Northrop Grumman awarded $36.1M contract for IT support services by Social Security Administration
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,165,750 ($36.2M)
Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration
Start Date: 2012-09-29
End Date: 2013-09-28
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $99.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF 3.00-001 - CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TASK 3.01-920 - ORDP PLDDR SUPPORT 3.01-805 - DDHIS REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT 3.05-240 - OESAE DEADA DA, PROGRAMMATIC REPOSITORY,&EA 3.08-910 - CARE 2020 SUPPORT 3.01-910 - ESERVICES CUSTOMER SUPPORT 3.05-950 - OQP AIPQB REPORTING 3.08-115 - DCSI KWIA WINDOWS SERVER AND VIRTUALIZATION 3.08-114 - DCSI/ADMB KWIA VIRTUAL DESKTOP INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT 3.08-108 - DIET TESTING FRAMEWORK FOR PERFORMANCE TESTING 3.01-103 - DITM/FTSB CONTRACTOR SUPPORT 3.01-107 - DRMA - ITAM SUPPORT 3.08-113 - OTSO ONE STOP 3.01-310 - ORSIS: TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR TITLE II SYSTEMS 3.01-610 - USABILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND PROJECT SUPPORT 3.01-320 - ITSSC TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR ITOPSS AND TITLE II SYSTEMS 3.01-290 - DESCA SERVICES&COMMUNICATIONS, PLANNING AND ANALYSIS SUPPORT 3.01-501 - OESAE: DAWRB 3.01-804 - DDAC REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT 3.01-260 - OESAE: DVTT 3.01-401 - DAD INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT APPLICATION AND BUSINESS PLANNING, ANALYSIS, AND REQUIREMENTS 3.01-508 - SUPPORT FOR INTEGRITY, AUDIT, AND CONTROL SYSTEMS 3.01-221 - DEDMS APPLICATION, PLANNING, ANALYSIS, AND REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT 3.01-504 - SUPPORT FOR ENUMERATION 3.01-270 - DPEPCS PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT FOR SPARS, PRISM, AND CARS 3.01-507 - DIVES APPLICATION AND BUSINESS PLANNING, ANALYSIS, AND REQUIREMENTS 3.01-502 - TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR DBSTS PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND REQUIREMENTS 3.01-803 - REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT FOR ELECTRONIC DISABILITY PROCESSING SYSTEMS 3.01-406 - OASSIS APPLICATION AND BUSINESS PLANNING, ANALYSIS, AND REQUIREMENTS 3.01-002 - PMAS SUPPORT 3.01-251 - DISA PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND REQUIREMENT SUPPORT (PARS) 3.01-240 - DEADA PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT 3.01-503 - TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR DECU - PLANNING, ANALYSIS AND REQUIREMENTS 3.01-802 - DDAP REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT OTHER FUNCTION
Place of Performance
Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE (CITY) County, MARYLAND, 21235, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Social Security Administration obligated $36.2 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF 3.00-001 - CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TASK 3.01-920 - ORDP PLDDR SUPPORT 3.01-805 - DDHIS REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT 3.05-240 - OESAE DEADA DA, PROGRAMMATIC REPOSITORY,&EA 3.08-910 - CARE 2020 SUPPORT 3.01-910 - ESERVICES CUSTOMER SUPPORT 3.05-950 - OQP AIPQB REPORTING 3.08-115 -… Key points: 1. The contract is for various IT support services, including programmatic repository, EA, and customer support. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose risks if not managed closely. 4. The primary sector is IT services, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $36.1M for a 1-year duration appears to be within a reasonable range for comprehensive IT support services. However, without specific benchmarks for the exact services rendered, a precise per-unit cost comparison is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives fair value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently, as the government likely secured services at a market-driven price.
Public Impact
Citizens rely on the Social Security Administration for critical services, making the reliability of its IT infrastructure paramount. This contract ensures the continued operation and support of essential systems that process and manage sensitive citizen data. Effective IT support is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the efficient delivery of social security benefits and programs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
- The broad scope of services may present challenges in defining and measuring performance metrics.
- Reliance on a single contractor for diverse IT support functions could create vendor lock-in.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
- The contract aims to support critical IT infrastructure for a vital government agency.
- The duration of the contract allows for sustained support of ongoing IT operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Spending in this area is substantial across government agencies, supporting everything from software development to infrastructure management. Benchmarks for similar contracts vary widely based on scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the scope and requirements of the contract were likely beyond the capabilities or capacity of most small businesses in this sector.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of Time and Materials contracts is critical to ensure that costs remain within budget and that services are delivered as specified. The Social Security Administration's contracting office is responsible for monitoring performance and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Social Security Administration Contracting
- Social Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials contract type.
- Broad scope of services.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Lack of specific performance benchmarks in provided data.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, social-security-administration, md, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Social Security Administration awarded $36.2 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF 3.00-001 - CONTRACT MANAGEMENT TASK 3.01-920 - ORDP PLDDR SUPPORT 3.01-805 - DDHIS REQUIREMENTS SUPPORT 3.05-240 - OESAE DEADA DA, PROGRAMMATIC REPOSITORY,&EA 3.08-910 - CARE 2020 SUPPORT 3.01-910 - ESERVICES CUSTOMER SUPPORT 3.05-950 - OQP AIPQB REPORTING 3.08-115 - DCSI KWIA WINDOWS SERVER AND VIRTUALIZATION 3.08-114 - DCSI/ADMB KWIA VIRTUAL DESKTOP INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT 3.08-108 - DIET TESTING FRAMEWORK FOR PERFORMANCE TESTING 3.01-103 - DITM/FTSB CONTRACTOR SUPPORT 3.01-107 - D
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $36.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2012-09-29. End: 2013-09-28.
What specific metrics are in place to ensure the value for money in this Time and Materials contract, given its significant value?
Effective oversight of Time and Materials contracts relies on robust performance metrics and diligent monitoring of labor hours and material costs. The Social Security Administration should have established clear deliverables, service level agreements, and regular reporting requirements to track progress and control spending. Regular audits and reviews of invoices are also crucial to validate charges and ensure alignment with contract terms and fair market value.
What are the potential risks associated with consolidating multiple IT support functions under a single contractor, and how are they mitigated?
Consolidating diverse IT support functions under one contractor can lead to vendor lock-in, reduced flexibility, and potential knowledge gaps if the contractor's personnel turnover is high. Mitigation strategies include clearly defined contract scope, performance-based incentives, regular performance reviews, and maintaining in-house expertise to oversee the contractor. The government should also ensure strong contract management to prevent over-reliance and to facilitate potential future competition.
How does the 'Other Computer Related Services' classification impact the assessment of this contract's effectiveness and potential for innovation?
The broad 'Other Computer Related Services' classification can make it challenging to precisely benchmark effectiveness or foster specific innovations, as it encompasses a wide array of activities. While it offers flexibility, it necessitates detailed performance metrics within the contract to ensure specific IT functions are performed effectively. Innovation may be driven by the contractor's initiative, but the classification itself doesn't inherently promote or hinder it; effective contract management and clear objectives are key.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related 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: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Northrop Grumman Corporation (UEI: 967356127)
Address: 7575 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,165,750
Exercised Options: $36,165,750
Current Obligation: $36,165,750
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 14
Total Subaward Amount: $20,012,067
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SS001060082
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2012-09-29
Current End Date: 2013-09-28
Potential End Date: 2013-09-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-07-11
More Contracts from Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
- 200506!000026!5700!fa8214!oo-Alc/Pkme/Lmke !F4261098C0001 !A!N! !Y! !p01502!20041213!20050701!001563738!004179453!016435559!n!northrop Grumman Space & Missi!888 S 2000 E !clearfield !ut!84015!13850!011!49!clearfield !davis !utah !-000001960000!n!n!000000000000!l014!tech REP Svcs/Guided Missiles !A2 !missile and Space Systems !302 !minuteman III GRP !541330!E! !3! ! !C! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !a!n!l!2!002!b! !Z!Y!Z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! ! — $10.0B (Department of Defense)
- E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft (FRP-7) — $8.5B (Department of Defense)
- E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aircraft (FRP-2) — $5.4B (Department of Defense)
- First DDT and E, Ares I-X, and Flight Tests. First Stage Will BE a Five Segment, Solid Rocket Booster Derived From the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) Solid Rocket Booster (srb)/Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (rsrm). the Contractor Shall Furnish the Necessary Management, Engineering, Labor, Facilities, Tools, Equipment, and Materials Required for First Stage Development, Qualification, Certification and Acceptance Program. Activities Include: Redesign and Testing of the Motor to Incorporate the Fifth Segment and Production of Five Full Scale Ground Static Test Motors: TWO Development Motors (dms)-And Three Qualification Motors (QMS); Structural Test Article (STA), Ground Vibration Test Motors (gvtms) and Other Development Testing; Redesign of the Avionics, Deceleration, Separation, and Flight Termination System (FTS) Subsystems; Ares I-X: Simulated Ares I Outer Mold Line/Mass Properties Using Modified Srb/Rsrm; and Three Flight Test Vehicles. TAS::80 0124::TAS — $4.4B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- Federal Contract — $4.4B (Department of Defense)
View all Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation federal contracts →
Other Social Security Administration Contracts
- Itssc Task Order for Systems — $1.1B (Leidos, Inc.)
- Contractor IS to Provide the Expertise, Technical Knowledge, IT Support Personnel, and Other Related Resources Necessary for Systems Analysis and Testing — $734.1M (Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation)
- Contractor to Provide Development&database Support to Agency's Office of Software Engineering — $593.5M (Leidos, Inc.)
- THE Government Intends to Establish a Single-Award Delivery Order Base Plus Four 1year Option Periods for the Renewal of IBM Software Maintenance and the Purchase of More Additional IBM Software Licenses Against the General Services Administrations Federal Supply Schedule Program. Previous Order SS00-15-30081 — $525.4M (International Business Machines Corporation)
- NEW 66 Month Open-Market Contract for Renewal of CA Software, Support Services, and Maintenance. CA Proprietary Software Products ARE Used Extensively Throughout OUR Mainframe and Distributed Environments AT ALL SSA Data Centers — $419.8M (CA, Inc.)