VA awards $15.6M for Interactive Patient Care System, with 3 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,607,121 ($15.6M)

Contractor: Thundercat Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,461 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: INTERACTIVE PATIENT CARE SYSTEM VISN04

Place of Performance

Location: COATESVILLE, CHESTER County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19320

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $15.6 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: INTERACTIVE PATIENT CARE SYSTEM VISN04 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the 4-year duration and scope. 2. Full and open competition suggests potential for competitive pricing. 3. No immediate red flags regarding contractor performance or risk indicators. 4. This contract supports a critical healthcare IT function for the VA. 5. Positioned within the broader healthcare IT services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.6 million over four years for an Interactive Patient Care System appears to be within a reasonable range for similar IT healthcare solutions. Benchmarking against other VA or federal contracts for patient care systems of comparable scope and duration would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were allowed to bid. With three bidders participating, the competition level suggests a healthy market for this type of service. This level of competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios.

Taxpayer Impact: The presence of three bidders in a full and open competition is positive for taxpayers, as it likely drove down the final price and encouraged innovation from the competing firms.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from improved interactive patient care services. The system will likely enhance communication and engagement between patients and healthcare providers. Services are primarily delivered within the VA healthcare network. Potential for positive workforce implications for IT and clinical staff managing the system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating broad market engagement.
Firm-fixed-price contract type, which shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Contract duration of 4 years allows for stable service delivery and planning.

Sector Analysis

The healthcare IT sector is a significant and growing market, with substantial federal spending dedicated to modernizing health systems. This contract for an Interactive Patient Care System fits within the broader category of health information technology services, which includes electronic health records, patient portals, and telehealth solutions. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar IT systems within the VA or other federal health agencies would provide further context on the scale of this investment.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in the supply chain or if there are opportunities for them to participate in future related procurements.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration IT Modernization
Electronic Health Record Systems
Patient Engagement Technologies
Healthcare Information Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $15.6 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. INTERACTIVE PATIENT CARE SYSTEM VISN04

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 $15.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2026-09-30.

What is the track record of THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC with the Department of Veterans Affairs and similar healthcare IT contracts?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC has a history of receiving contracts from various federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. To fully assess their track record for this specific Interactive Patient Care System contract, a deeper dive into their past performance on similar IT healthcare projects would be necessary. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any reported issues or disputes, and their success in delivering complex IT solutions within budget and schedule. Understanding their experience with patient care systems specifically would be crucial for evaluating their capability to fulfill this contract effectively.

How does the awarded price of $15.6 million compare to market rates for similar Interactive Patient Care Systems?

The awarded price of $15.6 million over four years for an Interactive Patient Care System requires benchmarking against similar contracts to assess value for money. Without specific details on the system's features, scope, and user base, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with three bidders suggests that the price is likely competitive. To provide a more definitive assessment, one would need to compare this contract's per-user cost, feature set, and implementation complexity against other VA or federal contracts for comparable patient care technologies, as well as potentially against commercial off-the-shelf solutions.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks for this contract could include technical challenges in integrating the new system with existing VA infrastructure, potential user adoption issues among healthcare staff and patients, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract's performance work statement, requiring the contractor to adhere to strict technical specifications, provide comprehensive training, and implement robust security protocols. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract also mitigates financial risk for the government, as the contractor is responsible for cost overruns. Regular oversight and performance reviews by the VA contracting officer will further help identify and address risks proactively.

How effective is the Interactive Patient Care System expected to be in improving patient outcomes and engagement?

The expected effectiveness of the Interactive Patient Care System hinges on its specific functionalities and how well they are implemented and utilized. Typically, such systems aim to improve patient outcomes by facilitating better communication between patients and providers, enabling remote monitoring, providing educational resources, and streamlining appointment scheduling. Enhanced patient engagement can lead to better adherence to treatment plans and improved health literacy. The success of this particular system will depend on factors like user-friendliness, integration with the broader VA healthcare ecosystem, and the extent to which it empowers patients in managing their health. Post-award performance metrics will be key to evaluating its actual effectiveness.

What has been the historical spending trend for Interactive Patient Care Systems or similar technologies within the VA?

Analyzing historical spending trends for Interactive Patient Care Systems or similar technologies within the VA is crucial for understanding the context of this $15.6 million award. While specific data for 'Interactive Patient Care Systems' might be granular, broader spending on Health Information Technology (HIT) and patient engagement platforms within the VA has generally been substantial and increasing over the years. This reflects the government's ongoing commitment to modernizing healthcare delivery through technology. Examining trends in areas like Electronic Health Records (EHRs), telehealth, and patient portals can provide insights into the VA's investment priorities and the typical scale of contracts in this domain.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader healthcare IT market and competition?

This contract, awarded to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC, contributes to the overall activity within the healthcare IT market. The fact that it was competed under full and open conditions with three bidders suggests a competitive landscape for interactive patient care solutions. Such awards can signal market demand and encourage other vendors to develop similar capabilities. For THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC, this award represents a significant project that can enhance their reputation and potentially lead to future opportunities. The competition also drives innovation and potentially lowers prices for similar systems across the federal government and the commercial sector.

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: 3

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: $21,372,838

Exercised Options: $15,607,121

Current Obligation: $15,607,121

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD26B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline