VA awards $9M contract for suicide prevention services to Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $8,999,928 ($9.0M)
Contractor: Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2022-09-30
End Date: 2027-03-29
Contract Duration: 1,641 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.5K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SUICIDE PREVENTION
Place of Performance
Location: AURORA, ADAMS County, COLORADO, 80045
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $9.0 million to WESTERN INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION for work described as: SUICIDE PREVENTION Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity for a specialized service. 2. Competition was limited under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 3. Potential for cost savings through efficient service delivery. 4. Focus on a critical public health issue: suicide prevention.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $9M over approximately 4.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar professional, scientific, and technical services contracts is difficult without more specific service details.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a limited competition environment. This method is typically used for smaller dollar value procurements, which may impact the level of price discovery and potential for achieving the lowest possible price.
Taxpayer Impact: This contract directly addresses a critical need for suicide prevention services, aiming to improve veteran well-being. The financial impact is significant but justified by the vital nature of the service.
Public Impact
Direct support for veterans facing mental health crises. Potential to reduce veteran suicide rates through targeted interventions. Enhances the VA's capacity to provide essential mental health resources. Addresses a high-priority national issue with significant public interest.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes outcome assessment challenging.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical public health need.
- Contract awarded to a known entity in higher education services.
Sector Analysis
The professional, scientific, and technical services sector encompasses a wide range of activities. This contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' suggesting a specialized or unique service offering. Benchmarking is difficult without more granular data.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee is the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, which is not typically considered a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the suicide prevention services provided. The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for monitoring contract performance and ensuring taxpayer funds are used appropriately.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Broad service description
- Potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly
- Difficulty in measuring direct impact on suicide rates
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-veterans-affairs, co, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $9.0 million to WESTERN INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION. SUICIDE PREVENTION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WESTERN INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.
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 $9.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2027-03-29.
What specific services are included under this contract to address suicide prevention?
The contract description 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' is broad. Specific services could range from research and data analysis to direct outreach programs, counseling support, or the development of educational materials. Further details on the Statement of Work are needed to understand the precise nature of the support being procured.
How will the effectiveness of these suicide prevention services be measured?
Measuring the effectiveness of suicide prevention services is complex. Key performance indicators could include reduction in reported suicidal ideation among participants, increased utilization of mental health resources, successful intervention rates, and qualitative feedback from veterans. Clear metrics and regular reporting are essential for accountability.
What is the rationale for using Simplified Acquisition Procedures for a contract of this value?
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) are typically used for purchases below the SAT ($250,000). However, there are exceptions and higher thresholds for certain types of contracts or agencies. The rationale might stem from specific agency policies, the specialized nature of the service, or a belief that competition within SAP would yield adequate results for this particular requirement.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3035 CENTER GREEN DR STE 200, BOULDER, CO, 80301
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $9,874,320
Exercised Options: $8,999,928
Current Obligation: $8,999,928
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-09-30
Current End Date: 2027-03-29
Potential End Date: 2027-03-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-13
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