VA awards $19.3M for 24x7 IT support to Client/Server Software Solutions Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,318,506 ($19.3M)

Contractor: Client/Server Software Solutions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2010-10-01

End Date: 2015-10-22

Contract Duration: 1,847 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PROVIDE 24X7X365 TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO SUPPORT VA'S ENTERPRISE INFRASTRUCTURE

Place of Performance

Location: HINES, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60141

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $19.3 million to CLIENT/SERVER SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INC for work described as: PROVIDE 24X7X365 TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO SUPPORT VA'S ENTERPRISE INFRASTRUCTURE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical 24x7x365 technical support for VA's enterprise infrastructure. 2. Client/Server Software Solutions Inc. secured the contract. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. This falls under Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.3M over approximately 5 years suggests a reasonable price for comprehensive IT support services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT support contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

Awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a competitive process that allowed multiple bidders but potentially with specific pre-qualification criteria. This method aims for fair price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process designed to secure the best value for essential IT infrastructure support.

Public Impact

Ensures continuous operation of critical VA IT systems, directly impacting veterans' access to services. Supports the backbone of the Department of Veterans Affairs' technological operations. The duration of the contract (approx. 5 years) indicates a long-term need for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for vendor lock-in if transition is complex.
  • Reliance on a single vendor for critical infrastructure support.

Positive Signals

  • Long-term contract provides stability for service delivery.
  • Competitive award process suggests potential for good value.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this area is substantial across government, supporting essential digital infrastructure and operations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, implying oversight from this agency. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' method suggests a structured procurement process.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

  • Dependency on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure.
  • Potential for cost creep if contract scope expands.
  • Effectiveness relies heavily on vendor's technical expertise and responsiveness.
  • Limited visibility into subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Tags

computer-systems-design-services, department-of-veterans-affairs, il, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $19.3 million to CLIENT/SERVER SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INC. PROVIDE 24X7X365 TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO SUPPORT VA'S ENTERPRISE INFRASTRUCTURE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CLIENT/SERVER SOFTWARE 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 $19.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-10-01. End: 2015-10-22.

What specific technical support functions are included in the 24x7x365 service requirement?

The description 'PROVIDE 24X7X365 TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO SUPPORT VA'S ENTERPRISE INFRASTRUCTURE' is broad. A detailed breakdown of services, including help desk, network monitoring, system maintenance, incident response, and disaster recovery support, would clarify the scope and allow for better value assessment.

How was the 'exclusion of sources' justified in the full and open competition?

Understanding the rationale behind excluding certain sources is crucial. Was it based on specialized capabilities, past performance, or specific security requirements? This justification impacts the perceived fairness of the competition and potential for broader market participation.

What performance metrics are in place to ensure the effectiveness of the technical support?

Effective oversight requires clear performance standards. Key metrics such as response times, resolution rates, system uptime, and customer satisfaction scores are essential to gauge the contractor's performance and ensure the VA receives high-quality, reliable support for its critical infrastructure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesComputer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONSADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2677 PROSPERITY AVE STE 650, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,318,506

Exercised Options: $19,318,506

Current Obligation: $19,318,506

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $879,511

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS06F0512Z

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline

Start Date: 2010-10-01

Current End Date: 2015-10-22

Potential End Date: 2015-10-22 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2017-09-14

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