VA awards $25.6M contract for ETSSS 9 Month Bridge to Planned Systems International Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,571,653 ($25.6M)

Contractor: Planned Systems International Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2019-09-15

End Date: 2020-06-14

Contract Duration: 273 days

Daily Burn Rate: $93.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ETSSS 9 MONTH BRIDGE

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21044

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $25.6 million to PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC for work described as: ETSSS 9 MONTH BRIDGE Key points: 1. Contract value of $25.6M for a 9-month duration. 2. Awarded to Planned Systems International Inc. under full and open competition. 3. Focuses on custom computer programming services (NAICS 541511). 4. Potential for significant taxpayer impact due to the contract's scale.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $25.6M for a 9-month period suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking against similar custom programming contracts would be necessary for a precise pricing assessment.

Cost Per Unit: $93,669

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The $25.6M expenditure represents a significant allocation of taxpayer funds for IT services.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of essential ETSSS services for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Supports the operational needs of the VA through custom programming. Provides a bridge to a future, more comprehensive solution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short contract duration (9 months) may indicate a temporary solution or a precursor to a larger effort.
Reliance on a single delivery order for a significant amount.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting fair market pricing.
Clear service description and defined period of performance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending in this area is substantial across federal agencies, with significant competition among large and small businesses.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a large business (Planned Systems International Inc.). There is no direct indication of small business subcontracting opportunities within this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs managed this procurement. Oversight would involve monitoring performance against the contract requirements and ensuring adherence to the firm-fixed-price terms.

Related Government Programs

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

Risk Flags

Short contract duration.
High value for a bridge contract.
Lack of detail on system criticality.
Potential for follow-on contracts without clear long-term strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $25.6 million to PLANNED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL INC. ETSSS 9 MONTH BRIDGE

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 $25.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-15. End: 2020-06-14.

What is the specific functionality or purpose of the ETSSS system that this bridge contract supports?

The provided data does not detail the specific functionalities of the ETSSS system. However, as it falls under custom computer programming services, it likely involves software development, integration, or maintenance critical to the Department of Veterans Affairs' operations. Understanding the system's role is key to assessing the value of this bridge contract.

What are the potential risks associated with a 9-month bridge contract of this magnitude?

A primary risk is that this bridge contract may not fully address long-term needs, potentially leading to recurring short-term procurements. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in if the bridge system becomes deeply integrated without a clear transition plan. The significant cost for a short period warrants scrutiny to ensure efficiency and avoid overspending on a temporary solution.

How does the per-unit cost of $93,669 compare to industry benchmarks for similar custom programming services?

The per-unit cost of $93,669 needs context. If 'unit' refers to a full-time equivalent (FTE) for the contract duration, it might be within range for specialized IT services. However, without knowing the exact definition of 'unit' and the specific skill sets required, a definitive benchmark comparison is difficult. Further analysis of labor categories and hours is needed.

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: $26,454,213

Exercised Options: $25,571,653

Current Obligation: $25,571,653

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F598GA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline