VA Awards $24M for DSS GUI Software Licenses and Services, Highlighting Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,976,289 ($24.0M)

Contractor: Document Storage Systems, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-06-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,064 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: BRAND NAME DOCUMENT STORAGE SYSTEMS INC. (DSS) SUPPLY CHAIN GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) OVERLAY SOFTWARE LICENSES, MAINTENANCE, AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: JUNO BEACH, PALM BEACH County, FLORIDA, 33408

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $24.0 million to DOCUMENT STORAGE SYSTEMS, INC. for work described as: BRAND NAME DOCUMENT STORAGE SYSTEMS INC. (DSS) SUPPLY CHAIN GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) OVERLAY SOFTWARE LICENSES, MAINTENANCE, AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES Key points: 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded a significant contract valued at $23.98 million to Document Storage Systems, Inc. (DSS). 2. The contract focuses on supply chain graphical user interface (GUI) overlay software licenses, maintenance, and additional services. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The contract duration is over three years, ending in April 2026. 5. The primary sector for this spending appears to be IT services, specifically software and related support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's fixed-price nature provides cost certainty for the VA. Benchmarking against similar software license and maintenance contracts would be beneficial to confirm optimal pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for achieving competitive pricing. This method allows all eligible vendors to bid, fostering a market-driven price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary software and services.

Public Impact

Enhances VA's supply chain management through specialized GUI software. Supports critical IT infrastructure for a major federal agency. Ensures continued access to essential software licenses and maintenance. Potential for improved operational efficiency within the VA's supply chain.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if future needs are highly specific to DSS.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical software maintenance.
Need to monitor contract performance closely to ensure value for money.

Positive Signals

Utilizes full and open competition.
Fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Long-term contract ensures continuity of service.
Supports a key government function (supply chain management).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically software licensing and maintenance. Spending benchmarks for similar government IT contracts vary widely based on software complexity and vendor, but this award appears substantial for specialized GUI overlay software.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate specific set-asides for small businesses. While full and open competition was used, it's important to assess if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the performance of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating internal oversight mechanisms. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract structure suggests adherence to established procurement procedures.

Related Government Programs

Computer Training
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical software.
Need for ongoing performance monitoring.
Risk of software obsolescence over contract duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $24.0 million to DOCUMENT STORAGE SYSTEMS, INC.. BRAND NAME DOCUMENT STORAGE SYSTEMS INC. (DSS) SUPPLY CHAIN GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) OVERLAY SOFTWARE LICENSES, MAINTENANCE, AND ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DOCUMENT STORAGE SYSTEMS, 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 $24.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-06-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the specific functionality of the DSS GUI overlay software and how does it improve the VA's supply chain operations?

The DSS GUI overlay software likely provides a user-friendly interface for managing and visualizing complex supply chain data. Its primary benefit is expected to be enhanced operational efficiency, improved data accuracy, and better decision-making capabilities for VA personnel responsible for supply chain logistics. The specific functionalities would need further investigation into the software's technical specifications.

What are the potential risks associated with a multi-year contract for specialized software licenses and maintenance?

Risks include potential vendor lock-in, making it difficult or costly to switch providers if needs evolve or better solutions emerge. There's also a risk of escalating maintenance costs over time or the software becoming outdated if not actively managed. Ensuring the contract includes clear performance metrics and exit clauses can mitigate these risks.

How does the full and open competition process ensure the effectiveness and value of this software acquisition for the VA?

Full and open competition allows multiple vendors to bid, driving down prices through market forces and encouraging innovation. This process increases the likelihood that the VA secures the most cost-effective solution that meets its specific requirements. It also provides transparency and accountability, ensuring that the chosen solution is indeed effective for its intended purpose.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Computer Training

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

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: 701 US HIGHWAY 1 STE 101, NORTH PALM BEACH, FL, 33408

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,052,459

Exercised Options: $23,976,289

Current Obligation: $23,976,289

Actual Outlays: $23,976,289

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA23D005Q

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline