Your Trusted Partner for Azure Data Platform Excellence
VeAssis, LLC, a certified DBE/HUB/WBE/MBE/ACDBE/SBE small business, is pleased to submit this proposal to the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) for the Azure Data Platform Design and Implementation project. Our team brings deep expertise in enterprise data platform modernization, Azure cloud architecture, and business intelligence solutions.
H-GAC requires a comprehensive Azure-based data platform to support data-driven decision-making across critical domains including socioeconomic forecasting, transportation planning, environmental analysis, and workforce development. The current challenges include scaling AI initiatives, optimizing visualization tools, and streamlining reporting processes while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Time & Materials with Not-To-Exceed (NTE) Caps
Industry Best Practices with Microsoft's Cloud Adoption Framework
Establish project foundation, governance, and stakeholder alignment
Establish secure, scalable Azure infrastructure and development environment
Build data ingestion pipelines and implement Medallion architecture
Enable business intelligence and analytics consumption
Transfer knowledge and ensure H-GAC team readiness
6-Month Implementation from March to September 2026
| Phase | Duration | Start Date | End Date | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 0: Mobilization | 15 days | Mar 2, 2026 | Mar 12, 2026 | 137.7 | $19,695 |
| Phase 1: Foundation | 33 days | Mar 12, 2026 | Apr 3, 2026 | 534.9 | $83,579 |
| Phase 2: Data Ingestion | 35 days | Apr 3, 2026 | Jun 25, 2026 | 414.6 | $62,910 |
| Phase 3: Consumption | 15 days | Jun 25, 2026 | Jul 16, 2026 | 177.7 | $25,545 |
| Phase 4: KT & Handover | 33 days | Jul 16, 2026 | Sep 1, 2026 | 240.1 | $36,665 |
| TOTAL | 131 days | Mar 2026 - Sep 2026 | 1,505 | $228,394 | |
Time & Materials with Not-To-Exceed (NTE) Budget Protection
Our pricing is based on a Time & Materials model where H-GAC is invoiced monthly based on actual hours worked at our standard billing rates. Each phase has a Not-To-Exceed (NTE) cap to provide budget certainty while maintaining flexibility for scope adjustments.
All project management work is fully integrated into each phase
| Phase | Est. Hours | Blended Rate | Est. Cost | NTE Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 0: Mobilization | 137.7 | $143/hr avg | $19,695.00 | $24,000 |
| Phase 1: Foundation | 534.9 | $156/hr avg | $83,579.00 | $95,000 |
| Phase 2: Data Ingestion & Medallion | 414.6 | $152/hr avg | $62,910.00 | $72,000 |
| Phase 3: Consumption Enablement | 177.7 | $144/hr avg | $25,545.00 | $30,000 |
| Phase 4: KT & Handover | 240.1 | $153/hr avg | $36,665.40 | $43,000 |
| Total Direct Labor (includes all PM) | 1,505 | $152/hr avg | $228,394.40 | $264,000 |
| Azure Infrastructure (Year 1) | N/A | Actual Cost | $50,000.00 | $60,000 |
| Contingency Reserve | N/A | As Needed | $15,364.40 | Included |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED INVESTMENT | $293,758.80 | $324,000 | ||
The overall project NTE cap is $324,000, providing a 10% buffer above the estimated $293,758.80 investment. This ensures H-GAC has complete budget certainty while allowing for reasonable contingencies.
| Role | Rate/Hour | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | $150 | Senior (10+ years) |
| Azure Solutions Architect | $160 | Senior (8+ years) |
| Data Engineer | $150 | Mid-Senior (5+ years) |
| BI Lead | $155 | Senior (7+ years) |
| BI Developer | $120 | Mid (3-5 years) |
| DevOps/IaC Engineer | $155 | Senior (6+ years) |
| Security/Compliance Lead | $145 | Senior (8+ years) |
| Compliance Coordinator | $95 | Mid (3+ years) |
Billed separately based on actual monthly Azure consumption, estimated at $50K for Year 1. We provide monthly Azure cost reports and optimization recommendations.
Experienced Professionals Committed to Your Success
We have assembled a highly qualified team with the right mix of technical expertise, domain knowledge, and project management experience. All key personnel are committed to this project for its duration and bring proven experience in Azure data platform implementations.
Exceeding H-GAC's 25% DBE Goal with 100% Participation
VeAssis, LLC is a certified DBE/HUB/WBE/MBE/ACDBE/SBE small business serving as prime contractor. Together with our DBE subcontractor Mavros Technology, we provide 100% DBE participation — significantly exceeding H-GAC's 25% DBE participation goal.
VeAssis CEO Stephanie Lane personally led the certification effort across 42 jurisdictions, achieving DBE certification in 36 states and ACDBE certification in 7 jurisdictions. Managing 90% of all application processes, she achieved a 100% success rate with zero rejections. This demonstrates VeAssis's deep expertise in federal DBE regulations (49 CFR Part 26) and state-specific compliance requirements—experience that directly benefits H-GAC in ensuring flawless DBE participation reporting and compliance.
| Category | Amount | DBE % | Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Contractor Services | $111,784.32 | 38.05% | VeAssis, LLC (DBE/WBE/MBE/HUB) |
| Subcontractor Services | $181,974.48 | 61.95% | Mavros, LLC (DBE/MBE/HUB) |
| Total DBE Participation | $293,758.80 | 100% | All DBE Firms |
VeAssis, LLC is committed to meeting and exceeding H-GAC's DBE participation goals. As a DBE prime contractor, we bring the following benefits:
We will provide detailed DBE participation reports monthly, including:
Modern Data Lakehouse Architecture Using Azure Native Services
Our proposed solution follows Microsoft's best practices and implements a modern data lakehouse architecture using Azure native services. The architecture is designed for scalability, security, and ease of maintenance.
Proven Track Record in Azure Data Platform Implementations
Led transition from AD FS to Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) for Veterans Affairs. Configured advanced Azure AD features including conditional access policies, MFA, PIM, and certificate-based authentication. Migrated applications from IaaS to PaaS for improved scalability. Delivered comprehensive training and documentation to VA staff. Ensured compliance with federal regulations throughout the migration.
Enhanced data management and security infrastructure for banking industry client. Designed and maintained hybrid cloud environment combining Azure services with on-premises systems. Implemented Data Loss Prevention (DLP) initiative, architected Azure landing zone, and established zero trust security principles. Strengthened cybersecurity posture while ensuring compliance with banking industry regulations.
Complete Microsoft 365 tenant setup including migration from existing tenant. Implemented CMMC Level 2 security controls. Configured Microsoft Defender, Intune, Exchange, Teams, and Entra ID. Established RBAC roles and privileged identity groups. Provided comprehensive documentation and staff training. Project ongoing with expanded scope due to client satisfaction.
Verified Success Stories from Similar Projects
VeAssis is pleased to provide references from recent similar projects completed through our partnership with Mavros Technology. All references may be contacted to verify our capabilities and performance.
Led transition from AD FS to Microsoft Entra ID for Veterans Affairs. Configured advanced Azure AD features including conditional access policies, MFA, PIM, and certificate-based authentication. Provided comprehensive training and documentation.
Enhanced data management and security infrastructure. Designed hybrid cloud environment, implemented DLP initiative, architected Azure landing zone, and established zero trust security principles for banking industry client.
Complete Microsoft 365 tenant setup including migration. Implemented CMMC Level 2 security controls. Configured Microsoft Defender, Intune, Exchange, Teams, and Entra ID. Established RBAC roles and provided staff training.
Proactive Planning for Project Success
This proposal is based on the following assumptions. Any changes to these assumptions may require scope or schedule adjustments.
We have identified potential risks and developed mitigation strategies to ensure project success. Our proactive risk management approach includes weekly risk reviews and continuous monitoring.
| Risk | Probability | Impact | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source system access delays | Medium | High | Early engagement with IT teams; escalation path defined; parallel work streams |
| Data quality issues | Medium | Medium | Comprehensive data profiling in discovery; data quality framework; business rules validation |
| Scope creep | Medium | High | Clear change control process; regular scope reviews; formal change requests |
| Resource availability | Low | High | Backup resources identified; cross-training within team; strong bench depth |
| Technical complexity | Medium | Medium | Experienced team; phased approach; proof of concepts for complex areas |
| Integration challenges | Low | Medium | Early technical spikes; vendor engagement if needed; fallback options |
| Security/compliance issues | Low | High | Security expert on team; regular compliance reviews; audit trail from start |
Why Choose VeAssis for Your Azure Data Platform
VeAssis offers unique value to H-GAC beyond technical execution. Our approach combines technical excellence with business acumen and a commitment to client success.
Unlike proposals where a large firm uses DBE subcontractors to meet participation goals, VeAssis is a certified DBE/WBE/MBE firm serving as prime contractor. This means 100% of the contract value goes to disadvantaged businesses, far exceeding H-GAC's 25% goal.
Through our partnership with Mavros Technology, we bring demonstrated success on federal projects including U.S. Veterans Affairs ($224K Entra ID migration), Customers Bank ($141K cloud security), and ongoing Microsoft 365 implementations.
Based in Round Rock, Texas, we understand the Texas market, government contracting environment, and local business culture. We're invested in the success of Texas organizations and communities.
Our technical lead Christopher Brown has personally led Entra ID migrations, Azure security implementations, and CMMC compliance projects. This isn't theoretical knowledge—it's proven experience delivering exactly what H-GAC needs.
Unlike vendors who create dependencies, we prioritize knowledge transfer and enabling H-GAC's team to be self-sufficient. Our training and documentation ensure H-GAC can maintain and extend the platform independently.
We combine agile development practices with the rigor and documentation required for government projects. This provides flexibility while maintaining accountability and traceability.
Our team has implemented CMMC Level 2 controls, zero trust architectures, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems, and federal compliance frameworks. We understand both technical implementation and documentation requirements.
We provide cost flexibility with a Time & Materials model while maintaining budget certainty through Not-To-Exceed (NTE) caps per phase. H-GAC pays only for actual hours worked, with complete transparency.
VeAssis CTO Douglas Lane brings proven AI/ML capabilities including TensorFlow, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) clustering, Python-based machine learning pipelines, and data analytics from building GrantsMatch.ai and BuzzStrike SaaS platforms. Combined with DevOps automation (Docker, CI/CD), Python automation, and full-stack development expertise, we can extend the platform beyond basic BI to include predictive analytics, automated workflows, and AI-driven insights—directly supporting H-GAC's AI initiatives mentioned in the RFP.
Our Commitment to Your Success
VeAssis, LLC is honored to submit this proposal for H-GAC's Azure Data Platform Design and Implementation project. We are confident that our combination of technical expertise, government contracting experience, and commitment to client success makes us the ideal partner for this critical initiative.
We commit to delivering a world-class Azure data platform that empowers H-GAC to make data-driven decisions across all domains. We will transfer knowledge comprehensively, document thoroughly, and support H-GAC's team to ensure long-term success.
We are excited about the opportunity to partner with H-GAC and contribute to your mission of serving the 13-county Gulf Coast region. Our team is ready to begin immediately upon contract award and deliver the platform H-GAC needs to thrive in an increasingly data-driven environment.
Thank you for considering our proposal.
We look forward to the opportunity to work with H-GAC and demonstrate the value VeAssis can bring to this important initiative.
Respectfully submitted,
Douglas Lane
Managing Director & Co-founder
VeAssis, LLC
Email: [email protected]
Location: Round Rock, Texas
Date: November 19, 2025