Evolent Technologies Inc. awarded $20.8M for custom computer programming services by the Department of Defense

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,832,790 ($20.8M)

Contractor: Evolvent Technologies Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-09-30

End Date: 2011-09-29

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY)

Sector: IT

Official Description: LABOR FOR BASE PERIOD

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $20.8 million to EVOLVENT TECHNOLOGIES INC. for work described as: LABOR FOR BASE PERIOD Key points: 1. The contract value of $20.8 million for the base period suggests a significant investment in specialized IT services. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are not detailed, but the award type indicates a competitive process. 3. The duration of the contract (729 days) implies a need for sustained, ongoing support rather than a short-term project. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541511 points to a focus on custom software development. 5. The contract's performance is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, indicating a focus on defense-related IT needs. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests this contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract requires more detailed information on the specific services rendered and the complexity of the custom programming required. Without comparable contract data or a breakdown of labor categories and rates, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The reported base period value of $20.8 million is a substantial figure, but its appropriateness hinges on the scope and deliverables. Further analysis would involve comparing the contractor's proposed pricing against industry standards for similar custom development projects and assessing the efficiency of resource utilization over the contract's term.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This suggests a robust competitive environment was intended. However, the number of bidders is not specified, which is crucial for a complete understanding of the competition's intensity. A high number of bidders typically drives down prices and encourages innovation, while a low number might suggest barriers to entry or a niche market. The 'full and open' designation is a positive indicator for price discovery and taxpayer value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and better quality services. It ensures that the government explores a wide range of potential solutions and contractors, maximizing the chances of securing the best value.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense is the primary beneficiary, receiving custom computer programming services essential for its operations. The services delivered likely involve the development, modification, or integration of software systems to meet specific defense requirements. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting defense infrastructure and personnel. Workforce implications may include the employment of skilled software developers, programmers, and IT specialists by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of the delivered services.
The duration of the contract (729 days) could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Without details on the competition, it's hard to confirm if the best possible price was achieved.
The specific nature of 'custom computer programming' can be broad, potentially leading to scope creep if not tightly managed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under 'Full and Open Competition,' suggesting a competitive process that should yield good value.
The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency, indicating a level of oversight.
The NAICS code 541511 points to specialized IT services, indicating a focus on critical capabilities.
The contractor, Evolent Technologies Inc., has secured a significant contract, implying a level of established capability.

Sector Analysis

The Information Technology (IT) sector, particularly custom computer programming services (NAICS 541511), is a critical component of modern defense operations. This contract fits within the broader landscape of government IT procurement, which is substantial. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other custom software development contracts awarded by the DoD or other federal agencies for similar scope and complexity. The market for custom programming is dynamic, driven by evolving technological needs and cybersecurity imperatives.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. The 'ss' and 'sb' fields are both false. This suggests that the contract was not specifically designed to promote small business participation. While large businesses may subcontract to small businesses, there is no explicit requirement or set-aside noted here. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Evolent Technologies Inc. actively seeks small business partners for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), as indicated by the 'sa' field. DCMA is responsible for ensuring contractors meet their contractual obligations, including quality, cost, and schedule. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's terms and conditions, performance work statements, and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance data may be less accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) IT Services
Department of Defense Software Development Contracts
Custom Software Development Services
Federal IT Services Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to the nature of custom development.
Risk of technological obsolescence over the contract's duration.
Dependency on contractor performance and personnel retention.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in custom-developed software.
Integration challenges with existing legacy systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $20.8 million to EVOLVENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.. LABOR FOR BASE PERIOD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EVOLVENT TECHNOLOGIES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-30. End: 2011-09-29.

What is the track record of Evolent Technologies Inc. with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Evolent Technologies Inc. has a history of federal contracting, though specific details on their track record with the Department of Defense (DoD) require deeper investigation beyond the provided data. The award of this $20.8 million contract for custom computer programming services (NAICS 541511) indicates a level of capability and trust from the awarding agency. To fully assess their track record, one would need to examine past performance reviews, any documented issues or successes on previous DoD contracts, and their overall portfolio of federal awards. A comprehensive review would also look at their financial stability and their ability to manage complex IT projects within budget and schedule constraints. Understanding their history with similar custom programming tasks would be particularly relevant for evaluating their suitability for this specific contract.

How does the awarded amount of $20.8 million for the base period compare to similar custom computer programming contracts within the DoD?

The awarded amount of $20.8 million for the base period of this custom computer programming contract is a substantial figure, suggesting a significant scope of work or a high level of specialized expertise required. To benchmark this value effectively, it would be necessary to compare it against other custom computer programming contracts (NAICS 541511) awarded by the Department of Defense (DoD) over a similar timeframe and with comparable contract durations and deliverables. Factors such as the complexity of the software, the number of users, integration requirements with existing systems, and the specific technologies involved heavily influence pricing. Without access to a detailed breakdown of the services provided and the labor rates, a precise comparison is challenging. However, this value suggests a project of considerable scale, potentially involving the development of new systems or significant enhancements to existing ones.

What are the primary risks associated with a contract of this nature and duration for custom computer programming?

Contracts for custom computer programming, especially those with a duration of 729 days (approximately two years) like this one, carry several inherent risks. A primary risk is scope creep, where the project's requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. Another significant risk is technological obsolescence; the technology landscape can change rapidly, potentially making the developed software outdated before or shortly after deployment. Contractor performance risk is also a concern, encompassing potential issues with quality, delivery timelines, and the contractor's ability to retain skilled personnel. Furthermore, cybersecurity risks are paramount, as custom-developed software can introduce vulnerabilities if not rigorously secured. Finally, integration risks arise when the new software needs to interface with existing legacy systems, which can be complex and prone to errors.

What does the 'Full and Open Competition' award type imply about the potential effectiveness and efficiency of this contract?

The 'Full and Open Competition' award type implies that the Department of Defense sought proposals from all responsible sources, fostering a competitive environment. This process is generally expected to enhance effectiveness and efficiency by encouraging multiple contractors to offer their best solutions and pricing to win the award. The competition should theoretically drive down costs and improve the quality of services as contractors vie for the contract. It also suggests that the government had a clear understanding of its needs and was able to articulate them in a way that allowed a broad range of potential providers to respond. While 'Full and Open Competition' is a strong indicator of a well-managed procurement process aimed at achieving value, the ultimate effectiveness and efficiency depend on the specific performance metrics and oversight mechanisms put in place throughout the contract's lifecycle.

How does the NAICS code 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) position this contract within the broader federal IT spending landscape?

The NAICS code 541511, 'Custom Computer Programming Services,' places this contract squarely within a critical segment of federal IT spending. This category encompasses the design, development, modification, testing, and support of custom software. Federal agencies increasingly rely on tailored software solutions to meet unique operational, security, and data management requirements that off-the-shelf products cannot fulfill. Spending in this area is substantial across various departments, including Defense, Homeland Security, and civilian agencies, reflecting the ongoing digital transformation and the need for specialized IT capabilities. Contracts under this NAICS code are vital for maintaining and modernizing government IT infrastructure, enabling mission-critical functions, and enhancing data analytics and cybersecurity efforts.

What are the potential implications of this contract for small businesses, given it was not a small business set-aside?

Since this contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition' and does not appear to have a small business set-aside designation ('ss' and 'sb' are false), its direct impact on small businesses is not guaranteed. Small businesses may not have been primary bidders or awardees. However, the implications are not entirely negative. The prime contractor, Evolent Technologies Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific aspects of the contract. This subcontracting can provide valuable opportunities for small businesses to gain experience, build their federal contracting portfolio, and generate revenue. The extent to which small businesses benefit will depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and their commitment to sourcing capabilities from the small business ecosystem.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY) (2)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation (UEI: 053518312)

Address: 5111 LEESBURG PIKE, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22041

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,321,686

Exercised Options: $20,832,790

Current Obligation: $20,832,790

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W74V8H04D0026

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline