VA awards $27M for Legal Research Platform to West Publishing, ensuring daily operational support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $27,082 ($27.1K)
Contractor: West Publishing Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2026-04-01
End Date: 2027-03-31
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $74/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: LEGAL RESEARCH PLATFORM FOR DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS, TO BE USED FOR OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT PAUL, DAKOTA County, MINNESOTA, 55121
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $27,081.6 to WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION for work described as: LEGAL RESEARCH PLATFORM FOR DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS, TO BE USED FOR OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS Key points: 1. Contract value of $27.1M supports essential legal research tools for agency operations. 2. West Publishing Corporation is the incumbent, suggesting potential for continued reliance. 3. Risk of vendor lock-in exists if alternatives are not explored. 4. The IT sector benefits from this investment in digital infrastructure.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $27.1M for a 364-day period appears reasonable for a legal research platform. Benchmarking against similar enterprise-level legal research subscriptions would provide a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process generally leads to better pricing and service discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used efficiently through a competitive bidding process for a critical operational tool.
Public Impact
Ensures VA legal staff have access to up-to-date legal resources for daily tasks. Supports efficient case management and policy development within the agency. Potential for improved legal outcomes due to enhanced research capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 74 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for price increases in future renewals.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical legal information.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Clear definition of services for operational needs.
- Firm fixed price contract provides budget certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically focusing on software and information services. Spending benchmarks for enterprise legal research platforms vary widely based on user count and feature sets, but $27M for a year of comprehensive access is substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a degree of oversight in the procurement process. However, ongoing monitoring of service delivery and cost-effectiveness is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Lack of specific small business participation data.
- Need for ongoing cost-effectiveness analysis.
- Reliance on a single provider for critical information.
Tags
internet-publishing-and-broadcasting-and, department-of-veterans-affairs, mn, delivery-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $27,081.6 to WEST PUBLISHING CORPORATION. LEGAL RESEARCH PLATFORM FOR DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS, TO BE USED FOR OFFICIAL AGENCY BUSINESS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is WEST PUBLISHING 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 $27,081.6.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.
What is the specific scope of legal research covered by this platform, and how does it align with the VA's diverse legal needs?
The platform is intended for 'day to day operations' and 'official agency business,' implying a broad scope covering various legal domains relevant to the VA, such as healthcare law, administrative law, and veterans' benefits. A detailed review of the contract's statement of work would clarify the specific databases, research tools, and analytical capabilities included to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Are there any identified risks associated with the long-term reliance on West Publishing Corporation for this critical legal research function?
The primary risk is potential vendor lock-in, which could limit the VA's ability to seek more cost-effective solutions or leverage newer technologies in the future. Additionally, dependence on a single provider might reduce negotiating leverage during future contract renewals. Proactive market research and periodic competitive solicitations are essential to mitigate these risks.
How does the pricing of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar legal research platforms, considering the user base and services provided?
Without specific user numbers and a detailed breakdown of included services, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, $27.1M for a 364-day contract suggests a high level of service or a large user base. Comparing the per-user cost and feature set against offerings from competitors like LexisNexis or Bloomberg Law would be necessary to assess value for money.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Other Information Services › Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals
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: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Thomson Company Inc, the
Address: 2900 AMES CROSSING RD STE 100, EAGAN, MN, 55121
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: $149,674
Exercised Options: $27,082
Current Obligation: $27,082
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS02F026DA
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-31
Potential End Date: 2031-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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