VA's $31.6M CEVN TELEHEALTH BPA with Iron Bow Technologies: A 2-Year Contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,599,385 ($31.6M)

Contractor: Iron BOW Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2019-09-07

End Date: 2021-05-19

Contract Duration: 620 days

Daily Burn Rate: $51.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CEVN TELEHEATLH EQUIPMENT&SERVICES BPA

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $31.6 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: CEVN TELEHEATLH EQUIPMENT&SERVICES BPA Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Iron Bow Technologies for telehealth equipment and services represents a significant investment in modernizing VA healthcare delivery. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. The contract's duration and value indicate a substantial commitment, raising questions about long-term value and potential for cost overruns. 4. The sector is IT, specifically focused on electronic computer manufacturing and related services, crucial for telehealth infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $31.6M over two years for telehealth equipment and services needs to be benchmarked against similar large-scale IT procurements for healthcare. Without specific per-unit data, a precise pricing assessment is difficult, but the overall value suggests a need for careful cost management.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically drives competitive pricing. The BPA Call award mechanism suggests multiple calls were made against the BPA, allowing for potentially varied pricing based on specific needs and market conditions at the time of each call.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value. However, the total value of $31.6M warrants scrutiny to ensure efficient use of funds.

Public Impact

Improved access to healthcare for veterans through telehealth services. Potential for enhanced patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Modernization of VA's IT infrastructure to support advanced medical technologies. Creation of jobs in the IT and healthcare technology sectors. Ensuring data security and privacy for sensitive veteran health information.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in a large BPA.
Ensuring interoperability with existing VA systems.
Long-term maintenance and upgrade costs for equipment.
Vendor lock-in concerns if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

Supports critical telehealth initiatives for veterans.
Awarded through a competitive process.
Addresses a growing need for remote healthcare solutions.
Firm fixed price contract type can provide cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on electronic computer manufacturing and related services. The spending benchmark for IT services within the federal government is substantial, and telehealth equipment is a growing area of investment, particularly post-pandemic.

Small Business Impact

While the primary awardee is Iron Bow Technologies, LLC, a large business, the contract's structure as a BPA Call could potentially allow for subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for oversight. The BPA Call mechanism allows for task-specific oversight. Regular performance reviews and audits would be crucial to ensure accountability and value for money throughout the contract's life.

Related Government Programs

Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for high overall expenditure.
Risk of technology becoming outdated quickly.
Complexity in managing a large BPA with multiple calls.
Dependence on a single primary contractor for a critical service area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $31.6 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. CEVN TELEHEATLH EQUIPMENT&SERVICES BPA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $31.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-07. End: 2021-05-19.

What was the average per-unit cost for the telehealth equipment and services procured under this BPA, and how does it compare to market benchmarks?

The provided data does not include specific per-unit costs for the equipment and services. To assess value, a detailed breakdown of procured items and their pricing against industry standards would be necessary. Without this, it's difficult to definitively state if the pricing was optimal, though the full and open competition suggests an effort to achieve competitive rates.

What are the primary risks associated with the long-term sustainment and technological obsolescence of the telehealth equipment procured under this BPA?

Key risks include the rapid pace of technological advancement, leading to equipment obsolescence within the contract's lifespan or shortly after. This could necessitate costly upgrades or replacements. Additionally, ensuring ongoing maintenance, software updates, and cybersecurity for a distributed telehealth network presents significant logistical and financial challenges for the VA.

How effectively has this BPA facilitated the expansion and improvement of telehealth services for veterans, and what is the measurable impact on veteran healthcare access and outcomes?

The effectiveness of this BPA hinges on the VA's implementation and utilization of the procured resources. While the contract provides the necessary equipment and services, its success in improving veteran healthcare access and outcomes would be measured by metrics such as increased telehealth utilization rates, reduced wait times, improved patient satisfaction, and positive clinical outcomes. This data is not available in the provided information.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing

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

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2303 DULLES STATION BLVD STE 400, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,798,380

Exercised Options: $31,599,385

Current Obligation: $31,599,385

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA11915A0131

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline