VA Awards $1.99M for Nurse Call System Upgrade to Primary Systems Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,989,034 ($2.0M)
Contractor: Primary Systems Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
Start Date: 2024-08-02
End Date: 2026-02-16
Contract Duration: 563 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Healthcare
Official Description: UPGRADE NURSE CALL SYSTEM
Place of Performance
Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73104
State: Oklahoma Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $2.0 million to PRIMARY SYSTEMS INC for work described as: UPGRADE NURSE CALL SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Primary Systems Inc. for a nurse call system upgrade. 2. The contract is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price. 3. The total value is $1,989,034.08. 4. The contract duration is 563 days. 5. The agency is the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $1.99M for a nurse call system upgrade appears reasonable given the scope and duration. However, without specific details on the system's capabilities and the number of units or facilities covered, a precise benchmark is difficult. Pricing for similar IT infrastructure upgrades can vary significantly based on complexity and integration requirements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was not competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and is listed as 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP'. This suggests a limited competition approach, potentially due to specific requirements or vendor capabilities. The lack of full and open competition may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition approach for this $1.99M contract raises concerns about maximizing taxpayer value. Without a competitive bidding process, it's harder to ensure the most cost-effective solution was secured.
Public Impact
Improved communication and response times for patient care within VA facilities. Potential for enhanced patient safety and satisfaction through modern technology. Investment in critical healthcare infrastructure to support medical staff efficiency.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for vendor lock-in if system is proprietary.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for healthcare facility communication.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Long-term contract duration allows for phased implementation.
Sector Analysis
The healthcare IT sector is experiencing significant investment in upgrading communication systems to improve patient care and operational efficiency. Benchmarks for similar nurse call system upgrades vary widely based on the scale of the facility and the technology deployed, but typically range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. The contract was awarded to Primary Systems Inc., and further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation or subcontracting opportunities.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms should be in place to monitor performance, ensure compliance with contract terms, and verify that the system upgrade meets the specified requirements and delivers value.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
- Department of Veterans Affairs Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about price.
- Lack of detailed technical specifications.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope expands.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical infrastructure.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-veterans-affairs, ok, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.0 million to PRIMARY SYSTEMS INC. UPGRADE NURSE CALL SYSTEM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PRIMARY SYSTEMS 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 $2.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-02. End: 2026-02-16.
What specific features and capabilities does the upgraded nurse call system offer compared to the previous one, and how do these justify the $1.99M investment?
The provided data lacks specifics on the system's features. A comprehensive justification would detail enhancements like improved patient-to-nurse communication, integration with electronic health records, mobile alerts for staff, and advanced reporting capabilities. These features should demonstrably improve patient safety, reduce response times, and increase staff efficiency, thereby validating the investment beyond basic functionality.
What was the rationale for not competing this contract more broadly, and what steps were taken to ensure fair pricing despite limited competition?
The rationale for limited competition is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, this occurs when only one or a few vendors possess the necessary technical qualifications, proprietary technology, or existing infrastructure compatibility. To ensure fair pricing, the VA should have conducted thorough market research, obtained competitive quotes if possible, and negotiated aggressively based on cost-plus-fixed-fee or other appropriate pricing structures.
How will the effectiveness of the new nurse call system be measured post-implementation to ensure it meets the VA's objectives for improved patient care?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as reduced average patient response times, decreased nurse call abandonment rates, improved patient satisfaction scores related to communication, and potentially a reduction in adverse events linked to delayed responses. The VA should establish baseline metrics before the upgrade and track these KPIs throughout the contract period and beyond.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 36C25924Q0023
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 4000 GREEN PARK RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63125
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,989,034
Exercised Options: $1,989,034
Current Obligation: $1,989,034
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-02
Current End Date: 2026-02-16
Potential End Date: 2026-02-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-20
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