VA Boston Healthcare System Awards $25.3M for New Main Computer Room to Suffolk Construction
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,318,506 ($25.3M)
Contractor: Suffolk Construction Company, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-22
End Date: 2026-06-26
Contract Duration: 1,008 days
Daily Burn Rate: $25.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: NEW TIER 3 MAIN COMPUTER ROOM, VETERANS ADMINISTRATION BOSTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, JAMAICA PLAIN CAMPUS, BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS
Place of Performance
Location: JAMAICA PLAIN, SUFFOLK County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02130
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.3 million to SUFFOLK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. for work described as: NEW TIER 3 MAIN COMPUTER ROOM, VETERANS ADMINISTRATION BOSTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, JAMAICA PLAIN CAMPUS, BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical IT infrastructure for healthcare system. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk of project delays or cost overruns exists in large construction projects. 4. Construction sector spending is substantial, with IT infrastructure being a key area.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $25.3 million for a new main computer room appears reasonable given the scope of a healthcare system's critical infrastructure. Benchmarking against similar large-scale construction projects for institutional facilities would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing compared to limited or sole-source procurements.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding, which aims to secure the best value for public funds on this essential healthcare facility upgrade.
Public Impact
Improved IT infrastructure at VA Boston Healthcare System will enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Modernized computer room supports advanced medical technologies and data management. Project completion by June 2026 is crucial for system reliability.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for construction delays impacting critical healthcare operations.
- Scope creep could lead to budget overruns.
- Cybersecurity risks during and after infrastructure upgrade.
Positive Signals
- Investment in modern IT infrastructure for a major healthcare provider.
- Full and open competition likely secured competitive pricing.
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Commercial and Institutional Building Construction sector, specifically for IT infrastructure. Spending in this area is driven by the need for reliable and advanced technological capabilities in public institutions like healthcare systems.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that the prime contractor is Suffolk Construction Company, Inc., a large entity. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this particular contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, is overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for large construction projects should be in place to ensure adherence to timelines, budget, and quality standards.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Large contract value increases potential for cost overruns.
- Long project duration (nearly 3 years) increases risk of delays.
- Dependence on critical IT infrastructure makes downtime a significant risk.
- Construction projects inherently carry risks of unforeseen issues.
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-defense, ma, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.3 million to SUFFOLK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.. NEW TIER 3 MAIN COMPUTER ROOM, VETERANS ADMINISTRATION BOSTON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, JAMAICA PLAIN CAMPUS, BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SUFFOLK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-22. End: 2026-06-26.
What is the estimated impact of this new computer room on the VA Boston Healthcare System's operational efficiency and patient care?
The new Tier 3 main computer room is expected to significantly enhance the VA Boston Healthcare System's operational efficiency by providing a more robust, reliable, and secure IT infrastructure. This will support advanced medical technologies, improve data management, and ensure continuity of care, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a more streamlined healthcare delivery process.
What are the primary risks associated with a project of this scale and type, and how are they being mitigated?
Primary risks include potential construction delays due to unforeseen site conditions or supply chain issues, cost overruns from scope creep, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities during the transition. Mitigation strategies likely involve detailed project management, contingency planning, strict change order controls, and robust cybersecurity protocols throughout the construction and implementation phases.
How does this investment align with broader VA goals for modernizing healthcare IT infrastructure nationwide?
This investment aligns with broader VA modernization goals by upgrading critical data center infrastructure, essential for supporting digital health records, telehealth services, and advanced diagnostic tools. It represents a commitment to ensuring that veterans receive care supported by reliable and cutting-edge technology, contributing to the VA's overall mission of providing high-quality healthcare.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID
Solicitation ID: W912WJ23B0016
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 65 ALLERTON ST, BOSTON, MA, 02119
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,318,506
Exercised Options: $25,318,506
Current Obligation: $25,318,506
Actual Outlays: $1,386,733
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-22
Current End Date: 2026-06-26
Potential End Date: 2026-06-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-11-06
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