $20,919

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline