VA awards $2.4M contract for Vocera communication system and support services to Government Marketing and Procurement, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,427,831 ($2.4M)

Contractor: Government Marketing and Procurement, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2020-09-23

End Date: 2026-02-07

Contract Duration: 1,963 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: VOCERA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WIMBERLEY, HAYS County, TEXAS, 78676

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.4 million to GOVERNMENT MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT, LLC for work described as: VOCERA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract provides essential communication tools for healthcare professionals. 2. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs. 3. Long performance period suggests a need for sustained support. 4. Competition level indicates potential for fair pricing. 5. Contractor has experience in government marketing and procurement. 6. Service area in Texas may indicate specific facility needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.43 million over approximately 5.4 years appears reasonable for a communication system and support services. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts for healthcare providers suggests this is within a typical range. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, implying a focus on value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a single award does not necessarily imply limited competition, as the solicitation process itself was open. This approach generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages a wider pool of qualified contractors to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a broader selection of innovative solutions, ensuring the government receives the best value.

Public Impact

Benefits healthcare providers within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by enabling efficient communication. Delivers critical communication system and ongoing support services. Geographic impact is focused on facilities within Texas. Supports the healthcare workforce by providing tools to enhance patient care coordination.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the system becomes deeply integrated without clear exit strategies.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical communication infrastructure could pose a risk if the vendor experiences financial or operational difficulties.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Long-term support contract indicates a commitment to reliable system operation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on communication systems and related support. The market for healthcare IT solutions is substantial and growing, driven by the need for interoperability, efficiency, and enhanced patient care. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar communication platforms in federal healthcare facilities would typically range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on scale and scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability is ensured through the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services and support. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award being made under full and open competition, with details typically available through federal procurement databases.

Related Government Programs

VA Electronic Health Record (EHR) Modernization
VA Telehealth Services
DoD Healthcare IT Systems
Federal Healthcare Communication Networks

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on single vendor for critical infrastructure
Long performance period requires sustained oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.4 million to GOVERNMENT MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT, LLC. VOCERA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT MARKETING AND PROCUREMENT, 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 $2.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-23. End: 2026-02-07.

What is the track record of Government Marketing and Procurement, LLC in delivering similar communication systems to federal agencies?

Government Marketing and Procurement, LLC, as indicated by its name, likely specializes in navigating federal procurement processes. While specific details on their track record with Vocera systems or similar communication platforms are not provided in the summary data, their existence as a government contractor suggests experience in fulfilling federal requirements. Further investigation into their past performance reports (e.g., CPARS) and other awarded contracts would be necessary to fully assess their capabilities and reliability in delivering this specific type of service. Their ability to win this contract under full and open competition implies they met the minimum qualifications set forth by the VA.

How does the $2.43 million contract value compare to similar VA communication system procurements?

The $2.43 million contract value for Vocera communication system and support services over approximately 5.4 years represents an average annual expenditure of roughly $450,000. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it against other VA contracts for similar communication platforms (e.g., secure messaging, nurse call systems, mobile communication devices) awarded around the same period and with comparable service durations and user bases. Without access to a detailed database of VA IT procurements, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for a system supporting potentially numerous healthcare professionals across multiple facilities in Texas, this figure appears to be within a reasonable range for enterprise-level communication solutions.

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

Key risks include potential technical obsolescence of the communication system over its lifespan, vendor performance issues (e.g., delays in support, system downtime), and the possibility of cost increases if the firm fixed-price contract doesn't adequately account for all future needs. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price nature of the contract, which shifts some cost risk to the contractor. The VA's oversight through contract management and performance monitoring (potentially via CPARS) is crucial. Additionally, the long duration suggests the VA has assessed the technology's longevity and the contractor's ability to provide sustained support. Ensuring clear service level agreements (SLAs) within the contract is also a critical mitigation factor.

How effective is the Vocera communication system in improving VA healthcare operations?

The effectiveness of the Vocera communication system in improving VA healthcare operations hinges on its successful implementation and adoption by end-users. Vocera systems are generally designed to streamline clinical communication, reduce response times, improve patient safety, and enhance staff efficiency by enabling secure, instant voice and text messaging. For the VA, this could translate to faster patient care coordination, quicker access to physicians, and better management of critical events. The contract's duration and the VA's investment suggest an expectation of significant operational improvements. Actual effectiveness would be measured through user feedback, system utilization data, and potentially through metrics related to patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.

What are the historical spending patterns for communication systems within the VA?

Historical spending patterns for communication systems within the VA are likely substantial and varied, reflecting the agency's vast network of healthcare facilities and its ongoing efforts to modernize technology. The VA has historically invested in various communication technologies, including telephony, secure messaging, paging systems, and more recently, integrated mobile communication platforms like Vocera. Spending fluctuates based on technology upgrades, new facility construction, and strategic initiatives. Analyzing past VA budgets and contract awards for similar IT infrastructure and communication services would reveal trends in investment levels and the types of technologies prioritized over time.

What is the significance of the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code (541519) for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519, 'Other Computer Related Services,' is a broad category that encompasses a wide range of IT services not specified elsewhere. For this contract, it suggests that the services provided extend beyond standard software development or hardware installation. It likely includes aspects like system integration, IT consulting, network management, technical support, and potentially the implementation and maintenance of specialized communication hardware and software. This code indicates the VA procured a comprehensive IT service package tailored to the specific needs of the Vocera communication system, rather than a narrowly defined product or service.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

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: 13350 RANCH ROAD 12, WIMBERLEY, TX, 78676

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,868,874

Exercised Options: $4,952,819

Current Obligation: $2,427,831

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0858N

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline