VA awards $5.5M to MITRE for suicide prevention grant program transition support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,518,702 ($5.5M)

Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 731 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FFRDC SERVICES TO THE VHA OFFICE OF SUICIDE PREVENTION FOR SECTION 201 STAFF SERGEANT PARKER GORDON FOX SUICIDE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM TRANSITION SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20421

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $5.5 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: FFRDC SERVICES TO THE VHA OFFICE OF SUICIDE PREVENTION FOR SECTION 201 STAFF SERGEANT PARKER GORDON FOX SUICIDE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM TRANSITION SUPPORT Key points: 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is contracting with The MITRE Corporation for critical transition support. 2. This contract focuses on the Section 201 Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. 3. The award is a delivery order under an existing contract, indicating a specific need for MITRE's expertise. 4. The service category is 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services', a broad area.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.5M for a 2-year period appears reasonable for specialized FFRDC services. Benchmarking is difficult without specific task details, but MITRE's role as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) suggests a focus on complex, non-commercial needs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, likely due to MITRE's unique FFRDC status and established relationship with the VA. This limits price discovery through competitive bidding, but FFRDCs are often chosen for their objective, non-commercial advice.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized support to enhance a critical suicide prevention program, aiming for improved outcomes for veterans.

Public Impact

Enhances support for a vital veteran suicide prevention program. Leverages FFRDC expertise for complex program transition. Aims to improve the effectiveness and continuity of grant program services. Supports the VA's commitment to addressing veteran mental health needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may limit cost savings.
Reliance on a single source for critical support.

Positive Signals

Addresses a high-priority veteran need.
Utilizes a trusted FFRDC partner.
Supports program continuity and effectiveness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically supporting a government program. Spending in this area often involves specialized expertise for research, analysis, and program management, with FFRDCs like MITRE playing a key role in complex government initiatives.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to The MITRE Corporation, a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). FFRDCs are typically large organizations and not considered small businesses. There is no indication of small business subcontracting in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

As a delivery order under an existing contract, oversight may be integrated into the broader contract management framework. The VA's Office of Suicide Prevention is directly involved, suggesting focused oversight on this critical program.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing.
Potential for vendor lock-in due to FFRDC status.
Broad service category may obscure specific deliverables.
Reliance on FFRDC expertise for critical program function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $5.5 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. FFRDC SERVICES TO THE VHA OFFICE OF SUICIDE PREVENTION FOR SECTION 201 STAFF SERGEANT PARKER GORDON FOX SUICIDE PREVENTION GRANT PROGRAM TRANSITION SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.

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 $5.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-29. End: 2026-09-30.

What specific transition activities will MITRE undertake, and how do these directly contribute to the grant program's success?

MITRE's role likely involves providing technical expertise, strategic guidance, and analytical support to ensure a smooth transition for the Section 201 grant program. This could include process optimization, risk assessment, stakeholder coordination, and development of best practices. The direct contribution to success lies in ensuring the program's continuity, effectiveness, and adherence to its objectives, ultimately benefiting veterans seeking mental health support.

Given the sole-source nature, what mechanisms are in place to ensure the VA is receiving fair and reasonable pricing for MITRE's services?

As an FFRDC, MITRE operates under specific government agreements that often include pre-negotiated pricing structures or cost accounting standards. The VA likely relies on these established FFRDC cost principles and may conduct internal cost analyses or rely on historical data for similar services to ensure reasonableness. The absence of competition is a trade-off for specialized, objective FFRDC support.

How will the effectiveness of MITRE's support be measured in relation to the overall goals of the suicide prevention grant program?

Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to the grant program's objectives, such as improved service delivery, successful program transitions, enhanced data analysis, or strengthened stakeholder engagement. MITRE's deliverables, such as reports, recommendations, and implemented strategies, will be evaluated against these predefined metrics to assess their impact on the program's mission and veteran outcomes.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: DRAFT TO 36C10A24N0192

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,518,702

Exercised Options: $5,518,702

Current Obligation: $5,518,702

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C10A20D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline