VA awards $6.56M contract for clinical decision support tool to Minburn Technology Group

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,564,445 ($6.6M)

Contractor: Minburn Technology Group, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: VISN 4 CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT TOOL

Place of Performance

Location: PITTSBURGH, ALLEGHENY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 15215

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $6.6 million to MINBURN TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC for work described as: VISN 4 CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT TOOL Key points: 1. Contract aims to enhance clinical decision-making for healthcare providers. 2. Focus on improving patient care through technology integration. 3. Performance period spans nearly three years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. Fixed-price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government. 5. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.56 million for a clinical decision support tool appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts for healthcare systems suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability. Further analysis would require comparing specific functionalities and deliverables against market offerings and other government contracts for similar systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while competition was sought, certain sources may have been excluded prior to the full solicitation. The specific reasons for exclusion are not detailed here, but this approach can sometimes limit the breadth of competition. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the competitive landscape and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can potentially lead to higher prices for taxpayers if a robust competitive process is not maintained. Ensuring fair market value is crucial when not all potential sources are considered.

Public Impact

Veterans receiving care within the VISN 4 network will benefit from potentially improved diagnostic and treatment pathways. Healthcare providers will gain access to a tool designed to support evidence-based clinical decisions. The geographic impact is focused on facilities within Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 4. This contract supports the IT workforce involved in developing, implementing, and maintaining healthcare technology solutions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition to impact overall value for money.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure the tool meets clinical needs.
Integration challenges with existing VA IT infrastructure could arise.

Positive Signals

Focus on improving clinical decision support aligns with VA's mission.
Firm fixed-price contract offers budget certainty.
Longer performance period allows for thorough implementation and refinement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on healthcare IT solutions. The market for clinical decision support systems is growing, driven by the need for improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency in healthcare. Comparable spending in this area can vary widely based on system complexity, integration requirements, and vendor. The VA's significant investment in IT infrastructure positions it as a major player in this market.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. However, larger IT contracts often have subcontracting requirements that can benefit small businesses, provided they have the specialized capabilities needed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting officers and program managers. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency regarding performance metrics and outcomes would be key to assessing accountability. The VA Office of Inspector General may conduct audits or investigations if performance issues or potential fraud are identified.

Related Government Programs

Veterans Health Administration IT Modernization
Clinical Information Systems
Electronic Health Records Modernization
Healthcare Analytics Platforms

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price discovery.
Integration with existing VA systems requires careful management.
User adoption and training are critical for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $6.6 million to MINBURN TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC. VISN 4 CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT TOOL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MINBURN TECHNOLOGY GROUP, 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 $6.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the specific functionality of the VISN 4 Clinical Decision Support Tool?

The VISN 4 Clinical Decision Support Tool is designed to assist healthcare providers within the Veterans Integrated Service Network 4 in making informed clinical decisions. While the exact functionalities are not detailed in the provided data, such tools typically integrate patient data with clinical guidelines, research findings, and best practices to offer recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and medication management. This can help standardize care, reduce medical errors, and improve patient outcomes by providing timely, evidence-based information at the point of care. The tool likely aims to streamline workflows and enhance the efficiency of clinical processes within VA facilities.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar clinical decision support systems in the federal market?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $6.56 million contract against similar clinical decision support systems requires access to detailed contract data for comparable systems. Factors such as the scope of services, the number of users, the complexity of integration, and the specific features offered significantly influence pricing. Generally, comprehensive, enterprise-level clinical decision support solutions can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars over their lifecycle. The firm fixed-price nature of this award suggests a defined scope and budget. Without specific feature-by-feature comparisons and market analysis of other VA or federal healthcare IT contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the award amount appears within a plausible range for a multi-year IT system deployment.

What are the primary risks associated with the implementation of this clinical decision support tool?

Key risks associated with implementing a clinical decision support tool include technical integration challenges with existing VA IT infrastructure, such as the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Data migration and ensuring data integrity are also critical. User adoption is another significant risk; if clinicians find the tool cumbersome, difficult to use, or not sufficiently helpful, it may not be effectively utilized, diminishing its value. Furthermore, ensuring the clinical accuracy and relevance of the decision support algorithms is paramount to avoid providing incorrect or misleading recommendations. Cybersecurity risks related to handling sensitive patient data must also be rigorously managed throughout the system's lifecycle. Finally, scope creep or evolving clinical requirements could impact project timelines and costs if not managed effectively.

What is the expected impact of this contract on patient care within VISN 4?

This contract is expected to positively impact patient care within VISN 4 by equipping healthcare providers with enhanced tools for making evidence-based clinical decisions. By providing timely access to relevant information and potential treatment pathways, the system aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce the likelihood of medical errors, and ensure that patients receive care aligned with the latest clinical guidelines. This can lead to more consistent and effective treatment plans, potentially improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. The tool may also help in identifying at-risk patients earlier and recommending appropriate interventions, thereby contributing to proactive healthcare management.

What is the historical spending pattern for clinical decision support tools by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a history of investing significantly in health IT, including clinical decision support systems, as part of its broader efforts to modernize healthcare delivery and improve patient care. Historical spending patterns show a consistent allocation of resources towards enhancing electronic health records, data analytics, and specialized clinical support tools. The VA has undertaken large-scale IT initiatives, such as the Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) program, which inherently involve or complement decision support functionalities. While specific figures for 'clinical decision support tools' as a standalone category are not readily available without deep data dives, the VA's overall IT budget runs into billions of dollars annually, with a substantial portion dedicated to improving clinical systems and data utilization to support veterans.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9716 ARNON CHAPEL RD, GREAT FALLS, VA, 22066

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: $11,516,150

Exercised Options: $6,589,933

Current Obligation: $6,564,445

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD34B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline