VA Awards $16.3M for Network Automation Solution Using InfoBlox Software
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,319,636 ($16.3M)
Contractor: Four Points Technology, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2021-09-22
End Date: 2025-09-21
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THE ORDER PROVIDES FOR NEXT-GENERATION NETWORK AUTOMATION SOLUTION BUILT LEVERAGING INFOBLOX COMMERCIAL OFF THE SHELF SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPONENTS TO INCLUDE AN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN FOR THE VA ENTERPRISE OF 50,000 NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENTS.
Place of Performance
Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $16.3 million to FOUR POINTS TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C. for work described as: THE ORDER PROVIDES FOR NEXT-GENERATION NETWORK AUTOMATION SOLUTION BUILT LEVERAGING INFOBLOX COMMERCIAL OFF THE SHELF SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPONENTS TO INCLUDE AN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN FOR THE VA ENTERPRISE OF 50,000 NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENTS. Key points: 1. Contract leverages COTS InfoBlox software and hardware for network automation. 2. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 3. Potential risk in reliance on specific commercial off-the-shelf products. 4. Spending falls within IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $16.3 million contract for network automation appears reasonable given the scope of automating 50,000 network infrastructure elements for the VA enterprise. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT infrastructure projects would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', indicating a competitive process was initiated. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access for qualified vendors.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential IT infrastructure upgrades to improve network efficiency and automation within the VA.
Public Impact
Improved network reliability and performance for VA systems. Enhanced cybersecurity posture through automated network management. Potential for cost savings through increased operational efficiency. Modernization of critical IT infrastructure supporting veteran services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Reliance on specific COTS vendor (InfoBlox)
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Integration complexity with existing VA systems
Positive Signals
- Leverages proven commercial technology
- Addresses critical network automation needs
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Information Technology sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Spending benchmarks for similar network automation and infrastructure modernization projects within federal agencies can vary widely based on scale and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Four Points Technology, L.L.C. Analysis of whether this prime contractor is a small business or if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses is not provided in the data.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Veterans Affairs is the contracting agency. Oversight would typically involve contract management by VA personnel to ensure performance, adherence to terms, and proper use of funds.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Vendor Lock-in
- Integration Complexity
- Reliance on COTS Product Lifecycle
- Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in COTS Software
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-veterans-affairs, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $16.3 million to FOUR POINTS TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C.. THE ORDER PROVIDES FOR NEXT-GENERATION NETWORK AUTOMATION SOLUTION BUILT LEVERAGING INFOBLOX COMMERCIAL OFF THE SHELF SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPONENTS TO INCLUDE AN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN FOR THE VA ENTERPRISE OF 50,000 NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENTS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FOUR POINTS TECHNOLOGY, L.L.C..
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 $16.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-22. End: 2025-09-21.
What is the expected return on investment for this network automation solution?
The return on investment is expected through reduced manual labor for network management, faster troubleshooting, improved uptime, and enhanced security. Quantifying this would require detailed analysis of current operational costs versus projected savings from automation, including reduced downtime and personnel hours dedicated to routine network tasks.
What are the specific risks associated with relying on InfoBlox COTS software and hardware?
Risks include potential vendor lock-in, where switching to a different solution becomes costly and complex. There's also a dependency on InfoBlox for updates, security patches, and support, which could be impacted by the vendor's business decisions or financial stability. Integration challenges with existing, potentially legacy, VA systems also pose a risk.
How will the effectiveness of this network automation solution be measured and validated?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as network uptime percentage, reduction in network-related incidents, mean time to resolution (MTTR) for network issues, and successful automation of previously manual tasks. Regular performance reviews and user feedback from VA IT staff will be crucial for validation.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: 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: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 13221 WOODLAND PARK RD, HERNDON, VA, 20171
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $43,890,976
Exercised Options: $16,319,636
Current Obligation: $16,319,636
Actual Outlays: $5,856,081
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD22B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-22
Current End Date: 2025-09-21
Potential End Date: 2025-09-21 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-07
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