USDA Forest Service awards $6.87M contract for ECOLLECTIONS Retail System to Network Specialty Group, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,865,670 ($6.9M)

Contractor: Network Specialty Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2025-03-01

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ECOLLECTIONS RETAIL SYSTEM (INCLUDING ALL SERVICE RECEIPTS)

Place of Performance

Location: GAITHERSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20879

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $6.9 million to NETWORK SPECIALTY GROUP, INC. for work described as: ECOLLECTIONS RETAIL SYSTEM (INCLUDING ALL SERVICE RECEIPTS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for a critical retail system supporting Forest Service operations. 2. Network Specialty Group, Inc. is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 3. The contract duration is 729 days with a firm fixed price. 4. Spending is within the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.87M over two years appears reasonable for a retail system. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary IT services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of the ECOLLECTIONS Retail System. Supports Forest Service revenue collection and management. Potential for system upgrades and enhancements over the contract period.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical system maintenance.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under IT services, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Spending in this sector is substantial across government, with IT systems being crucial for operational efficiency and service delivery.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in the subcontracting or if the prime contractor is a small business. Further analysis is needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, implying prior oversight. Continued monitoring of performance and adherence to contract terms is essential for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep.
Vendor performance risk.
System obsolescence over time.
Dependence on a single vendor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $6.9 million to NETWORK SPECIALTY GROUP, INC.. ECOLLECTIONS RETAIL SYSTEM (INCLUDING ALL SERVICE RECEIPTS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NETWORK SPECIALTY GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-01. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the specific functionality and scope of the ECOLLECTIONS Retail System, and how critical is it to the Forest Service's mission?

The ECOLLECTIONS Retail System is essential for managing retail operations and revenue collection for the Forest Service. Its critical functions likely include point-of-sale processing, inventory management, and sales reporting, directly impacting the agency's ability to generate funds for its conservation and land management activities.

What were the key evaluation criteria used during the full and open competition, and how did Network Specialty Group, Inc. differentiate itself?

While specific evaluation criteria are not provided, typical factors in IT service contracts include technical approach, past performance, management plan, and price. Network Specialty Group, Inc. likely demonstrated superior capabilities or a more advantageous proposal in one or more of these areas to win the competitive bid.

Are there any performance metrics or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this delivery order to ensure system effectiveness and taxpayer value?

Firm fixed price contracts often include performance metrics or SLAs to ensure service quality. The specific details of these would be within the contract documents, but their presence is crucial for measuring the vendor's effectiveness and ensuring the system meets operational needs.

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 › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 610 PROFESSIONAL DRIVE STE 105, GAITHERSBURG, MD, 20879

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,671,745

Exercised Options: $7,586,307

Current Obligation: $6,865,670

Actual Outlays: $3,267,939

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA21D00E9

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline