SSA's $48.4M contract for 18,535 laptops and 26,731 docking stations awarded to NCS Technologies Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,385,501 ($48.4M)

Contractor: NCS Technologies Inc

Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration

Start Date: 2015-09-30

End Date: 2015-10-30

Contract Duration: 30 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6M/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CONVERT SITES TO SDS AND WILL PROVIDE SDS BUNDLES TO NEW HIRES AT SDS PHASE 1 LOCATIONS. OVERALL, THIS REQUISITION WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 18,535 LAPTOPS AND 26,731 DOCKING STATION BUNDLES.

Place of Performance

Location: GAINESVILLE, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 20155

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Social Security Administration obligated $48.4 million to NCS TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: CONVERT SITES TO SDS AND WILL PROVIDE SDS BUNDLES TO NEW HIRES AT SDS PHASE 1 LOCATIONS. OVERALL, THIS REQUISITION WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 18,535 LAPTOPS AND 26,731 DOCKING STATION BUNDLES. Key points: 1. The contract aims to equip new hires with essential computing hardware, indicating a focus on workforce onboarding and operational capacity. 2. A significant quantity of laptops and docking stations suggests a substantial expansion or refresh of the agency's IT infrastructure. 3. The award to a single vendor, NCS Technologies Inc., warrants scrutiny regarding potential price advantages or limitations in market reach. 4. The short duration of the contract (30 days) implies an urgent need or a specific, time-bound deployment phase. 5. The contract's classification as a BPA Call suggests it leverages an existing framework agreement, potentially streamlining procurement. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags that this procurement likely did not prioritize small business participation directly.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total value of $48.4 million for 18,535 laptops and 26,731 docking stations translates to approximately $1,613 per bundle (laptop + docking station). This price point appears within a reasonable range for enterprise-grade hardware, though specific model configurations and support services would be needed for a precise benchmark. Without detailed specifications or comparisons to similar recent procurements for identical or comparable equipment, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The short performance period also limits the scope for long-term value realization.

Cost Per Unit: Approximately $1,613 per laptop and docking station bundle.

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 offers. The fact that it was a BPA Call suggests that the underlying Basic Purchasing Agreement (BPA) was established through full and open competition. However, the data does not specify the number of bids received for this particular call, which would provide a clearer picture of the actual competitive landscape for this specific requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and more innovative solutions. However, the ultimate benefit depends on the number of actual bids received and the effectiveness of the evaluation process.

Public Impact

New hires at Social Security Administration (SSA) locations will benefit from updated computing equipment, facilitating their integration and productivity. The delivery of 18,535 laptops and 26,731 docking stations will enhance the SSA's IT infrastructure, supporting its mission-critical operations. The primary geographic impact is likely within SSA facilities across Virginia, where the contract was awarded, and potentially at other agency locations receiving new hires. The acquisition directly impacts the SSA workforce by providing the tools necessary for efficient job performance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The short 30-day performance period could indicate rushed deployment or potential challenges in meeting demand within the timeframe.
Lack of detail on specific hardware configurations makes it difficult to assess if the procured equipment represents the best value or is optimized for SSA's needs.
The contract being a BPA Call means its value is tied to the terms of the underlying BPA, which may have its own set of limitations or pricing structures.

Positive Signals

The use of a BPA Call suggests an established procurement vehicle, potentially leading to faster delivery and reduced administrative burden.
Awarding to NCS Technologies Inc. under full and open competition implies a vetted vendor capable of meeting the agency's requirements.
The provision of essential hardware directly supports the onboarding of new employees, indicating proactive workforce management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT hardware and peripherals sector, specifically computer and software stores (NAICS 443120). The market for enterprise laptops and docking stations is highly competitive, with numerous manufacturers and resellers vying for government contracts. Spending in this category is substantial across federal agencies, driven by the constant need for hardware refresh cycles, expansion of workforce, and upgrades to support new software and security requirements. Benchmarks for similar procurements often vary based on volume, specific configurations, warranty, and support services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the procurement was open to all responsible bidders, including large businesses. Consequently, there is no direct subcontracting requirement for small businesses mandated by this specific award. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore indirect, as opportunities may arise if NCS Technologies Inc. chooses to engage small businesses for support or components, but it is not a contractual obligation.

Oversight & Accountability

As a BPA Call, oversight is likely tied to the terms and conditions of the underlying Basic Purchasing Agreement (BPA) established by the contracting agency. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for managing this contract and ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. While specific oversight mechanisms for this call are not detailed, standard government contract oversight practices, including performance monitoring and payment verification, would apply. Inspector General jurisdiction would typically fall under the SSA's OIG for any potential fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

IT Hardware Procurement
Workforce Onboarding Technology
Basic Purchasing Agreements (BPAs)
End-User Computing Devices
Federal IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Short Performance Period
Lack of Detailed Specifications
Potential Supply Chain Risks
Limited Visibility into Bid Competition Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Social Security Administration awarded $48.4 million to NCS TECHNOLOGIES INC. CONVERT SITES TO SDS AND WILL PROVIDE SDS BUNDLES TO NEW HIRES AT SDS PHASE 1 LOCATIONS. OVERALL, THIS REQUISITION WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 18,535 LAPTOPS AND 26,731 DOCKING STATION BUNDLES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NCS TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $48.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific models of laptops and docking stations were procured under this contract, and what are their key specifications?

The provided data does not specify the exact models of laptops and docking stations procured. To assess the value and suitability of the hardware, detailed specifications such as processor type, RAM, storage capacity, screen size, operating system, and specific features of the docking stations would be necessary. Without this information, it is difficult to compare the procured equipment against market offerings or determine if it aligns with the SSA's technical requirements and long-term IT strategy. The price per unit of approximately $1,613 per bundle suggests enterprise-grade equipment, but the precise configuration remains unknown.

How many bids were received for this specific BPA Call, and what was the range of proposed prices?

The data indicates that the contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' and was a 'BPA CALL' with 8 bidders listed under 'no'. However, it is unclear if 'no': 8 refers to the number of bids received for this specific call or the number of items/lots. Typically, for a full and open competition, the number of bids received is a critical indicator of the level of competition. If 8 bids were indeed received, it suggests a reasonably competitive process. Without explicit confirmation and the range of proposed prices, it's challenging to definitively assess if the awarded price represents the best value achievable through competition.

What is the track record of NCS Technologies Inc. in fulfilling similar federal IT hardware contracts, particularly with the SSA?

NCS Technologies Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, including those for IT hardware. While the provided data confirms their award for this specific SSA contract, a comprehensive assessment of their track record would require analyzing their past performance on similar procurements. This includes examining delivery timeliness, product quality, customer satisfaction ratings, and any past performance issues or disputes. Understanding their experience with the SSA specifically would also be beneficial in gauging their familiarity with the agency's unique operational needs and procurement processes.

How does the per-unit cost of these laptops and docking stations compare to recent, similar federal procurements?

The approximate cost per bundle (laptop and docking station) is $1,613. To benchmark this effectively, we would need to compare it against recent procurements of similar enterprise-grade laptops and docking stations by other federal agencies. Factors such as the specific hardware configurations (e.g., processor, RAM, storage, screen size), warranty periods, included software, and support services significantly influence pricing. Without these details, a direct comparison is difficult. However, $1,613 per bundle is within the expected range for bulk purchases of business-class laptops and associated docking solutions, assuming standard configurations and support.

What are the potential risks associated with the short 30-day performance period for this contract?

A 30-day performance period for delivering over 18,000 laptops and 26,000 docking stations presents several risks. Firstly, there's a risk of delayed delivery if the vendor faces supply chain issues or logistical challenges in meeting such a tight deadline. Secondly, it may limit the time available for thorough testing and quality assurance by the SSA, potentially leading to the deployment of faulty equipment. Thirdly, the compressed timeline could necessitate expedited shipping costs, which might not be reflected in the unit price, or it could indicate that the hardware is intended for an immediate, critical need, implying a potential disruption if not fulfilled on time.

What is the historical spending pattern of the SSA on laptops and docking stations, and how does this contract fit within that trend?

The provided data snippet focuses on a single contract award from 2015. To understand historical spending patterns, a broader analysis of SSA's IT hardware procurements over several fiscal years would be required. This would involve examining the volume, frequency, and total value of similar contracts, as well as the vendors typically awarded. This $48.4 million contract for a significant number of devices suggests a substantial investment, potentially indicating a major refresh cycle, expansion of the workforce, or a response to a specific operational requirement. Without historical context, it's difficult to determine if this represents a typical expenditure or an anomaly.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Retail Trade › Electronics and Appliance Stores › Computer and Software Stores

Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7669 LIMESTONE DR, GAINESVILLE, VA, 20155

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,385,501

Exercised Options: $48,385,501

Current Obligation: $48,385,501

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SS001440017

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline