VA Spends $38.8M on Lumen EIS Voice Services, Awarded via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,815,047 ($38.8M)

Contractor: Lumen Technologies Government Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2021-01-04

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: VA EIS VOICE SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $38.8 million to LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: VA EIS VOICE SERVICES. Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $38.8 million over its period of performance. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risk associated with long-term contracts and evolving telecommunications technology. 4. The contract falls under the Wired Telecommunications Carriers sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $38.8 million for EIS voice services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale telecommunications contracts would provide a more definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential bidders. This method is expected to yield fair market prices.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is designed to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary voice services.

Public Impact

Ensures critical voice communication infrastructure for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Supports the operational needs of a major federal agency serving veterans. Impacts the telecommunications market through a significant government contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long-term contract duration (2026) may not keep pace with rapid technological advancements in voice services.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical service could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
FIRM FIXED PRICE contract type provides cost certainty for the VA.

Sector Analysis

This contract is within the Wired Telecommunications Carriers sector, which is essential for government operations. Spending benchmarks for similar large-scale telecommunications services can vary widely based on scope and technology.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate specific subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Oversight would focus on service delivery, performance metrics, and adherence to contract terms to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Wired Telecommunications Carriers
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for technological obsolescence over the contract's duration.
Dependency on a single provider for critical communication services.
Risk of cost increases if contract terms are not optimized for future needs.
Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place for voice communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $38.8 million to LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, INC.. VA EIS VOICE SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES GOVERNMENT 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 $38.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-01-04. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific voice services are included under this contract, and how do they align with current VA operational needs?

The contract covers EIS (Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions) voice services, which are broad and can encompass various telecommunication solutions including VoIP, traditional phone lines, and related support. The alignment with VA's current needs would depend on the specific service catalog negotiated and the agency's evolving digital transformation strategy. Regular reviews are crucial to ensure the services remain relevant and cost-effective.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is Lumen Technologies' performance being monitored?

Key performance indicators for telecommunications contracts typically include service availability, call quality, response times for issue resolution, and adherence to service level agreements (SLAs). The Department of Veterans Affairs would be monitoring these KPIs through regular performance reports submitted by Lumen Technologies, as well as through direct user feedback and potentially independent testing to ensure contract compliance and service effectiveness.

Given the rapid evolution of telecommunications technology, what provisions exist for contract modernization or renegotiation?

While the contract has a fixed end date of September 30, 2026, and a FIRM FIXED PRICE structure, telecommunications contracts often include clauses for contract modifications or task orders to incorporate new technologies or adjust services. The VA likely has mechanisms to review and potentially renegotiate terms or add new capabilities if significant technological advancements or changes in requirements occur, ensuring the services remain current and meet evolving needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) › Wired Telecommunications Carriers

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

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

Address: 931 14TH STE 1000 B, DENVER, CO, 80202

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $86,389,887

Exercised Options: $38,815,047

Current Obligation: $38,815,047

Actual Outlays: $13,332,418

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q17NSD3006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline