VA awards $14.5M for SAM Pilot Implementation Project to General Dynamics Information Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,473,807 ($14.5M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2009-04-21

End Date: 2011-03-01

Contract Duration: 679 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SAM PILOT IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT

Place of Performance

Location: MILWAUKEE, MILWAUKEE County, WISCONSIN, 53295

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $14.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: SAM PILOT IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT Key points: 1. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The project focuses on Computer Systems Design Services, a key area for government IT modernization. 3. The award value of $14.5M is moderate for a project of this nature. 4. The contract duration of 679 days indicates a significant implementation effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award value of $14.5M needs to be benchmarked against similar IT implementation projects to assess its fairness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, allowing multiple vendors to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award is positive for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more favorable price than a sole-source or limited competition contract.

Public Impact

Modernization of VA systems can improve service delivery to veterans. Implementation projects of this scale can create jobs in the IT sector. Successful IT implementations are crucial for efficient government operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize overspending.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for scope creep in IT implementation projects.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Focus on critical IT systems for the VA.
Experienced contractor (General Dynamics Information Technology).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending in this area is substantial across federal agencies, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc., a large business. There is no information provided on subcontracting to small businesses for this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically involve contract performance monitoring by the VA's contracting officer and program managers to ensure timely delivery and adherence to the fixed fee. The contract's duration suggests ongoing oversight is necessary.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation.
Potential for scope creep in complex IT projects.
Lack of transparency regarding specific system implementations.
No explicit mention of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $14.5 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.. SAM PILOT IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, 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 $14.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-04-21. End: 2011-03-01.

What specific IT systems are being implemented or upgraded under the SAM Pilot Project, and what is the expected impact on VA operational efficiency?

The provided data does not specify the exact IT systems involved in the SAM Pilot Implementation Project. However, such projects typically aim to modernize or integrate systems to improve data management, streamline workflows, and enhance user experience. The expected impact on VA operational efficiency could range from improved data accuracy and faster processing times to enhanced communication and better resource allocation, ultimately aiming to improve services for veterans.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure the government receives good value?

With a CPFF contract, the government pays the contractor's actual costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. To mitigate cost overruns, the VA would implement stringent oversight, detailed cost tracking, and regular performance reviews. Clear definition of the 'cost' and 'fixed fee' elements, along with performance incentives or penalties tied to project milestones and budget adherence, are crucial for ensuring value and controlling expenditures.

How does the $14.5 million award for this IT implementation project compare to similar projects within the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this $14.5 million award requires detailed comparison with similar IT implementation projects, considering factors like scope, complexity, duration, and specific services. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent, good, or fair value. However, for a multi-year IT system implementation, this figure appears within a reasonable range, assuming the project scope is substantial.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: V101-08-RP0075

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp (UEI: 001381284)

Address: 3211 JERMANTOWN RD, FAIRFAX, VA, 11

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,473,807

Exercised Options: $14,473,807

Current Obligation: $14,473,807

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 263010074

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline