VA awards $29.6M for IT support, with TISTA Science and Technology Corporation securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,650,139 ($29.7M)

Contractor: Tista Science and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2019-07-25

End Date: 2022-01-23

Contract Duration: 913 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: APPEALS MODERNIZATION CASEFLOW DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20571

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $29.7 million to TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: APPEALS MODERNIZATION CASEFLOW DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in IT modernization for the VA. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are crucial for ensuring cost-effectiveness. 3. Performance risk indicators will be monitored to ensure successful caseflow development. 4. This contract falls within the broader context of federal IT modernization efforts. 5. The sector positioning highlights the VA's reliance on specialized IT services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $29.6 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for comprehensive IT caseflow development and support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for IT modernization within large federal agencies suggests this is within expected cost ranges. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, though the ultimate value-for-money will depend on the successful delivery of the modernization objectives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. With 4 bidders identified, this suggests a healthy level of competition for the contract. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more cost-effective solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging innovation among contractors.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from improved efficiency and accessibility of VA services through modernized caseflow systems. The contract delivers essential IT support and development services to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia, where the VA's central operations are located. The contract supports a workforce of IT professionals involved in system development and maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if modernization requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on contractor expertise could pose a risk if key personnel depart.
Integration challenges with existing VA IT infrastructure may arise.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Contract duration allows for comprehensive development and implementation.

Sector Analysis

The federal IT services sector is a large and dynamic market, with agencies increasingly seeking specialized support for modernization efforts. This contract for computer systems design services fits within this trend, as agencies like the VA aim to upgrade legacy systems to improve efficiency and service delivery. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar IT modernization projects within federal agencies often range in the tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. While the prime contractor is TISTA Science and Technology Corporation, there is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem will depend on whether TISTA engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized tasks.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS. The Inspector General's office for the VA may conduct audits or investigations if performance issues or potential fraud are identified.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Affairs IT Modernization Initiatives
Federal Case Management Systems
Computer Systems Design Services Contracts
IT Support Services for Government Agencies

Risk Flags

Potential for integration challenges with legacy systems.
Dependence on contractor for specialized IT expertise.
Risk of scope creep if requirements are not tightly managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $29.7 million to TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. APPEALS MODERNIZATION CASEFLOW DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 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 $29.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-07-25. End: 2022-01-23.

What is the track record of TISTA Science and Technology Corporation in delivering similar IT modernization projects for federal agencies?

TISTA Science and Technology Corporation has a history of performing IT services for federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. Their portfolio often includes areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics. While specific details on past modernization projects of this scale would require deeper analysis of contract performance data, their presence in the federal IT contracting space suggests experience. Evaluating past performance on similar contracts, including adherence to schedule, budget, and quality standards, is crucial for assessing their capability to successfully execute this Appeals Modernization project.

How does the awarded amount of $29.6 million compare to the estimated value or initial budget for the Appeals Modernization project?

The awarded amount of $29.6 million represents the total value of the contract, including all delivery orders issued over its period of performance. Without access to the initial independent government cost estimate or the agency's budget allocation for this specific project, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with four bidders suggests that the final negotiated price was deemed competitive and reasonable by the agency. Further analysis would involve comparing this figure to the cost of similar IT modernization efforts within the VA or other large federal agencies.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract to ensure successful caseflow development and support?

While the specific KPIs and SLAs are detailed within the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS), typical metrics for such IT support and development contracts include system uptime, response times for issue resolution, defect resolution rates, and successful deployment of new features or system updates. For caseflow modernization, KPIs would likely focus on processing times, data accuracy, user satisfaction, and the successful migration of existing case data. Adherence to these metrics is critical for ensuring the contractor, TISTA Science and Technology Corporation, meets the VA's objectives for improved efficiency and service delivery.

What is the historical spending pattern for IT modernization and case management systems within the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The Department of Veterans Affairs has historically allocated significant resources towards IT modernization and improving its case management systems, driven by the need to serve a large veteran population and manage complex benefits processes. Spending in these areas has often been substantial, reflecting the scale and complexity of the VA's IT infrastructure and the critical nature of its services. Past initiatives have aimed at consolidating systems, enhancing data security, and improving user experience. Analyzing historical spending trends can provide context for the $29.6 million awarded for this specific project, indicating whether it aligns with or deviates from previous investment levels in similar areas.

What are the potential risks associated with the long-term maintenance and sustainment of the modernized caseflow system post-contract completion?

Potential risks associated with long-term maintenance and sustainment include the need for ongoing funding, the availability of skilled personnel to manage and update the system, and the potential for technological obsolescence. If the system is built on proprietary technology, the VA might face vendor lock-in or higher costs for future support. Ensuring that the contract includes provisions for knowledge transfer, comprehensive documentation, and potentially options for follow-on sustainment contracts can mitigate these risks. The VA will need a clear strategy for managing the system's lifecycle beyond the initial development and support period.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design 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: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1201 SEVEN LOCKS RD, STE 350, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20854

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,953,482

Exercised Options: $29,650,139

Current Obligation: $29,650,139

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $12,010,252

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA11816D1005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline