VA awards $11.7M contract for veteran suicide prevention data support to JJR Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,700,734 ($11.7M)

Contractor: JJR Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-09-06

End Date: 2026-09-05

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PHASE III SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) CONTRACT TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST WITH DATA AND SURVEILLANCE NEEDS TO ENHANCE VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS FOR VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (VHA).

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, MONTGOMERY County, OHIO, 45402

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $11.7 million to JJR SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: PHASE III SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) CONTRACT TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST WITH DATA AND SURVEILLANCE NEEDS TO ENHANCE VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS FOR VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (VHA). Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical data and surveillance needs for veteran suicide prevention. 2. JJR Solutions LLC, a small business, is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price definitive contract. 4. Performance period spans two years, ending September 2026. 5. The award is a Phase III SBIR contract, indicating prior innovation. 6. This contract supports the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) mission.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $11.7 million for two years of professional support services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of data and surveillance for veteran suicide prevention. Benchmarking against similar contracts for data analytics and support services within the federal government, particularly those focused on health and veteran affairs, would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the Phase III SBIR designation suggests that the technology or service has already undergone a rigorous vetting process, potentially indicating a higher likelihood of success and value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded under a sole-source designation, specifically as a Phase III SBIR contract. Phase III SBIR contracts are designed to transition technologies developed under the SBIR program into commercial products or services. While this approach leverages prior innovation and reduces initial research costs, it limits direct competition for the follow-on production or service phase. The specific justification for the sole-source award would typically involve demonstrating that JJR Solutions LLC possesses unique capabilities or intellectual property developed through the SBIR program that are essential for meeting the VHA's specific needs.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can sometimes lead to higher prices compared to fully competed contracts due to the absence of competitive pressure. However, in this case, the Phase III SBIR nature suggests a pre-vetted solution, potentially mitigating excessive costs. Taxpayers benefit from a focused solution to a critical veteran health issue.

Public Impact

Veterans, particularly those at risk of suicide, are the primary beneficiaries through enhanced prevention efforts. The contract delivers professional support services for data analysis and surveillance. The geographic impact is national, supporting VHA's nationwide operations. The contract supports specialized roles in data management and public health surveillance. This effort directly contributes to the VHA's strategic goals for veteran well-being.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to sole-source award.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical data and surveillance capabilities.
Need for robust oversight to ensure performance and cost-effectiveness without competition.

Positive Signals

Leverages prior innovation through the SBIR program, suggesting a proven solution.
Focuses on a critical mission area: veteran suicide prevention.
Contractor is a small business, aligning with federal small business goals.
Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, specifically supporting data and surveillance needs. The federal market for IT services, particularly those related to health informatics and public health, is substantial. Contracts like this are crucial for agencies like the VA to leverage technology for mission-critical functions. Benchmarks for similar IT support services can vary widely based on complexity, security requirements, and the specific technologies employed. The SBIR program itself fosters innovation across various technology sectors, with Phase III awards representing the commercialization of these innovations.

Small Business Impact

JJR Solutions LLC is identified as a small business. As this is a sole-source award, there are no direct small business set-aside provisions for this specific contract. However, the award itself supports the federal government's objective of contracting with small businesses. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans, but the nature of the work may involve specialized data services that could potentially be subcontracted to other small businesses if JJR Solutions LLC does not possess all in-house capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, likely through the Veterans Health Administration program office responsible for suicide prevention. As a definitive contract, it is subject to standard federal procurement regulations and oversight mechanisms. Transparency will depend on the VA's reporting practices and any public disclosures made regarding the contract's progress and outcomes. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of Veterans Affairs - Veteran Suicide Prevention Programs
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
IT Professional Services
Data Analytics and Surveillance Contracts
Healthcare IT Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award may limit price competition.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical data services.
Need for strong contract management and oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $11.7 million to JJR SOLUTIONS LLC. PHASE III SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) CONTRACT TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST WITH DATA AND SURVEILLANCE NEEDS TO ENHANCE VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS FOR VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (VHA).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JJR SOLUTIONS 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 $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-06. End: 2026-09-05.

What is the specific nature of the data and surveillance needs being addressed by this contract?

The contract aims to provide professional support services to assist the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) with data and surveillance needs specifically to enhance veteran suicide prevention efforts. This likely involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to veteran mental health, risk factors, and the effectiveness of current prevention strategies. Surveillance could encompass monitoring trends, identifying at-risk populations, and tracking the reach and impact of VHA's suicide prevention initiatives. The goal is to use data-driven insights to refine and improve the VHA's approach to preventing veteran suicides.

How does the Phase III SBIR designation impact the value and risk of this contract?

The Phase III SBIR designation signifies that JJR Solutions LLC has previously received federal funding under the SBIR program to develop a specific technology or service, and this contract represents the commercialization or further development of that innovation. This can reduce risk because the core technology has likely undergone some level of technical validation and proof-of-concept. For value, it suggests that the solution is tailored to a specific need, potentially offering greater efficiency or effectiveness than a generic service. However, it also implies a lack of direct competition at this stage, which could impact price negotiation.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for critical veteran health support services?

Sole-source awards, while sometimes necessary for specialized capabilities, carry inherent risks. A primary concern is the potential for higher costs due to the absence of competitive bidding, which can reduce price pressure on the contractor. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, where the agency becomes heavily reliant on a single provider, making it difficult to switch vendors even if performance issues arise or better alternatives emerge. Furthermore, without competitive benchmarking, it can be challenging to continuously assess if the services provided represent the best possible value and innovation available in the market.

What performance metrics or oversight mechanisms are likely in place to ensure the effectiveness of these suicide prevention support services?

While specific metrics are not detailed, contracts of this nature typically include performance work statements (PWS) outlining deliverables and service level agreements (SLAs). Oversight would likely involve regular progress reviews between the VA contracting officer's representative (COR) and JJR Solutions LLC. Key performance indicators (KPIs) might focus on data accuracy, timeliness of analysis, actionable insights generated, and the impact of these insights on VHA's prevention strategies. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract incentivizes the contractor to meet these requirements efficiently. Robust documentation and reporting are standard.

How does this contract align with the broader goals of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding veteran well-being?

This contract is directly aligned with the VA's paramount mission to support the health and well-being of veterans. Suicide prevention is a top priority for the VA, and leveraging advanced data analytics and surveillance capabilities is a modern, evidence-based approach to tackling this complex issue. By enhancing the VHA's ability to understand risk factors, track trends, and measure the effectiveness of interventions, this contract enables the VA to deploy resources more strategically and provide more targeted support to veterans in need, ultimately aiming to reduce veteran suicides.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 36C10B24R0043

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 607 E 3RD ST, DAYTON, OH, 45402

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,881,215

Exercised Options: $11,700,734

Current Obligation: $11,700,734

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline