VA awards $55,000 contract to Washington University for MEDIT program training

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,000 ($55.0K)

Contractor: Washington University, the

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2026-06-01

End Date: 2027-05-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $151/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MENTORED DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION TRAINING (MEDIT) PROGRAM FOR TWO VA FELLOWS

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63130

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $55,000 to WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, THE for work described as: MENTORED DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION TRAINING (MEDIT) PROGRAM FOR TWO VA FELLOWS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single university for specialized training. 2. Focus on a niche program (MEDIT) for VA fellows. 3. Limited competition due to specialized nature of the training. 4. Potential for high impact on VA fellow development.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $55,000 for a 364-day training program appears reasonable for specialized educational services. Benchmarking against similar professional development contracts for federal fellows would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source or limited competition approach. This limits price discovery and may not ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the most cost-effective training solution available.

Public Impact

Enhances specialized training for Veterans Affairs fellows. Supports professional development within the VA. Potential to improve services for veterans through trained fellows.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award

Positive Signals

Supports VA mission
Specialized training

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools' sector. Spending in this area often involves research, education, and specialized training services for government personnel.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract award, as it was awarded directly to Washington University.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this training program. Accountability would involve tracking fellow progress and program effectiveness.

Related Government Programs

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Sole-source award
Limited transparency in pricing
Potential for higher cost than competitive options

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $55,000 to WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, THE. MENTORED DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION TRAINING (MEDIT) PROGRAM FOR TWO VA FELLOWS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, THE.

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 $55,000.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-06-01. End: 2027-05-31.

What is the specific educational content and expected outcome of the MEDIT program?

The MEDIT program likely focuses on disseminating and implementing specific training methodologies relevant to the VA's operational needs. Expected outcomes would include enhanced skills and knowledge for VA fellows, enabling them to better serve veterans and contribute to the agency's mission. Further details on curriculum and measurable objectives are needed for a complete assessment.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source award for specialized training?

Sole-source awards carry risks of inflated pricing, reduced innovation, and a lack of assurance that the chosen vendor is the most qualified or cost-effective. Without competition, the VA may overpay or receive a less optimal training solution than could be secured through a competitive bidding process. This also limits opportunities for other qualified institutions.

How will the effectiveness of the MEDIT program be measured and evaluated?

Effectiveness measurement should involve pre- and post-training assessments of fellow knowledge and skills, feedback surveys from participants and supervisors, and tracking the application of learned skills in their roles. Establishing clear, quantifiable metrics for success and a robust evaluation framework is crucial to determine the program's return on investment and its impact on VA operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools › Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: ONE BROOKINGS DR, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63130

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Educational Institution, Higher Education, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Private)

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,000

Exercised Options: $55,000

Current Obligation: $55,000

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C24E23D0026

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline