VA's Veteran-Facing Services Platform contract awarded to Oddball, Inc. for over $50M, focusing on agile software delivery

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,004,159 ($50.0M)

Contractor: Oddball, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2019-05-13

End Date: 2022-05-12

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA), OFFICE OF INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL SERVICE AT VA (DSVA) REQUIRES SUPPORT IN THE OPERATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND EVOLUTION OF THE VETERAN-FACING SERVICES PLATFORM (VSP). THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE VA WITH ITERATIONS OF AGILE SOFTWARE DELIVERY. THE AGILE DELIVERY ITERATIONS WILL INCLUDE PRODUCT AND DELIVERY MANAGEMENT, SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, USER RESEARCH, USER EXPERIENCE STRATEGY, INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE, INTERACTION AND VISUAL DESIGN, STATIC AND DYNAMIC CONTENT MANAGEMENT, CONTENT WRITING, DEVOPS, DATA ANALYTICS, AND PLATFORM OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20006

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $50.0 million to ODDBALL, INC. for work described as: THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA), OFFICE OF INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL SERVICE AT VA (DSVA) REQUIRES SUPPORT IN THE OPERATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND EVOLUTION OF THE VETERAN-FACING SERVICES PLATFORM (VSP). THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE VA WITH ITERATIONS OF AGILE SO… Key points: 1. The contract emphasizes agile software delivery, encompassing a broad range of services from product management to DevOps. 2. A significant investment in digital services for veterans, aiming to improve their interaction with VA platforms. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract suggests a defined scope and potential for cost control. 4. The duration of the contract (3 years) indicates a long-term commitment to platform evolution. 5. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 6. The contract's focus on user experience and research highlights a commitment to veteran-centric design.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $50 million over three years for comprehensive agile software development and platform management appears reasonable given the scope of services. While specific per-unit cost benchmarks are not provided, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor is incentivized to manage costs effectively. Comparing this to similar large-scale government IT modernization efforts, the pricing seems within a competitive range for the expertise required.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 7 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this type of specialized IT service. This competitive process is expected to drive more favorable pricing and innovative solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that typically leads to better value and potentially lower costs for the government.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from improved and more user-friendly digital services and platforms. The contract supports the operation, administration, and evolution of the Veteran-Facing Services Platform (VSP). Services delivered include software development, user research, UX strategy, DevOps, and platform management. The geographic impact is nationwide, as the VSP serves veterans across the United States. The contract implies a need for skilled software developers, designers, and IT professionals, potentially impacting the tech workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if agile iterations are not tightly managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical veteran-facing digital infrastructure.
Ensuring continuous innovation and adaptation to evolving veteran needs over the contract term.

Positive Signals

Focus on agile methodologies promotes flexibility and responsiveness to changing requirements.
Comprehensive service offering suggests a holistic approach to platform development and maintenance.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award through full and open competition indicates market validation of the contractor's capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly custom computer programming and software development, is a significant area of federal spending. This contract fits within the broader trend of government agencies modernizing their digital infrastructure and improving citizen-facing services. The market for agile software development and platform operations is robust, with many firms capable of delivering such services. Benchmarks for similar contracts often vary widely based on complexity and duration, but a multi-year, comprehensive IT support contract of this magnitude is substantial.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is Oddball, Inc., there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Oddball, Inc. actively seeks small business partners for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Information and Technology (OIT). Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified services within budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The VA's Office of Inspector General would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Veteran Affairs IT Modernization Programs
Digital Service Delivery Contracts
Agile Software Development Services
Platform Operations and Management
Custom Computer Programming Services

Risk Flags

Contract duration is substantial, requiring sustained performance monitoring.
Scope of services is broad, necessitating clear definition and management of deliverables.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical platform functions.
Cybersecurity risks inherent in managing digital platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $50.0 million to ODDBALL, INC.. THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA), OFFICE OF INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY, DIGITAL SERVICE AT VA (DSVA) REQUIRES SUPPORT IN THE OPERATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND EVOLUTION OF THE VETERAN-FACING SERVICES PLATFORM (VSP). THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE VA WITH ITERATIONS OF AGILE SOFTWARE DELIVERY. THE AGILE DELIVERY ITERATIONS WILL INCLUDE PRODUCT AND DELIVERY MANAGEMENT, SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, USER RESEARCH, USER EXPERIENCE STRATEGY, INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE, INTERACTION AND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ODDBALL, 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 $50.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-05-13. End: 2022-05-12.

What is the track record of Oddball, Inc. in performing similar large-scale federal IT contracts?

Information regarding Oddball, Inc.'s specific track record on large-scale federal IT contracts is not detailed in the provided data. However, being awarded a significant contract by the Department of Veterans Affairs suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Further investigation into their past performance ratings, previous contract awards, and client feedback within federal databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Understanding their history with agile development, platform management, and user-centric design would be key.

How does the cost per year of this contract compare to similar government IT modernization efforts?

The annual cost for this contract is approximately $16.7 million ($50,041,59.22 / 3 years). Comparing this to similar government IT modernization efforts requires access to a broader dataset of comparable contracts. Factors such as the specific services included (software development, UX, DevOps, etc.), the complexity of the platform, the number of users, and the duration of the contract significantly influence cost. Generally, large-scale, multi-faceted IT support and development contracts for critical systems can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Without specific benchmarks for comparable VSP-like platforms, a precise comparison is difficult, but the cost appears to be in a plausible range for a comprehensive, multi-year federal IT initiative.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks include potential for scope creep within the agile development framework, contractor performance issues, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the risk of vendor lock-in. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management by the VA, clear definition of iteration goals, performance metrics, regular reviews, and adherence to strict cybersecurity protocols. The firm-fixed-price nature helps mitigate cost overrun risks. The VA's oversight and the contractor's incentive to maintain a good performance record are also key mitigation factors. Continuous monitoring and adaptation based on performance feedback are crucial.

How effective is the Veteran-Facing Services Platform (VSP) in meeting veteran needs, and how will this contract contribute to its effectiveness?

The effectiveness of the VSP in meeting veteran needs is not detailed in the provided data. However, the contract's explicit focus on 'operation, administration, and evolution' of the VSP, coupled with services like 'user research,' 'user experience strategy,' and 'interaction and visual design,' strongly suggests an intent to enhance its effectiveness. By providing ongoing agile development and support, this contract aims to ensure the platform remains current, user-friendly, and responsive to the evolving needs of veterans. Success will be measured by improvements in user satisfaction, accessibility, and the efficiency of services delivered through the platform.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar IT services at the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Historical spending patterns for IT services at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are substantial, reflecting the agency's large scale and complex needs. The VA consistently invests heavily in IT to support its vast network of healthcare facilities, benefits administration, and veteran outreach. This includes significant expenditures on software development, system maintenance, cybersecurity, and data management. The specific amount spent on platforms similar to VSP would vary, but overall IT budgets within the VA often run into the billions of dollars annually. This contract represents a portion of that larger IT investment, focused on a critical veteran-facing digital interface.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the VA's overall IT infrastructure and digital transformation goals?

This contract is likely a key component of the VA's broader IT infrastructure modernization and digital transformation strategy. By focusing on the evolution of the Veteran-Facing Services Platform (VSP) through agile development, it aims to create a more responsive, user-centric, and efficient digital experience for veterans. This supports goals of improving service delivery, enhancing data accessibility, and streamlining administrative processes. The success of this contract could serve as a model for other digital initiatives within the VA, demonstrating the value of agile methodologies and user-focused design in achieving transformation objectives.

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: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1775 TYSONS BLVD, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $50,004,159

Exercised Options: $50,004,159

Current Obligation: $50,004,159

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F666GA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline