VA awards $79.3M T4NG modification to Tista Science and Technology for IT services, extending through 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $79,288,142 ($79.3M)

Contractor: Tista Science and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-05-20

End Date: 2026-09-19

Contract Duration: 1,218 days

Daily Burn Rate: $65.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: EO14042 - TRANSFORMATION TWENTY-ONE TOTAL TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION (T4NG) MODIFICATION P00011 - UPDATE CLAUSES AND DELIVERABLES

Place of Performance

Location: POTOMAC, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20854

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $79.3 million to TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: EO14042 - TRANSFORMATION TWENTY-ONE TOTAL TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION (T4NG) MODIFICATION P00011 - UPDATE CLAUSES AND DELIVERABLES Key points: 1. Contract modification focuses on updating clauses and deliverables for IT services. 2. Tista Science and Technology Corporation is the incumbent contractor. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. 4. The modification adds significant value to the existing T4NG contract. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 6. The duration of this modification is substantial, extending well into 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

This modification represents a significant investment in IT services for the Department of Veterans Affairs. While specific performance metrics for this modification are not detailed, the T4NG IDIQ vehicle generally supports a wide range of IT requirements. Benchmarking the per-unit cost is difficult without more granular data on the specific services and labor categories covered by this modification. However, the total award amount suggests a substantial scope of work.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. As a modification to an existing IDIQ, the initial competition for the T4NG vehicle likely involved a robust process. The specific modification process would depend on the nature of the changes, but the underlying award mechanism suggests a competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer competitive bids.

Public Impact

Veterans Affairs IT infrastructure and services will be supported and potentially enhanced. IT professionals and support staff will be engaged through Tista Science and Technology Corporation. The primary geographic impact is likely within the Department of Veterans Affairs' operational footprint. Improved IT capabilities could indirectly benefit veterans through more efficient service delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The long duration of the modification requires sustained oversight to ensure value.
Potential for scope creep if deliverables are not clearly defined and managed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Modification to an existing, established IDIQ vehicle (T4NG) implies a known contractor and framework.
The contract aims to update clauses and deliverables, suggesting a proactive approach to contract management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, a critical component of the broader IT services market. The T4NG IDIQ vehicle is a significant contract vehicle used by the VA for a wide array of IT needs. Spending in this sector is consistently high across federal agencies as they modernize systems and enhance digital capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be assessed against other large IT IDIQ vehicles and their task orders.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a modification to a large IDIQ, the primary contractor is Tista Science and Technology Corporation. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on Tista's subcontracting plan and the specific nature of the work performed under this modification. Without explicit set-aside requirements, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. The T4NG IDIQ vehicle often includes provisions for performance monitoring and reporting. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

T4NG IDIQ Contract
Department of Veterans Affairs IT Modernization Efforts
Federal IT Services Procurement
Computer Systems Design Services

Risk Flags

Time and Materials Pricing
Long Contract Duration
Potential for Scope Creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $79.3 million to TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. EO14042 - TRANSFORMATION TWENTY-ONE TOTAL TECHNOLOGY NEXT GENERATION (T4NG) MODIFICATION P00011 - UPDATE CLAUSES AND DELIVERABLES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.

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 $79.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-20. End: 2026-09-19.

What is the historical performance of Tista Science and Technology Corporation on the T4NG IDIQ vehicle?

Tista Science and Technology Corporation is a significant awardee on the T4NG IDIQ vehicle, which is designed to provide comprehensive IT solutions to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Analyzing their past performance on this vehicle would involve reviewing the number and value of task orders awarded, the types of services delivered, and any reported performance issues or successes. Generally, large IDIQ vehicles like T4NG see numerous modifications and task orders over their lifespan. Understanding Tista's track record on previous modifications and task orders under T4NG would provide context for their ability to successfully execute this current modification, including their history of meeting deadlines, managing costs, and delivering quality services as defined by the VA's requirements.

How does the pricing structure of this Time and Materials modification compare to similar IT service contracts?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like this modification, are often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to evolve. Benchmarking T&M pricing requires detailed analysis of labor categories, hourly rates, and material markups against industry standards and comparable government contracts. Without specific rate data for this modification, a direct comparison is challenging. However, agencies typically aim to negotiate competitive labor rates and establish ceilings to mitigate cost risks. The VA's procurement regulations and T4NG IDIQ terms likely include guidelines for acceptable T&M rates. A thorough assessment would involve comparing the proposed rates to historical VA T&M awards for similar IT services and to market research data for IT labor in the relevant geographic areas.

What are the key risks associated with this specific contract modification and how are they being managed?

Key risks for this modification include potential cost overruns due to the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, scope creep if deliverables are not tightly managed, and ensuring the updated clauses and deliverables align with evolving VA IT needs. The T&M nature means costs are directly tied to labor hours and materials used, making cost control a primary concern. Scope creep is a risk if the definition of 'updated clauses and deliverables' is ambiguous or expands beyond the original intent. Management strategies likely involve rigorous monitoring of labor hours, detailed tracking of material expenses, strict change control processes, and regular performance reviews between the VA and Tista Science and Technology Corporation. The long duration also necessitates sustained oversight to ensure continued alignment with VA objectives and value for money.

What is the expected impact of this modification on the VA's overall IT modernization goals?

This modification, by updating clauses and deliverables, is intended to ensure that the IT services provided under the T4NG contract remain relevant and effective in supporting the VA's modernization goals. The T4NG IDIQ vehicle is a foundational contract for the VA's IT infrastructure. Modifications like this one are crucial for adapting to new technological requirements, cybersecurity mandates, and policy changes. The specific impact will depend on the nature of the updated clauses and deliverables; for instance, they might facilitate the adoption of new technologies, improve data security, enhance user experience for VA staff, or streamline IT service delivery processes. Ultimately, such updates are designed to keep the VA's IT capabilities aligned with its mission to serve veterans.

How does the spending on this modification compare to the total spending under the T4NG IDIQ vehicle historically?

The total award amount for this modification is $79.3 million. To compare this to historical spending under the T4NG IDIQ vehicle, one would need access to comprehensive data on all task orders and modifications issued against the T4NG contract since its inception. The T4NG IDIQ is a large, long-term vehicle designed to support a vast range of VA IT needs. Therefore, $79.3 million, while substantial for a single modification, likely represents a fraction of the total contract value over its entire period of performance. A full analysis would involve summing up all awarded amounts against the T4NG IDIQ and then calculating the percentage this modification represents. This context helps understand the relative significance of this particular award within the broader T4NG program.

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: 5

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1201 SEVEN LOCKS RD, STE 350, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20854

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $243,500,166

Exercised Options: $79,288,142

Current Obligation: $79,288,142

Actual Outlays: $54,813,366

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA11816D1005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline