VA Awards $46.5M for EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades at James H. Quillen VAMC to Dawes Construction

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,538,764 ($46.5M)

Contractor: Dawes Construction, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-10-31

End Date: 2027-10-29

Contract Duration: 728 days

Daily Burn Rate: $63.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL LABOR, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, QUALIFIED SUPERVISION, AND OTHER ITEMS TO COMPLETE PROJECT EHRM INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES CONSTRUCTION AT JAMES H. QUILLEN VAMC.

Place of Performance

Location: JOHNSON CITY, WASHINGTON County, TENNESSEE, 37604

State: Tennessee Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $46.5 million to DAWES CONSTRUCTION, LLC for work described as: THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL LABOR, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, QUALIFIED SUPERVISION, AND OTHER ITEMS TO COMPLETE PROJECT EHRM INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES CONSTRUCTION AT JAMES H. QUILLEN VAMC. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Dawes Construction, LLC for significant facility upgrades. 2. Project aims to enhance Electronic Health Record Management (EHRM) infrastructure. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price type, indicating defined costs. 4. Located in Tennessee, the project spans 728 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $46.5 million for a 728-day construction project appears reasonable given the scope of infrastructure upgrades for a VAMC. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal construction projects would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a specific reason for limiting the pool of bidders. This method may impact price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding essential upgrades to a major healthcare facility, ensuring improved operational efficiency and patient care infrastructure.

Public Impact

Improved healthcare infrastructure at a major VA medical center. Potential for enhanced patient care and operational efficiency through upgraded EHRM systems. Job creation and economic activity in the Tennessee region during the construction phase. Ensures the longevity and functionality of critical medical facilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition method could potentially lead to higher costs.
Project duration of 728 days requires careful monitoring for delays.
Scope of 'infrastructure upgrades' could be broad, requiring clear definition and oversight.

Positive Signals

Addresses critical EHRM infrastructure needs.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded to a specific LLC, potentially indicating specialized capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector. Federal spending in this sector often involves large-scale projects for government facilities, with costs influenced by location, project complexity, and material prices.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Dawes Construction, LLC, and the data indicates the project did not involve small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The firm fixed price contract and defined duration provide a framework for accountability, but diligent project management and inspection are crucial.

Related Government Programs

Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed.
Risk of project delays impacting critical healthcare operations.
Limited competition may reduce cost-saving opportunities.
Dependence on contractor's ability to deliver complex infrastructure upgrades.
Cybersecurity implications of infrastructure upgrades need careful consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $46.5 million to DAWES CONSTRUCTION, LLC. THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ALL LABOR, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, QUALIFIED SUPERVISION, AND OTHER ITEMS TO COMPLETE PROJECT EHRM INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES CONSTRUCTION AT JAMES H. QUILLEN VAMC.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DAWES CONSTRUCTION, 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 $46.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-10-31. End: 2027-10-29.

What specific EHRM infrastructure components are being upgraded, and how do these upgrades align with the VA's broader modernization goals?

The contract details are limited, but 'EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades' suggests improvements to the systems supporting the Electronic Health Record Management. This likely includes network, server, storage, or physical plant components necessary for robust EHR functionality. These upgrades are crucial for the VA's ongoing efforts to modernize its healthcare IT systems, ensuring data integrity, system reliability, and enhanced user experience for medical staff.

What factors led to the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award method, and what is the estimated cost savings or impact compared to unrestricted competition?

The specific justification for excluding sources is not provided in the data. This method is typically used when only a limited number of sources are capable of meeting the requirement, or for specific reasons like urgency or national security. Without further details, it's difficult to quantify the precise impact on price discovery, but it generally suggests a less competitive environment than unrestricted full and open competition, potentially leading to higher costs.

How will the success of these infrastructure upgrades be measured in terms of improved system performance, reliability, and user satisfaction for healthcare providers?

Success measurement will likely involve predefined performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as system uptime, data processing speeds, and reduction in IT-related disruptions. User satisfaction can be gauged through post-implementation surveys and feedback from clinical staff utilizing the upgraded EHRM systems. The VA's project management team will be responsible for tracking these metrics and ensuring the upgrades meet the intended operational improvements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 36C77624B0024

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 16650 LAS CUESTAS, RANCHO SANTA FE, CA, 92067

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $46,538,764

Exercised Options: $46,538,764

Current Obligation: $46,538,764

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline