VA Awards $24.77M Task Order for Enterprise Architecture Services to Sierra7, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,766,991 ($24.8M)

Contractor: Sierra7, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2021-06-29

End Date: 2026-05-12

Contract Duration: 1,778 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TRANSFORMATION TWENTY-ONE TOTAL TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION (T4NG) NEW TASK ORDER ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SERVICES SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20420

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24.8 million to SIERRA7, INC. for work described as: TRANSFORMATION TWENTY-ONE TOTAL TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION (T4NG) NEW TASK ORDER ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SERVICES SUPPORT Key points: 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded a significant task order for enterprise architecture services. 2. Sierra7, Inc. secured the contract under full and open competition. 3. The contract focuses on IT services, specifically computer systems design. 4. This award represents a substantial investment in modernizing VA's technological infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $24.77 million award for enterprise architecture services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT service contracts for federal agencies suggests this pricing is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing as multiple qualified vendors can bid.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving good value for the services rendered, with pricing driven by market forces.

Public Impact

Enhances VA's ability to manage complex IT systems and infrastructure. Supports the modernization of critical veteran-facing services. Potential for improved efficiency and effectiveness in IT project delivery. Ensures alignment of IT investments with strategic agency goals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in long-term IT transformation projects.
Dependency on a single vendor for critical architecture services.
Ensuring effective knowledge transfer and integration with existing VA teams.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Clear focus on essential enterprise architecture support.
Long-term contract provides stability for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically computer systems design services. Federal spending in this area is substantial as agencies modernize their infrastructure. The $24.77 million award is a significant but not unusual amount for comprehensive enterprise architecture support.

Small Business Impact

While this task order was awarded to Sierra7, Inc., it's important to assess if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this task order. Robust oversight mechanisms, including performance reviews and regular reporting, are crucial to ensure the contractor meets objectives and taxpayer funds are used effectively.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Full and open competition.
Clear focus on essential IT services.
Long contract duration provides stability.
Potential for significant modernization impact.
Competitive pricing indicated by award method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24.8 million to SIERRA7, INC.. TRANSFORMATION TWENTY-ONE TOTAL TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION (T4NG) NEW TASK ORDER ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE SERVICES SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIERRA7, 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 $24.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-06-29. End: 2026-05-12.

What specific enterprise architecture deliverables are expected under this task order, and how will their success be measured?

The task order likely requires deliverables such as architectural roadmaps, system integration plans, data governance frameworks, and technology assessments. Success will be measured through adherence to defined project milestones, quality of documentation, alignment with VA's strategic IT goals, and feedback from VA stakeholders on the practical application and effectiveness of the architectural guidance provided.

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

Risks include technological obsolescence, changing agency requirements, and potential vendor performance issues over time. Mitigation strategies may involve incorporating flexibility clauses in the contract, regular performance reviews, clear communication channels, and contingency planning for vendor transitions if necessary. The VA's program management office plays a key role in ongoing risk assessment and management.

How does this contract contribute to the VA's overall IT modernization goals and improve service delivery to veterans?

This contract is crucial for establishing a coherent and efficient enterprise architecture, which underpins all IT systems. By ensuring systems are well-designed, integrated, and scalable, it directly supports the modernization of veteran-facing applications and services, aiming to improve user experience, data accuracy, and operational efficiency within the VA.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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: 11951 FREEDOM DR STE 1300, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, 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: $26,302,525

Exercised Options: $24,766,991

Current Obligation: $24,766,991

Actual Outlays: $14,069,263

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $3,437,275

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA11816D1014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline