VA awards $147.6M contract for program development and analysis to Calibre Systems Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $147,648,489 ($147.6M)

Contractor: Calibre Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2013-09-30

End Date: 2016-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $134.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE VDPO REQUIRES SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST IN TOTAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, SUSTAINMENT, AND ANALYSIS TO INCLUDE, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT; STRATEGIC PLANNING (E.G., POLICY PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, AND ASSESSMENT OF CAPITAL ASSET AND FACILITY PLANNING/UTILIZATION); RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS (E.G., MODELING AND SIMULATION); PLANNING, PROGRAMMING AND BUDGETING EXECUTION (PPBE) PROCESSES; ORGANIZATIONAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN; CHANGE MANAGEMENT, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS, PROGRAM OPERATIONS AND DEPLOYMENT, AND VETERANS DISABILITY CLAIMS DEVELOPMENT. THIS SUPPORT INCLUDES PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION WORLD-WIDE IN SUPPORT OF OVER 300,000 TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS ACROSS MORE THAN 251 INSTALLATIONS WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES (CONUS) AND OUTSIDE THE CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES (OCONUS) ANNUALLY. IT IS ESTIMATED THIS WILL INCLUDE 9,200 CONUS TAP CLASSES, 800 OCONUS TAPS CLASSES AND ASSISTING WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OR INTAKE OF 210,000 DISABILITY CLAIMS ANNUALLY. ADMIN MOD TO ADD FAR CLAUSE 52.232-99

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20420

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $147.6 million to CALIBRE SYSTEMS INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE VDPO REQUIRES SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST IN TOTAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, SUSTAINMENT, AND ANALYSIS TO INCLUDE, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT; STRATEGIC PLANNING (E.G., POLICY PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, AND ASSESSMENT OF CAPITAL ASSET AND FACILITY PLANNING/… Key points: 1. Contract supports total program development, design, implementation, sustainment, and analysis for VDPO. 2. Services include program management, strategic planning, research, PPBE, organizational analysis, and change management. 3. Support extends globally to over 300,000 transitioning service members across 251 installations. 4. Contract awarded via full and open competition with a firm-fixed-price structure. 5. Calibre Systems Inc. is the prime contractor for this significant support effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $147.6 million over three years appears reasonable for comprehensive program support services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government consulting contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust process for selecting the best value. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for service providers.

Public Impact

Enhances support for transitioning service members, aiding their post-military careers. Improves program development and analysis for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Potential for streamlined processes and better resource allocation within the VDPO. Impacts over 300,000 service members annually across numerous installations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Scope creep potential in complex program development.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support functions.
Ensuring consistent service quality across global installations.

Positive Signals

Clear definition of required support services.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611). Spending in this sector is substantial across government agencies for strategic planning, program management, and operational support.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is Calibre Systems Inc. and that small business participation was not a stated factor (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were utilized.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's extensive scope and duration necessitate robust oversight to ensure performance standards are met and taxpayer funds are managed effectively. Regular performance reviews and milestone tracking are crucial.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting
Department of Veterans Affairs Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to the broad nature of services.
Over-reliance on a single contractor for critical functions.
Ensuring consistent service delivery across numerous global locations.
Measuring the tangible impact of consulting services on program outcomes.
Contract duration and value may attract significant contractor attention, requiring diligent oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $147.6 million to CALIBRE SYSTEMS INC. IGF::OT::IGF THE VDPO REQUIRES SUPPORT SERVICES TO ASSIST IN TOTAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, SUSTAINMENT, AND ANALYSIS TO INCLUDE, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT; STRATEGIC PLANNING (E.G., POLICY PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, AND ASSESSMENT OF CAPITAL ASSET AND FACILITY PLANNING/UTILIZATION); RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS (E.G., MODELING AND SIMULATION); PLANNING, PROGRAMMING AND BUDGETING EXECUTION (PPBE) PROCESSES; ORGANIZATIONAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN; CHANGE MANAGEMENT, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS, PROGRA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CALIBRE 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 $147.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-09-30. End: 2016-09-30.

How effectively will Calibre Systems Inc. manage the diverse and global scope of program support to ensure consistent quality and impact for all transitioning service members?

Effective management will depend on Calibre's established program management methodologies, clear communication channels with the VA, and robust quality assurance processes. Regular performance reviews, site visits where feasible, and feedback mechanisms from service members will be critical to ensuring consistent quality and identifying areas for improvement across all 251 installations.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for such a broad range of critical program development and analysis services?

The primary risks include vendor lock-in, potential for service degradation if the contractor faces financial or operational challenges, and limited flexibility for the VA to adapt to rapidly changing needs. Mitigation strategies could involve strong contract management, performance incentives, and contingency planning for contractor failure.

To what extent will this contract contribute to the VA's overall mission effectiveness in supporting transitioning service members and improving program outcomes?

The contract's success hinges on the contractor's ability to deliver high-quality strategic planning, program management, and analysis. If executed effectively, it should lead to more efficient program development, better resource utilization, and ultimately, improved outcomes and a smoother transition for service members.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 22

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6354 WALKER LN STE 300, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22310

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $147,648,489

Exercised Options: $147,648,489

Current Obligation: $147,648,489

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA79811D0123

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline