VA's $38.6M Salesforce COE Task Order Awarded to Accenture Federal Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,564,822 ($38.6M)

Contractor: Accenture Federal Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2017-09-26

End Date: 2022-09-25

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER AGAINST GSA SIISS BPA FOR VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION (VBA) SALESFORCE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (COE)

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $38.6 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER AGAINST GSA SIISS BPA FOR VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION (VBA) SALESFORCE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (COE) Key points: 1. This task order represents a significant investment in the Veterans Benefits Administration's digital transformation. 2. Accenture Federal Services, a major IT contractor, secured this award. 3. The contract's duration and value suggest a substantial, long-term project. 4. The 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code indicates a broad scope of IT support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $38.6M over 5 years for IT services is within a reasonable range for large-scale digital transformation projects. Benchmarking against similar Salesforce implementations or IT modernization efforts would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value and price.

Public Impact

Improved services for veterans through enhanced Salesforce capabilities. Potential for increased efficiency and data management within the VBA. Modernization of critical IT infrastructure supporting veteran benefits. Impact on Accenture's market position in government IT contracting.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Scope creep potential in 'Other Computer Related Services'.
Dependency on a single vendor for critical COE functions.
Data security and privacy concerns for veteran information.

Positive Signals

Clear objective for VBA modernization.
Awarded via full and open competition.
Experienced contractor with relevant capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly cloud-based solutions like Salesforce, is experiencing significant growth in government. This contract aligns with the trend of agencies modernizing their citizen-facing platforms and internal operations.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Accenture Federal Services, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific task order, which is common for large-scale IT modernization efforts.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The task order's duration and value warrant regular performance reviews and milestone tracking to ensure accountability and adherence to objectives.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Complexity of integrating Salesforce with existing VA systems.
Ensuring data security and privacy for sensitive veteran information.
Measuring ROI and tangible benefits for veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $38.6 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC. IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER AGAINST GSA SIISS BPA FOR VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION (VBA) SALESFORCE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (COE)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES 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 $38.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-26. End: 2022-09-25.

What specific improvements in veteran services are expected from this Salesforce COE?

The Salesforce Center of Excellence aims to streamline and enhance the delivery of veteran benefits. Expected improvements include more efficient claims processing, better communication channels with veterans, personalized service delivery, and improved data analytics for program management. The goal is to create a more responsive and effective system for veterans accessing their earned benefits.

What are the primary risks associated with this large IT task order?

Key risks include potential scope creep, as 'Other Computer Related Services' can be broad, leading to cost overruns. Vendor lock-in is another concern, making it difficult to switch providers if performance falters. Data security and privacy are paramount given the sensitive veteran information handled, requiring robust safeguards against breaches and ensuring compliance with all regulations.

How does this contract contribute to the VA's overall IT effectiveness?

This contract is crucial for the VA's IT effectiveness by modernizing a core platform (Salesforce) used for managing veteran benefits. A well-executed Center of Excellence should lead to more integrated systems, better data utilization for decision-making, and ultimately, a more seamless and efficient experience for veterans interacting with the VA.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Accenture Inc.

Address: 800 NORTH GLEBE RD #300, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $67,388,847

Exercised Options: $38,564,822

Current Obligation: $38,564,822

Actual Outlays: $15,630,904

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 48

Total Subaward Amount: $3,512,207

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q16AEA1000

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline