DoD's $23.6M Computer Systems Design Services Contract with Tri-Cor Industries Raises Questions on Value and Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,627,649 ($23.6M)

Contractor: Tri-Cor Industries, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2014-10-01

End Date: 2015-09-30

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $64.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF MAF C2, ITV/BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SCOTT AFB, SAINT CLAIR County, ILLINOIS, 62225

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.6 million to TRI-COR INDUSTRIES, INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF MAF C2, ITV/BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $23.6M for computer systems design services is significant, warranting scrutiny. 2. Competition was limited, with a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. The 'firm fixed price' contract type offers some cost certainty, but the specific nature of the services is key to assessing risk. 4. The sector is IT services, a common area for government spending, with benchmarks needed for comparison.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $23.6M for computer systems design services needs to be benchmarked against similar contracts to determine if it represents fair pricing. Without specific service details, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The competition method, 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' suggests that while the process was intended to be open, specific sources were initially excluded. This could limit the pool of bidders and potentially affect the final price achieved.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than a fully open and unrestricted process, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be paying more due to limited competition in this IT services contract. The Department of Defense is relying on a single vendor for critical computer systems design services. The effectiveness of these services in supporting Air Force operations is not detailed, impacting public understanding of the investment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition method
  • Lack of detailed service description for value assessment
  • No clear indication of small business participation

Positive Signals

  • Firm fixed price contract type provides cost certainty
  • Contract awarded to a single vendor, potentially indicating specialized capability

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Government spending in this area is substantial, and benchmarks for similar services are crucial for evaluating cost-effectiveness and competitive pricing.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if opportunities were missed for small business participation in this IT services contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded via a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. Oversight would focus on the justification for the specific vendor selection and the pricing within the delivery order, especially given the competition method.

Related Government Programs

  • Computer Systems Design Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Limited competition raises concerns about potential overpricing.
  • Lack of detailed service description hinders value assessment.
  • No clear small business participation noted.
  • Effectiveness metrics are not apparent.
  • The 'exclusion of sources' aspect requires further justification.

Tags

computer-systems-design-services, department-of-defense, il, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.6 million to TRI-COR INDUSTRIES, INC. IGF::OT::IGF MAF C2, ITV/BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRI-COR INDUSTRIES, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-10-01. End: 2015-09-30.

What specific computer systems design services were procured under this contract, and how do they align with the Air Force's needs?

The provided data classifies the service under NAICS code 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) but lacks specific details on the tasks performed. Understanding the exact nature of these services is critical for assessing their necessity, effectiveness, and whether the $23.6M expenditure represents good value for the Air Force's operational requirements.

How did the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process impact the final price and overall value for the government?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method implies that certain potential bidders were not considered from the outset. This limitation on the competitive pool could have led to a higher price than if all qualified vendors had been allowed to compete, potentially reducing the overall value achieved for the taxpayer.

What metrics are in place to measure the effectiveness and success of Tri-Cor Industries' computer systems design services for the Department of the Air Force?

The available data does not specify any performance metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the effectiveness of the services provided by Tri-Cor Industries. Without such measures, it is challenging to ascertain the true impact and success of this $23.6M contract in supporting the Department of the Air Force's mission.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesComputer Systems Design Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: FA445212R0002

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4403 FORBES BLVD, LANHAM, MD, 20706

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,627,649

Exercised Options: $23,627,649

Current Obligation: $23,627,649

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA445213D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2014-10-01

Current End Date: 2015-09-30

Potential End Date: 2015-09-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2017-01-25

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