VA awards $55M for program management support, impacting veterans' healthcare access and policy implementation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $55,075,083 ($55.1M)

Contractor: Enterprise Resource Performance, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2017-06-16

End Date: 2020-11-28

Contract Duration: 1,261 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: ADVISOR IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER (TOPR 0069) FOR PROGRAM MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT TO VHA OSI/VERC (SUPPORTS RECOMMENDATIONS IDENTIFIED IN THE VA CHOICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (VACAA), THE COMMISSION ON CARE REPORT, PRESIDENTIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL MANDATES, POLICY CHANGES, AND LEGISLATIVE MANDATES.)

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 $55.1 million to ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PERFORMANCE, LLC for work described as: ADVISOR IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER (TOPR 0069) FOR PROGRAM MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT TO VHA OSI/VERC (SUPPORTS RECOMMENDATIONS IDENTIFIED IN THE VA CHOICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (VACAA), THE COMMISSION ON CARE REPORT, PRESIDENTIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL MANDATES, … Key points: 1. Contract provides critical support for implementing legislative mandates and policy changes affecting veterans' healthcare. 2. The award is a delivery order under a larger task order, suggesting a phased or ongoing need for these services. 3. The contractor, Enterprise Resource Performance, LLC, has a track record in professional, scientific, and technical services. 4. The contract duration of 1261 days indicates a significant, long-term commitment to program management support. 5. Spending on this contract represents a portion of the VA's broader efforts to improve healthcare delivery and accountability. 6. The contract's focus on integrating recommendations from various reports highlights its strategic importance to VA reform.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $55 million over roughly 3.5 years suggests a substantial investment in program management support. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for large-scale federal program implementation and integration support is challenging without more specific service details. However, the scale of the award indicates a significant need for specialized expertise to manage complex initiatives within the VA. The pricing structure, likely based on labor hours, will be a key factor in assessing overall value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This specific designation suggests that while the initial solicitation may have been broad, certain sources were excluded, potentially leading to a more limited pool of bidders than a truly full and open competition. Further details on the reasons for exclusion would be needed to fully assess the competitive landscape and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not fully open, the exclusion of sources may have been based on specific qualifications or existing relationships, potentially ensuring specialized expertise. Taxpayers benefit from ensuring that the selected contractor possesses the necessary skills for complex program management.

Public Impact

Veterans will benefit from improved healthcare services and access resulting from the implementation of policy changes and recommendations. The contract supports the integration of critical reforms mandated by legislation like the VA Choice and Accountability Act. Geographic impact is nationwide, as the services support the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and its operations. The contract implies a need for skilled program managers and technical experts, potentially impacting the federal workforce in these areas.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'limited' competition aspect raises questions about whether the most cost-effective solutions were secured.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the direct impact of the program management support.
The broad nature of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' could mask inefficiencies if not tightly managed.

Positive Signals

The contract directly addresses legislative mandates and high-level reports, indicating alignment with government priorities.
The significant duration suggests a stable, long-term commitment to improving veterans' healthcare infrastructure.
The award to a single entity implies a focused approach to program management and integration.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on program management and integration support. This sector is crucial for government operations, enabling agencies to manage complex projects, implement policy, and achieve strategic goals. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in areas like IT integration, policy analysis, and organizational reform. The VA's spending in this area is substantial, reflecting the ongoing need to modernize and improve services for veterans.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Enterprise Resource Performance, LLC engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized services.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside within the Department of Veterans Affairs, specifically the VHA OSI/VERC. Accountability measures would be tied to the successful implementation of program management support and the achievement of objectives outlined in the task order. Transparency is facilitated through contract awards databases, but detailed performance reports and Inspector General involvement would depend on specific audit triggers or identified issues.

Related Government Programs

VA Choice and Accountability Act Implementation
Commission on Care Recommendations
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Modernization Initiatives
Federal Program Management Support Services
Healthcare Policy Implementation Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to evolving policy mandates.
Dependency on inter-agency cooperation for successful implementation.
Risk of contractor performance not meeting complex integration requirements.
Challenges in measuring the direct impact of program management support on veteran outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $55.1 million to ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PERFORMANCE, LLC. ADVISOR IGF::OT::IGF TASK ORDER (TOPR 0069) FOR PROGRAM MANAGEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT TO VHA OSI/VERC (SUPPORTS RECOMMENDATIONS IDENTIFIED IN THE VA CHOICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT (VACAA), THE COMMISSION ON CARE REPORT, PRESIDENTIAL AND CONGRESSIONAL MANDATES, POLICY CHANGES, AND LEGISLATIVE MANDATES.)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PERFORMANCE, 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 $55.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-06-16. End: 2020-11-28.

What is the track record of Enterprise Resource Performance, LLC in delivering similar program management and integration support to federal agencies, particularly within the healthcare sector?

Enterprise Resource Performance, LLC (ERP) has a background in providing professional, scientific, and technical services. While the provided data indicates their role in this specific VA contract, a deeper dive into their past performance is necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Publicly available information and past performance reviews would reveal their experience with similar-sized projects, their success in managing complex integrations, and their ability to meet deadlines and budget constraints. Their specific experience within the healthcare sector, particularly with agencies like the VA, would be a key indicator of their suitability and potential value for this contract. Without more detailed historical data on ERP's project portfolio and client feedback, it's difficult to definitively assess their track record beyond the general NAICS code classification.

How does the awarded amount of approximately $55 million compare to the typical spending for similar program management and integration support contracts within the VA or other large federal agencies?

The $55 million award for program management and integration support over approximately 3.5 years is a significant sum, indicative of a large-scale, complex undertaking. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it against contracts for similar services, such as IT system integration, policy implementation support, or large-scale organizational reform initiatives within agencies like the Department of Defense, HHS, or GSA. Contracts of this magnitude often involve extensive labor hours, specialized expertise, and long durations. Factors such as the specific deliverables, the level of technical complexity, and the number of personnel required would influence the cost. A comparative analysis would involve examining contract databases for awards with similar NAICS codes (like 541990) and service descriptions to establish a reasonable range for such support.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering its focus on implementing policy changes and integrating recommendations from various reports?

Key risks for this contract include the inherent complexity of implementing policy changes and integrating recommendations from diverse sources like the VA Choice Act and the Commission on Care report. These initiatives often face bureaucratic hurdles, resistance to change, and unforeseen technical challenges. There's a risk of scope creep if the mandates are not clearly defined or if new requirements emerge during the contract period. Furthermore, the success of the contractor is heavily dependent on the cooperation and input from various VA departments and stakeholders. Inadequate communication, unclear objectives, or a lack of sustained executive support could significantly impede progress. The contractor's ability to navigate these complexities and manage stakeholder expectations will be critical to mitigating these risks and ensuring successful program outcomes.

How effective has the VA been historically in leveraging external program management support to achieve significant reforms, and what does this contract suggest about current effectiveness?

The VA has a history of utilizing external contractors for program management and support, particularly during periods of significant reform or modernization efforts. The success of these engagements has varied, with some contributing to substantial improvements and others facing challenges related to integration, scope, or effectiveness. This $55 million contract, awarded under specific mandates, suggests the VA continues to rely on external expertise to drive critical changes, especially those stemming from legislative action and high-level reviews. The focus on integrating recommendations from reports like the VA Choice and Accountability Act indicates a strategic effort to address identified shortcomings. The effectiveness of this particular contract will hinge on clear performance metrics, strong oversight, and the contractor's ability to deliver tangible results in improving veterans' healthcare access and administrative processes.

What is the historical spending pattern of the VA on 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990), and how does this $55 million award fit within that trend?

The VA, as a large federal agency, consistently spends significant amounts on professional, scientific, and technical services, categorized under NAICS code 541990. This code encompasses a broad range of services, including consulting, program management, research, and technical support. Historical spending patterns within this category for the VA would likely show a steady or increasing trend, reflecting the agency's ongoing need for specialized expertise to manage complex healthcare systems, implement new technologies, and comply with evolving regulations. The $55 million award for program management and integration support represents a substantial, but not necessarily anomalous, expenditure within this broad category. It aligns with the VA's strategic objectives to improve veterans' care and operational efficiency, suggesting a continued reliance on external support for critical initiatives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ON Assignment, Inc.

Address: 116 K EDWARDS FERRY ROAD, NE, LEESBURG, VA, 20176

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,075,083

Exercised Options: $55,075,083

Current Obligation: $55,075,083

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: VA119A15D0005

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline