VA awards $492K for SIMPLIFI 797 Software Subscription to UpToDate, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,241 ($49.2K)

Contractor: Uptodate, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2024-05-01

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SIMPLIFI 797 SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION

Place of Performance

Location: WILKES BARRE, LUZERNE County, PENNSYLVANIA, 18711

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $49,240.62 to UPTODATE, INC for work described as: SIMPLIFI 797 SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION Key points: 1. The VA is procuring a software subscription for SIMPLIFI 797. 2. UpToDate, Inc. is the awarded contractor. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The total value is $492,406.62 over approximately three years.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $492,406.62 over three years appears reasonable for a specialized software subscription. Benchmarking against similar enterprise software licenses would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded using full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary software.

Public Impact

Ensures VA staff have access to essential software for operations. Supports the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission delivery. The subscription provides ongoing access to software updates and support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if SIMPLIFI 797 becomes critical.
Reliance on a single vendor for software updates and maintenance.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Contract duration allows for stable software access.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically software publishers. Spending on software subscriptions is common across federal agencies to maintain operational capabilities and access up-to-date tools.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Future procurements could explore opportunities for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Veterans Affairs, indicating internal oversight. Further oversight would involve monitoring contract performance and adherence to terms.

Related Government Programs

Software Publishers
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical software.
Lack of small business participation.
Need for ongoing cost-effectiveness assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $49,240.62 to UPTODATE, INC. SIMPLIFI 797 SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UPTODATE, 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 $49,240.62.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.

What is the specific functionality of SIMPLIFI 797 software and how critical is it to VA operations?

SIMPLIFI 797 is a software subscription likely used for financial management, budgeting, or project management, given its name and the typical use of such systems in large organizations. Its criticality to VA operations would depend on the specific processes it supports, such as resource allocation, expenditure tracking, or compliance reporting. Understanding its role is key to assessing the value of the subscription.

Are there alternative software solutions that could meet the VA's needs, and what was the competitive landscape like?

While the award was made under full and open competition, the specific competitive landscape is not detailed. The VA likely evaluated multiple proposals. However, the long-term reliance on a specific software platform can create vendor lock-in. Assessing the availability and feasibility of alternative solutions during future procurement cycles is important to ensure continued competition and cost-effectiveness.

What is the long-term cost implication of this subscription for the VA, considering potential price increases over time?

The current contract is for three years with a total value of $492,406.62. While the pricing is firm fixed, future renewals could see price increases. The VA should monitor market trends for similar software and plan for potential budget adjustments or explore alternative solutions to mitigate long-term cost escalation and ensure sustained value.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Software Publishers › Software Publishers

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 230 3RD AVE STE 1000, WALTHAM, MA, 02451

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $114,895

Exercised Options: $49,241

Current Obligation: $49,241

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA20D0034

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline