VA Awards $2.6M for Medical Innovation R&D to Guidehouse Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,616,680 ($2.6M)

Contractor: Guidehouse Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2025-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: ACCELERATING VA INNOVATION AND LEARNING SERVES AS A PIONEER IN MEDICAL INNOVATION AND AS A LEARNING ORGANIZATION BY OFFERING THE AVAILABILITY TO AUGMENT ITS ONGOING DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND TESTING EFFORTS AROUND HEALTHCARE INNOVATION.

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.6 million to GUIDEHOUSE INC. for work described as: ACCELERATING VA INNOVATION AND LEARNING SERVES AS A PIONEER IN MEDICAL INNOVATION AND AS A LEARNING ORGANIZATION BY OFFERING THE AVAILABILITY TO AUGMENT ITS ONGOING DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND TESTING EFFORTS AROUND HEALTHCARE INNOVATION. Key points: 1. Focuses on advancing medical innovation and learning within the VA. 2. Contract awarded through full and open competition, indicating market availability. 3. Potential for significant improvements in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. 4. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.6M for a 3-year period appears reasonable for specialized R&D services in medical innovation. Benchmarking against similar VA or other federal agency contracts for advanced research and development would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for soliciting offers and ensuring fair pricing. This method typically leads to competitive pricing as multiple vendors can participate.

Taxpayer Impact: The investment aims to improve VA healthcare, potentially leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient service delivery, which represents a positive use of taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Enhances VA's capacity for cutting-edge medical research and development. Aims to accelerate the adoption of new healthcare technologies and practices. Supports the VA's mission to provide high-quality care to veterans. Could lead to breakthroughs benefiting both veteran and general healthcare. Fosters a culture of innovation within a major federal healthcare system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in R&D projects.
Ensuring timely translation of research into practical applications.
Measuring the long-term impact and ROI of innovation efforts.

Positive Signals

Strong focus on innovation and learning.
Awarded via full and open competition.
Clear alignment with VA's healthcare mission.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector, specifically focusing on medical innovation. Spending in this area is critical for advancing healthcare capabilities and ensuring the VA remains at the forefront of medical technology.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded through full and open competition, there is no specific mention of small business participation. Future analysis could explore subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this R&D effort.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Accountability will be measured by the successful delivery of innovative solutions and the achievement of research and development milestones outlined in the contract.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for research to not yield practical applications.
Dependency on contractor's specialized expertise.
Challenges in integrating new innovations into existing VA systems.
Measuring the return on investment for R&D can be complex.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.6 million to GUIDEHOUSE INC.. ACCELERATING VA INNOVATION AND LEARNING SERVES AS A PIONEER IN MEDICAL INNOVATION AND AS A LEARNING ORGANIZATION BY OFFERING THE AVAILABILITY TO AUGMENT ITS ONGOING DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, AND TESTING EFFORTS AROUND HEALTHCARE INNOVATION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GUIDEHOUSE INC..

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 $2.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2025-09-29.

How will the success of 'accelerating VA innovation and learning' be measured?

Success will likely be measured through defined milestones in the design, development, and testing of healthcare innovations. Key performance indicators could include the number of new technologies piloted, the efficiency gains achieved, and improvements in patient care metrics resulting from these innovations. Regular progress reports and evaluations by the VA contracting officer will be crucial.

What are the primary risks associated with this R&D contract?

Primary risks include the inherent uncertainty of research and development, where outcomes are not guaranteed. There's a risk of project delays, budget overruns if research proves more complex than anticipated, and the possibility that developed innovations may not be scalable or practical for widespread VA implementation. Ensuring strong project management and adaptive strategies is key.

Does this contract represent an effective use of taxpayer funds for innovation?

The contract appears to be an effective use of funds by investing in the VA's capacity for medical innovation, aiming for long-term improvements in healthcare delivery. Awarding through full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing structure. The ultimate effectiveness will depend on the successful development and implementation of impactful innovations that enhance veteran care and potentially offer broader healthcare benefits.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Veritas Capital Fund Management, L.L.C.

Address: 1676 INTERNATIONAL DR STE 800, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,265,956

Exercised Options: $2,616,680

Current Obligation: $2,616,680

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 36C10X22D0020

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline