VA awards $21.8M for interactive patient care system hardware, software, and services to Thundercat Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,813,594 ($21.8M)

Contractor: Thundercat Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2012-09-28

End Date: 2017-08-30

Contract Duration: 1,797 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - INTERACTIVE PATIENT CARE SYSTEM - HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $21.8 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - INTERACTIVE PATIENT CARE SYSTEM - HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 2. The contract duration of 1797 days (approx. 5 years) suggests a long-term need for these services. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type implies predictable costs for the government. 4. The contract was awarded to Thundercat Technology, LLC, a single vendor. 5. The contract value of over $21.8 million represents a significant investment in patient care technology. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 points to 'Other Computer Related Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $21.8 million over nearly five years for an interactive patient care system is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar contracts is challenging without more specific details on the scope of services and hardware provided. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs. The number of bids received (3) is moderate, which may not indicate the most aggressive pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' While this indicates an initial intent for broad competition, the specific exclusion of sources suggests that not all potential offerors were considered. Three bids were received, which is a moderate level of competition. This number of bidders may not be sufficient to drive the most competitive pricing or ensure the widest range of innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: A moderate number of bidders means taxpayers may not have received the absolute lowest possible price for the services and products procured.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from improved interactive patient care systems. The contract supports the delivery of hardware, software, and related services for patient care. The contract is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The contract is located in Virginia (SN: VIRGINIA), impacting the local economy and workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition (3 bidders) may have resulted in higher costs for taxpayers.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation into why certain vendors were excluded.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value for money.
The long contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in or outdated technology if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

The contract was awarded through a competitive process, indicating an effort to secure a qualified vendor.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract addresses a critical need for improved patient care systems within the VA.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly within healthcare, is characterized by rapid technological advancements and significant government spending. Contracts for patient care systems often involve complex hardware, software integration, and ongoing support. The market size for such specialized IT solutions within the federal government is substantial, with agencies like the VA consistently investing in upgrading their technological infrastructure to improve service delivery.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses. The award to Thundercat Technology, LLC, does not provide information on its size status. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed in the provided data, but larger IT contracts often include provisions for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Veterans Affairs' contracting and program management offices. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is facilitated by contract databases, but detailed performance reviews and audit reports are not publicly accessible through this data alone.

Related Government Programs

VA Electronic Health Record (EHR) Modernization
Federal Health IT Spending
Department of Defense Healthcare IT Contracts
Veterans Health Administration IT Services

Risk Flags

Moderate competition level
Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined
Need for detailed performance monitoring
Risk of technology obsolescence over contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $21.8 million to THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTIONS - INTERACTIVE PATIENT CARE SYSTEM - HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THUNDERCAT TECHNOLOGY, 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 $21.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-09-28. End: 2017-08-30.

What specific hardware and software components were included in this interactive patient care system contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact hardware and software components included in the interactive patient care system. It broadly categorizes the procurement as 'HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SERVICES.' To understand the specifics, one would need to review the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). These documents typically detail the technical requirements, deliverables, and service level agreements. Without access to these, it's impossible to ascertain the precise nature of the technology procured, such as whether it includes patient monitoring devices, electronic health record interfaces, communication platforms, or diagnostic tools.

How does the $21.8 million contract value compare to similar interactive patient care system procurements by the VA or other federal agencies?

Comparing the $21.8 million contract value requires a detailed analysis of similar procurements, considering factors like contract duration, scope of services, technology sophistication, and the number of users or facilities supported. The VA has a history of significant IT investments, including in patient care systems. For instance, the VA's broader EHR modernization efforts involve billions of dollars. This specific contract, spanning nearly five years, represents a substantial but potentially reasonable investment for a comprehensive interactive patient care system. However, without specific benchmarks for comparable systems (e.g., number of beds supported, specific functionalities like telehealth integration, AI capabilities), a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. The moderate competition (3 bidders) might suggest the price is not at the absolute lowest possible.

What is the track record of Thundercat Technology, LLC in delivering IT services to the federal government, particularly for healthcare systems?

Thundercat Technology, LLC has been awarded federal contracts, including this significant delivery order from the Department of Veterans Affairs. To assess their track record for healthcare IT systems, a deeper dive into their past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes would be necessary. Information on their experience with interactive patient care systems, electronic health records, or similar complex healthcare IT solutions would be crucial. Federal procurement data systems (like SAM.gov or FPDS) often contain past performance information, though detailed qualitative assessments may be limited. Understanding their specific expertise in the healthcare domain, beyond general IT services, is key to evaluating their capability for this contract.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for complex IT systems like an interactive patient care system?

Firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts offer cost certainty for the government, which is a significant advantage. However, for complex IT systems like interactive patient care solutions, FFP contracts can introduce risks. If the scope of work is not perfectly defined upfront, the contractor may face unforeseen challenges or increased costs, potentially leading to reduced quality, corner-cutting, or disputes. Conversely, if the contractor accurately anticipates all requirements and executes efficiently, they can achieve higher profit margins. For the government, the primary risk is that the contractor might deliver a system that meets the minimum requirements but lacks optimal performance or innovation due to the incentive structure of FFP. Changes or enhancements requested after contract award can be costly and time-consuming to implement under an FFP structure.

How has federal spending on IT services for healthcare systems evolved over the past decade, and where does this contract fit in?

Federal spending on IT services for healthcare systems has seen a consistent upward trend over the past decade, driven by the push for digital transformation, interoperability, data analytics, and improved patient outcomes. Agencies like the VA and the Department of Defense are major investors in health IT. This $21.8 million contract for an interactive patient care system aligns with this trend, representing a specific investment in enhancing patient engagement and care delivery through technology. It fits within the broader category of health IT modernization, which includes electronic health records, telehealth platforms, data management, and cybersecurity. The increasing reliance on technology in healthcare means such procurements are likely to continue and potentially grow in scope and value.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1775 WIEHLE AVE STE 101, RESTON, VA, 20190

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: $21,951,159

Exercised Options: $21,951,159

Current Obligation: $21,813,594

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG07DA45B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline