VA awards $38.4M for TIC CAGE Expansion Equipment and Installation to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,388,979 ($38.4M)

Contractor: Thundercat Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-08-15

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,507 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.5K/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: TIC CAGE EXPANSION EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $38.4 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: TIC CAGE EXPANSION EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION Key points: 1. Spending is concentrated with a single vendor, THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. 2. The contract spans over three years, indicating a significant, ongoing need. 3. The NAICS code 541519 suggests services related to computer systems design and related services. 4. The contract is for 'Other Computer Related Services', a broad category.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount is $38.4M. Without specific unit costs or comparable contract data, a precise pricing assessment is difficult. However, the duration and scope suggest a substantial investment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES', indicating a limited competition. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The $38.4M expenditure represents taxpayer funds allocated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for essential IT infrastructure and services.

Public Impact

Veterans may experience improved IT services and infrastructure due to the expansion. The contract supports a specific technology vendor, potentially limiting broader market engagement. The duration of the contract suggests a long-term commitment to specific technological solutions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses a specific need for TIC CAGE expansion.
Firm Fixed Price contract type can provide cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is highly dynamic. Spending benchmarks for 'Other Computer Related Services' vary widely based on scope and complexity. This $38.4M award appears significant for a single vendor contract.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award (sb: false). This suggests that opportunities for small businesses in this specific procurement were either not pursued or not met.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the contracting agency. Oversight would typically involve contract performance monitoring, financial reviews, and ensuring adherence to terms and conditions by the vendor.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Lack of small business participation.
Contract duration is lengthy (over 3 years).
Specific details of 'TIC CAGE Expansion' are not provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $38.4 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. TIC CAGE EXPANSION EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, 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 $38.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-15. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific technological advancements or capabilities does the TIC CAGE expansion entail, and how do they align with VA's strategic IT goals?

The specific technological advancements are not detailed in the provided data. However, 'TIC CAGE Expansion Equipment and Installation' likely refers to upgrades or additions to the VA's Telecommunications and Information Center (TIC) Cage infrastructure. This could involve enhancing data center capacity, improving network connectivity, or deploying new hardware. Alignment with strategic IT goals would depend on whether these upgrades support modernization efforts, cybersecurity enhancements, or improved service delivery for veterans.

What were the primary reasons for excluding other sources, and how was the fair and reasonable price determined under this limited competition?

The data states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' implying that while competition was intended, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. The reasons for exclusion are not provided. Determining a fair and reasonable price in limited competition often involves comparing proposed costs to historical prices for similar services, using independent government cost estimates, or conducting market research on available alternatives, though the specifics of this determination are absent here.

How will the effectiveness of this $38.4M investment in TIC CAGE expansion be measured to ensure it meets the VA's operational needs and improves service delivery?

Effectiveness measurement would typically involve establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tied to the contract's objectives. For TIC CAGE expansion, these KPIs might include metrics related to system uptime, data processing speed, network latency, capacity utilization, and security incident rates. The VA's contract management team would monitor these KPIs throughout the contract period to ensure the installed equipment and services meet the agency's operational requirements and contribute to the overall improvement of services provided to veterans.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - STORAGE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 36C10A22Q0178

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Thundercat Technology LLC

Address: 11190 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 200, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,799,807

Exercised Options: $38,388,979

Current Obligation: $38,388,979

Actual Outlays: $34,629,895

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD26B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline