VA awards $34.5M for Strategic Communications IT Services to Longview International Technology Solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,507,229 ($34.5M)

Contractor: Longview International Technology Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2016-08-02

End Date: 2020-08-01

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OI&T WIDE STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $34.5 million to LONGVIEW INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OI&T WIDE STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for IT and strategic communications support. 2. Longview International Technology Solutions, Inc. is the primary contractor. 3. The contract spans four years, ending August 1, 2020. 4. This award falls under computer systems design services. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount is $34.5 million over four years. Without specific benchmarks for similar strategic communications IT contracts, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the duration and scope suggest a reasonable investment for comprehensive support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This suggests that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded, potentially impacting the breadth of price discovery and the final negotiated price.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for IT and strategic communications services for the VA. The 'limited' competition aspect warrants scrutiny to ensure optimal value for money.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs (VA) will receive enhanced strategic communications capabilities. IT infrastructure and support services are being modernized or maintained. The contract supports federal IT service providers and their employees. Longview International Technology Solutions, Inc. benefits from a significant federal contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have restricted price optimization.
Exclusion of sources needs clear justification to ensure fairness.
Contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a single entity for focused expertise.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Supports critical VA strategic communications needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under IT services, specifically computer systems design. The federal IT services sector is vast, with significant spending on system integration, software development, and IT support. Benchmarks vary widely based on service type and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates the primary awardee is Longview International Technology Solutions, Inc., a large business. There is no explicit indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data, suggesting limited direct benefit to small businesses from this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded through a competitive process, albeit with exclusions. Ongoing oversight by the VA will be crucial to ensure performance standards are met and that the contract continues to provide value throughout its term.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition to inflate costs.
Lack of transparency regarding excluded sources.
Long contract duration may reduce flexibility.
No clear indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $34.5 million to LONGVIEW INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF OI&T WIDE STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LONGVIEW INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, 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 $34.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-08-02. End: 2020-08-01.

What specific strategic communications capabilities are being procured, and how do they align with VA's mission objectives?

The contract aims to provide strategic communications support, likely encompassing public relations, media engagement, internal communications, and digital outreach. These capabilities are crucial for the VA to effectively convey its services, policies, and achievements to veterans, stakeholders, and the public, thereby enhancing trust and accessibility.

What was the justification for excluding certain sources in the full and open competition process?

The exclusion of sources in a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award requires a clear and documented justification, typically related to specific technical capabilities, past performance, or unique requirements that only certain vendors could meet. Without this justification, it raises concerns about whether the most competitive pricing and innovative solutions were fully explored.

How will the VA measure the effectiveness and value derived from this $34.5 million strategic communications IT contract?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) related to media reach, public sentiment, engagement metrics on digital platforms, and successful execution of communication campaigns. Value will be assessed by comparing the achieved outcomes against the contract cost, ensuring that the strategic goals are met efficiently and that the investment yields tangible benefits for veteran outreach and VA public image.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design 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: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11950 DEMOCRACY DR STE 275, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,043,359

Exercised Options: $34,507,229

Current Obligation: $34,507,229

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200197W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline