VA awards $2.1M contract for emergency radio system modernization to Cynergy Professional Systems LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,112,563 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Cynergy Professional Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-09-14

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,689 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: BRAND NAME MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS MANAGED ZONE CORE (MZC) APX NEXT SMART FEATURE MODERNIZED HOSTED EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: IRVINE, ORANGE County, CALIFORNIA, 92612

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.1 million to CYNERGY PROFESSIONAL SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: BRAND NAME MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS MANAGED ZONE CORE (MZC) APX NEXT SMART FEATURE MODERNIZED HOSTED EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract aims to modernize emergency radio communication systems, enhancing public safety capabilities. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of approximately 1689 days indicates a long-term commitment to system support. 4. The fixed-price contract type helps to control costs and provides predictability for the agency. 5. The specific service category (Other Computer Related Services) points to a focus on IT infrastructure and support. 6. The contract is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating its use within a federal agency.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.1 million for a modernized emergency radio system appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale communication system upgrades would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the agency has a clear understanding of the requirements and has negotiated a price that is expected to cover all costs, with the contractor bearing the risk of cost overruns. Without specific details on the system's features and the number of users, a direct comparison to market rates for per-unit costs is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors likely vied for the contract, leading to a more competitive pricing environment and potentially better value for the government. The specific exclusion of sources might relate to pre-existing conditions or specific technical requirements that narrowed the field, but the core competition was open.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation, leading to more cost-effective solutions for government needs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the personnel within the Department of Veterans Affairs who rely on emergency communication systems for their daily operations and safety. The contract will deliver a modernized hosted emergency radio system, improving the reliability and functionality of critical communication infrastructure. The geographic impact is primarily within the facilities and operational areas managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are potential workforce implications related to the training and implementation of the new radio system for VA staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the system is highly proprietary.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical communication infrastructure.
Risk of integration challenges with existing VA IT systems.

Positive Signals

Modernization of critical communication infrastructure enhances operational efficiency and safety.
The use of a fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly within government contracting, is characterized by a wide range of specialized services. This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services,' which can encompass a broad spectrum of IT support, system integration, and modernization efforts. The market for emergency communication systems is significant, driven by the need for reliable and advanced solutions in public safety and critical infrastructure sectors. The $2.1 million award is a moderate-sized contract within this sector, reflecting a specific need for system upgrade rather than a massive enterprise-wide deployment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Cynergy Professional Systems LLC, is likely a larger entity or a joint venture. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this award. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Cynergy has a subcontracting plan in place, which is not detailed here. Without set-asides, larger prime contractors typically handle these types of IT modernization projects.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs IT Modernization Programs
Federal Emergency Communication Systems
Public Safety Technology Procurement
Next-Generation Radio Systems

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Integration complexity with existing systems
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in hosted systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.1 million to CYNERGY PROFESSIONAL SYSTEMS LLC. BRAND NAME MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS MANAGED ZONE CORE (MZC) APX NEXT SMART FEATURE MODERNIZED HOSTED EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CYNERGY PROFESSIONAL SYSTEMS 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 $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-14. End: 2027-04-30.

What specific features and capabilities does the 'BRAND NAME MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS MANAGED ZONE CORE (MZC) APX NEXT SMART FEATURE MODERNIZED HOSTED EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM' offer compared to previous syst

The 'BRAND NAME MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS MANAGED ZONE CORE (MZC) APX NEXT SMART FEATURE MODERNIZED HOSTED EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM' likely represents an upgrade from older, potentially analog or less integrated radio systems. Key features of the APX NEXT platform typically include enhanced audio quality, improved interoperability between different agencies and radio systems, advanced data capabilities (such as location services, text messaging, and application integration), and a more ruggedized, user-friendly interface. The 'Smart Feature' aspect suggests integration of AI or advanced analytics for improved situational awareness or operational efficiency. The 'Managed Zone Core' implies a centralized control and management system, potentially hosted in the cloud or a dedicated data center, ensuring system reliability and scalability. This modernization aims to provide first responders with more robust, reliable, and feature-rich communication tools essential for emergency response.

How does the awarded price of $2.1 million compare to similar emergency radio system modernization contracts within the federal government?

Directly comparing the $2.1 million award to similar contracts is challenging without knowing the exact scope, number of users, specific features, and duration of those other contracts. However, for a system modernization involving a platform like Motorola's APX NEXT, which is a high-end public safety communication solution, $2.1 million over approximately 4.6 years (1689 days) suggests a focused deployment or a specific set of functionalities rather than a nationwide rollout. Larger, enterprise-wide deployments of similar technologies can easily run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. This award appears to be for a specific operational need within the VA, possibly for a particular facility, region, or functional group, making it a moderate investment in upgrading critical communication infrastructure.

What are the primary risks associated with implementing a new emergency radio system, and how are they mitigated in this contract?

Primary risks in implementing new emergency radio systems include technical integration issues with existing infrastructure, user adoption and training challenges, potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and vendor performance or support issues. In this contract, the firm-fixed-price (FFP) structure mitigates financial risk for the VA by capping costs, placing the burden of cost overruns on the contractor. The 'Full and Open Competition' process helps mitigate the risk of selecting an inadequate vendor by allowing multiple qualified companies to compete. However, specific mitigation strategies for technical integration and user adoption would be detailed in the contract's performance work statement (PWS) and require active program management by the VA. Cybersecurity risks would be addressed through specific security requirements and compliance mandates within the contract.

What is the track record of Cynergy Professional Systems LLC in delivering similar IT or communication system contracts to federal agencies?

Information on Cynergy Professional Systems LLC's specific track record for delivering large-scale emergency radio systems is not detailed in the provided data. As a contractor performing 'Other Computer Related Services,' their experience likely spans various IT projects. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), previous contract awards, and any reported issues or successes on similar government projects. Without this detailed performance history, it's difficult to definitively gauge their expertise in this specialized area, though their selection in a full and open competition suggests they met the minimum qualifications and presented a competitive offer.

How does the spending on this contract align with historical federal spending trends for emergency communication systems?

Historical federal spending on emergency communication systems has been substantial and ongoing, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure for national security, public safety, and disaster response. Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DoD), and various civilian agencies (including the VA) consistently invest in radio, satellite, and broadband communication technologies. The $2.1 million awarded to Cynergy Professional Systems LLC for the VA's radio system modernization fits within this broader trend of continuous investment. While specific year-over-year federal spending figures for 'emergency radio systems' can fluctuate based on major upgrade cycles or new technology adoption, this contract represents a typical investment for a significant system enhancement within a large agency.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 36C10B22Q0296

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 23187 LA CADENA, STE 102, LAGUNA HILLS, CA, 92653

Business Categories: Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,831,776

Exercised Options: $2,112,563

Current Obligation: $2,112,563

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD20B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline