GSA Awards $14.6M Contract to Vana Solutions for SBIR III Discovery Data Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,619,999 ($14.6M)

Contractor: Vana Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2024-05-24

End Date: 2026-09-18

Contract Duration: 847 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: THIS IS A SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH III CONTRACT IN SUPPORT OF D1SCOVERY DATA SERVICES STEMMING FROM PREVIOUS SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PHASE I TOPIC FA3002-19-P-A041 AND PHASE II TOPIC FA8751-19-C-A059.

Place of Performance

Location: BEAVERCREEK, GREENE County, OHIO, 45431

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $14.6 million to VANA SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: THIS IS A SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH III CONTRACT IN SUPPORT OF D1SCOVERY DATA SERVICES STEMMING FROM PREVIOUS SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PHASE I TOPIC FA3002-19-P-A041 AND PHASE II TOPIC FA8751-19-C-A059. Key points: 1. Contract supports SBIR III initiative, building on prior Phase I and II efforts. 2. Vana Solutions LLC, a non-small business, is the awardee. 3. The contract is for Computer Systems Design Services, NAICS 541512. 4. Awarded as a Delivery Order with a significant duration of 847 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14.6M for 847 days of labor hours appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized IT services. However, without specific labor rates or detailed task breakdowns, a precise benchmark is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under a limited competition, stemming from previous SBIR phases. While SBIR aims to foster innovation, the limited competition for this follow-on work may restrict price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support a specific technological development through a follow-on contract, with the potential for innovation but limited competitive pricing.

Public Impact

Supports the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, intended to foster technological innovation. The contract extends previous research and development efforts, indicating a continued investment in a specific technology. Awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA), a major federal procurement agency. The service category is Computer Systems Design, a critical area for federal IT infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition for follow-on work
Awardee is not a small business, despite SBIR origins

Positive Signals

Supports SBIR program goals
Builds on prior successful research phases

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Federal spending in this area is substantial, with benchmarks varying widely based on complexity and duration. This award represents a focused investment in a specific R&D pathway.

Small Business Impact

Although the contract stems from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the awardee, Vana Solutions LLC, is not identified as a small business. This raises questions about the program's intent to directly benefit small businesses in later-stage contract awards.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing this contract. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle implies some level of pre-existing oversight, but the limited competition aspect warrants scrutiny for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises value concerns.
Awardee is not a small business, contrary to SBIR spirit.
Lack of detailed cost breakdown hinders precise benchmarking.
Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $14.6 million to VANA SOLUTIONS LLC. THIS IS A SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH III CONTRACT IN SUPPORT OF D1SCOVERY DATA SERVICES STEMMING FROM PREVIOUS SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PHASE I TOPIC FA3002-19-P-A041 AND PHASE II TOPIC FA8751-19-C-A059.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VANA SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-05-24. End: 2026-09-18.

What is the specific technological advancement or capability expected from this SBIR III contract, and how does it align with broader federal IT modernization goals?

This SBIR III contract aims to advance discovery data services, building upon prior research phases. The specific technological advancements are proprietary to Vana Solutions LLC's work under the SBIR program. Its alignment with broader federal IT modernization goals would depend on how these discovery data services can enhance data management, analysis, or accessibility across agencies, potentially improving efficiency and decision-making.

Given the limited competition and the awardee not being a small business, what measures are in place to ensure the government is receiving the best value and that the SBIR program's intent is being me

The limited competition, stemming from prior SBIR phases, suggests a focus on a specific, proven technology. However, robust price analysis and justification are crucial to ensure best value. The fact that the awardee is not a small business, despite the SBIR origin, warrants examination of the transition pathway and whether alternative small businesses could have competed or partnered for this phase.

How will the effectiveness of the 'discovery data services' be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract to ensure successful outcomes?

The effectiveness of the 'discovery data services' will likely be measured through defined milestones and deliverables outlined in the contract Statement of Work (SOW). Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) could include metrics related to data processing speed, accuracy of data discovery, user satisfaction with the service, and the successful integration of the services into existing federal systems. The contracting officer's representative (COR) will be responsible for monitoring these KPIs.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 47QFCA24R0030

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3610 PENTAGON BLVD SUITE 110, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 45431

Business Categories: Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,680,891

Exercised Options: $14,680,891

Current Obligation: $14,619,999

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFCA19D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline