VA awards $441K for Gigamon Software & Maintenance to Epoch Concepts LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $441,055 ($441.1K)

Contractor: Epoch Concepts LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-04-14

End Date: 2027-04-13

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $605/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: GIGAMON SOFTWARE AND MAINTENANCE

Place of Performance

Location: CHEVERLY, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20785

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $441,055 to EPOCH CONCEPTS LLC for work described as: GIGAMON SOFTWARE AND MAINTENANCE Key points: 1. Software and maintenance contracts are crucial for IT infrastructure. 2. Epoch Concepts LLC is the sole awardee for this specific contract. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and escalating maintenance costs. 4. The IT sector sees significant spending on software and support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $441,055 over two years for software and maintenance appears reasonable given the specialized nature of Gigamon products. However, without specific feature comparisons or detailed service level agreements, a precise value assessment is difficult.

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 lead to less aggressive pricing compared to full and open competition, as fewer vendors were considered.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this contract. The limited competition raises questions about whether the best possible price was achieved for the government.

Public Impact

Veterans may benefit from improved IT services enabled by this software. The contract supports a specific vendor's technology, potentially limiting future flexibility. This spending contributes to the IT services market.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 60 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in higher costs.
Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized software.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical maintenance.

Positive Signals

Ensures continuity of essential IT services.
Supports a specific, potentially necessary, technology solution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically focusing on computer-related services and software maintenance. Spending in this area is substantial across government agencies to maintain and upgrade critical systems.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Epoch Concepts LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The contract type (Firm Fixed Price) helps control costs, but ongoing monitoring of performance and necessity is crucial.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential vendor lock-in
Lack of detailed service scope
Unknown long-term cost strategy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $441,055 to EPOCH CONCEPTS LLC. GIGAMON SOFTWARE AND MAINTENANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EPOCH CONCEPTS 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 $441,055.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-14. End: 2027-04-13.

What is the specific functionality of the Gigamon software being procured, and how critical is it to VA operations?

The specific functionality of the Gigamon software is not detailed in the provided data. Gigamon typically provides network visibility and security solutions. Understanding its criticality to VA operations is essential to justify the expenditure and assess potential risks associated with its maintenance and support.

Were alternative solutions or vendors evaluated during the 'exclusion of sources' period?

The data indicates 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting that while competition was intended, specific sources were excluded. A thorough review of the justification for exclusion and the evaluation process for the remaining sources is necessary to confirm fair consideration of alternatives.

What is the long-term strategy for managing Gigamon software and maintenance costs beyond this contract?

The current contract extends to April 2027. The VA's long-term strategy for managing these costs, including potential renegotiations, exploring alternative technologies, or consolidating support, is not detailed. Proactive planning is needed to avoid price escalations and ensure cost-effectiveness.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1510 W CANAL CT STE 1000, LITTLETON, CO, 80120

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $626,943

Exercised Options: $441,055

Current Obligation: $441,055

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD30B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline