VA awards $18.9M for voice services to Windstream Communications under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,934,351 ($18.9M)

Contractor: Windstream Communications, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2021-04-27

End Date: 2026-03-03

Contract Duration: 1,771 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TASK ORDER 20 - VOICE SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: LITTLE ROCK, PULASKI County, ARKANSAS, 72212

State: Arkansas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $18.9 million to WINDSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS, LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER 20 - VOICE SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $18.9 million for essential voice services. 2. Windstream Communications, a known provider, secured the award. 3. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive pricing environment. 4. The contract falls within the Wired Telecommunications Carriers sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18.9 million for voice services appears reasonable given the 5-year duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale telecommunications contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The award was made under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is expected to yield favorable pricing for taxpayers, ensuring efficient use of federal funds for essential communication services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued voice communication services for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Supports telecommunications infrastructure and services critical for VA operations. Potential for improved or maintained service quality through competitive bidding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Long-term contract provides service stability.
Awarded to a known telecommunications provider.

Sector Analysis

This contract for voice services falls under the Wired Telecommunications Carriers sector, which is a significant area of federal IT and operational spending. Benchmarks for similar telecommunications contracts vary widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The award was made to Windstream Communications, LLC, a larger entity, suggesting limited direct benefit to small businesses in this particular contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Wired Telecommunications Carriers
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed service scope.
Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed proactively.
Dependence on a single provider for critical communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $18.9 million to WINDSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS, LLC. TASK ORDER 20 - VOICE SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WINDSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS, LLC.

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 $18.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-27. End: 2026-03-03.

What specific voice services are included in this $18.9 million contract?

The provided data identifies the contract as 'TASK ORDER 20 - VOICE SERVICES' and the associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code as 517311 for Wired Telecommunications Carriers. However, the specific details of the voice services, such as VoIP, traditional landlines, or integrated communication solutions, are not elaborated upon in this summary data.

How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for similar telecommunications contracts?

Without specific details on the service level agreements, bandwidth, and geographic coverage, a precise comparison to industry benchmarks is challenging. However, the contract's duration of nearly five years and its substantial value suggest a comprehensive service offering that would typically command a significant investment.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the VA's overall IT infrastructure modernization efforts?

This contract ensures the continuity of essential voice services, which is a foundational element of any IT infrastructure. While it addresses current needs, the long-term strategy for voice services should align with broader modernization goals, potentially integrating with newer communication technologies or cloud-based solutions as they become available.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers › Wired Telecommunications Carriers

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

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: 4001 RODNEY PARHAM RD, LITTLE ROCK, AR, 72212

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,934,351

Exercised Options: $18,934,351

Current Obligation: $18,934,351

Actual Outlays: $8,711,213

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C10B20D0033

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline