VA awards $32.9M for Enterprise Testing Services to Planned Systems International Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,921,810 ($32.9M)

Contractor: Planned Systems International Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2018-09-15

End Date: 2019-09-14

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $90.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF - GSA ORDER FOR ENTERPRISE TESTING SERVICE SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21044

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $32.9 million to PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF - GSA ORDER FOR ENTERPRISE TESTING SERVICE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Planned Systems International Inc. for $32.9M. 2. Service category is Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511). 3. Contract type is Delivery Order under a GSA Schedule. 4. Full and Open Competition was utilized. 5. The contract duration is 364 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $32.9M for a 364-day period appears reasonable for enterprise testing services. Benchmarking against similar GSA Schedule contracts for custom computer programming services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value is obtained.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition suggests taxpayers are likely receiving a fair price for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Ensures critical IT infrastructure testing for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Supports the operational readiness and security of VA systems. Provides specialized programming services to meet specific VA needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for scope creep in custom programming services.

Positive Signals

Awarded under Full and Open Competition.
Utilizes GSA Schedule for efficient procurement.
Clear contract duration and value.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending in this sector is substantial across government, with significant investment in software development and testing to maintain and upgrade critical systems.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is a large business. There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a GSA Schedule, which implies existing oversight mechanisms. Further review of performance reports and agency oversight would be needed for a comprehensive assessment.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in custom programming services.
Limited insight into specific performance metrics.
No explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals.
Reliance on GSA Schedule may limit direct comparison to other contract vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $32.9 million to PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC. IGF::OT::IGF - GSA ORDER FOR ENTERPRISE TESTING SERVICE SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL 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 $32.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-15. End: 2019-09-14.

What specific testing services are included in this contract, and how do they align with VA's current IT modernization goals?

The contract specifies 'Enterprise Testing Service Support Services' under NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services). While the exact scope isn't detailed, it likely encompasses functional, performance, security, and integration testing for VA's enterprise IT systems. Alignment with modernization goals would depend on whether these services support the development, deployment, and maintenance of new or upgraded systems, ensuring their reliability and effectiveness.

Given the firm-fixed-price structure, what mechanisms are in place to manage potential cost overruns or scope creep in custom programming?

Firm-fixed-price contracts aim to control costs by establishing a set price. However, for custom programming, scope creep is a risk. The agency likely relies on detailed SOWs, change control processes, and vigilant contract management to prevent unauthorized scope expansion. Regular progress reviews and clear communication channels with Planned Systems International Inc. are crucial to ensure the work stays within the defined scope and budget.

How effectively did the full and open competition process ensure competitive pricing for these specialized IT services?

Full and open competition generally fosters competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid. The effectiveness in this case would be reflected in the number of bids received and the final award price relative to independent government cost estimates or market research. Without knowing the number of bidders or the pricing details, it's presumed the process yielded a fair market price, but a deeper analysis of the bid data would confirm this.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10632 LITTLE PATUXENT PKWY STE 200, COLUMBIA, MD, 21044

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $41,899,972

Exercised Options: $32,921,810

Current Obligation: $32,921,810

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F598GA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline