VA awards $6.87M GovDelivery SaaS contract to ThunderCat Technology for veteran communication

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,869,621 ($6.9M)

Contractor: Thundercat Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2025-09-10

End Date: 2026-09-09

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE GOVDELIVERY SAAS ENABLES THE VA TO STRATEGICALLY DELIVER IMMEDIATE AND RELEVANT SERVICES AND INFORMATION TO THE BROADEST VETERAN AUDIENCE IN THE FORM OF EMAILS, SMS, AND TARGETED MESSAGING SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $6.9 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: THE GOVDELIVERY SAAS ENABLES THE VA TO STRATEGICALLY DELIVER IMMEDIATE AND RELEVANT SERVICES AND INFORMATION TO THE BROADEST VETERAN AUDIENCE IN THE FORM OF EMAILS, SMS, AND TARGETED MESSAGING SERVICES. Key points: 1. The GovDelivery SaaS platform aims to enhance veteran outreach via email, SMS, and targeted messaging. 2. ThunderCat Technology, LLC secured the contract under full and open competition. 3. The contract duration is one year, with a firm fixed price. 4. This award falls under 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.87 million for a one-year SaaS solution appears reasonable given the scope of strategic communication services for a broad veteran audience. Benchmarking against similar government-wide communication platforms would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method is expected to yield fair market pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to improve communication with veterans, potentially increasing engagement and access to services.

Public Impact

Improved communication channels for veterans, potentially leading to better access to VA services and information. Enhanced ability for the VA to deliver timely and relevant updates to a large veteran population. Potential for increased veteran satisfaction through more targeted and effective outreach methods.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the platform becomes deeply integrated.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical communication infrastructure.

Positive Signals

Leverages established SaaS technology for efficient service delivery.
Utilizes a competitive procurement process.
Focuses on improving veteran services.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly SaaS solutions for government communication, is a growing area. Spending benchmarks for similar platforms vary widely based on features and user base size.

Small Business Impact

While ThunderCat Technology, LLC is the awardee, the contract was awarded under full and open competition, which does not specifically prioritize small business participation in this instance.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made under a delivery order, suggesting it may be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. Oversight would focus on performance against contract requirements and service level agreements.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if additional communication channels or features are requested.
Dependence on vendor for platform updates and security.
Risk of data breaches if security protocols are not robust.
Effectiveness of communication depends on accurate and up-to-date veteran contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $6.9 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. THE GOVDELIVERY SAAS ENABLES THE VA TO STRATEGICALLY DELIVER IMMEDIATE AND RELEVANT SERVICES AND INFORMATION TO THE BROADEST VETERAN AUDIENCE IN THE FORM OF EMAILS, SMS, AND TARGETED MESSAGING SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, 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 $6.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-10. End: 2026-09-09.

What is the specific functionality and feature set of the GovDelivery SaaS platform being procured?

The GovDelivery SaaS platform enables the VA to strategically deliver immediate and relevant services and information to the broadest veteran audience. This includes functionalities for sending emails, SMS messages, and managing targeted messaging campaigns, aiming to improve communication effectiveness and reach.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to measure success?

Key performance indicators would likely include metrics such as message open rates, click-through rates, SMS delivery success rates, veteran engagement levels, and potentially feedback on the relevance and usefulness of the communications received. Tracking these KPIs ensures the platform is effectively serving its purpose.

How does this platform integrate with existing VA communication systems and data?

The integration capabilities of the GovDelivery SaaS platform with existing VA communication systems and data are crucial for seamless operation. This includes ensuring compatibility with veteran databases for targeted messaging and potentially integrating with other VA communication tools to provide a unified outreach strategy.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Thundercat Technology LLC

Address: 11190 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 200, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,916,960

Exercised Options: $6,869,621

Current Obligation: $6,869,621

Actual Outlays: $6,625,621

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD26B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline