Commerce Dept. awards $9.98M IT support contract to ATTAINX INC. for Alaska region

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,982,163 ($10.0M)

Contractor: Attainx Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2023-10-01

End Date: 2026-09-28

Contract Duration: 1,093 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS) ALASKA REGIONAL OFFICE (AKR) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: JUNEAU, JUNEAU County, ALASKA, 99802

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $10.0 million to ATTAINX INC. for work described as: NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS) ALASKA REGIONAL OFFICE (AKR) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in IT infrastructure for NMFS Alaska. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. ATTAINX INC. is the sole awardee, indicating a specific capability or market position. 4. The contract duration extends over three years, providing long-term IT support. 5. The use of Time and Materials pricing may introduce cost variability. 6. This contract supports critical IT functions for marine fisheries management in Alaska.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $9.98 million over three years for IT support services appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for federal agencies of comparable size and complexity would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, can sometimes lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed closely. However, for evolving IT needs, T&M can be appropriate.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and multiple bids were likely considered. The presence of 10 offers suggests a healthy level of competition for this IT support requirement. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition indicates that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as multiple companies vied for the contract, driving down potential costs.

Public Impact

Federal employees in the NMFS Alaska Regional Office will benefit from reliable IT infrastructure and support. The contract ensures the continuity of essential IT services, crucial for the management and conservation of Alaska's marine resources. Geographic impact is concentrated in Alaska, supporting federal operations within the state. The contract supports the IT workforce, potentially through direct hires by ATTAINX INC. or its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) pricing can lead to cost overruns if not carefully monitored and managed.
The specific IT services required are not detailed, making it difficult to assess the full scope and potential risks.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition with 10 offers, indicating a competitive process.
The contract duration of three years provides stability for IT support.
The contractor, ATTAINX INC., is expected to provide specialized IT support services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming and related services (NAICS 541511). The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in maintaining and upgrading their technological infrastructure. This contract aligns with the broader trend of federal agencies outsourcing IT support to specialized firms to ensure operational efficiency and access to expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT support services vary widely based on agency size, complexity of needs, and geographic location.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded as a full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless ATTAINX INC. voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers within the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Alaska Regional Office. The contract type (Definitive Contract with Time and Materials) necessitates close monitoring of labor hours and material costs. Transparency will depend on the agency's reporting practices and the availability of contract performance data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NMFS IT Support Services
NOAA IT Modernization Efforts
Federal Civilian Agency IT Contracts
Alaska Regional IT Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M pricing.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT functions.
Scope definition and management challenges inherent in IT support contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $10.0 million to ATTAINX INC.. NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS) ALASKA REGIONAL OFFICE (AKR) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATTAINX INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2026-09-28.

What is ATTAINX INC.'s track record with federal IT support contracts, particularly with NOAA or NMFS?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that ATTAINX INC. has a history of securing IT services contracts with various federal agencies. While specific details on their performance with NOAA or NMFS require deeper analysis of past contract performance reports (e.g., CPARS), their ability to win this 'full and open' competition suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Further investigation into their past performance ratings and any prior work within the fisheries or environmental science sectors would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in delivering similar IT support services.

How does the $9.98 million contract value compare to similar IT support contracts for regional federal offices?

The $9.98 million contract value over three years for IT support services for the NMFS Alaska Regional Office is within a typical range for such requirements. Federal agencies often spend millions on IT support, especially for specialized regional offices with unique operational needs. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to benchmark against contracts for similar-sized regional offices within NOAA or other agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Bureau of Land Management, considering factors like the number of users supported, the complexity of the IT environment, and the specific services required (e.g., network management, cybersecurity, help desk support). Without these specific comparables, the value appears reasonable for the stated duration and scope.

What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure for this contract?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the final price is not fixed upfront. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. This can lead to unpredictability in total spending if project scope expands, if labor hours are not efficiently utilized, or if material costs escalate. Effective risk mitigation requires robust government oversight, including detailed tracking of labor hours, verification of material costs, and clear definition of task orders to prevent scope creep. Regular performance reviews and adherence to established ceilings are crucial.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring value for taxpayers?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method is generally effective in ensuring value for taxpayers. It signifies that the solicitation was widely advertised, allowing any responsible source to submit an offer, with specific exclusions noted (which might relate to specific security requirements or prior work). The fact that 10 offers were received indicates a competitive marketplace was engaged. This level of competition typically drives down prices and encourages offerors to propose innovative solutions and demonstrate strong value propositions to win the contract. It provides a strong basis for price reasonableness determination and ensures that the government is not unduly limiting its options, thereby maximizing the potential for cost savings.

What are the potential implications of this contract on the IT workforce in Alaska?

This contract could have several implications for the IT workforce in Alaska. ATTAINX INC., as the prime contractor, may need to hire IT professionals locally to fulfill the contract requirements, potentially creating new job opportunities. Additionally, if ATTAINX INC. utilizes local subcontractors, this could further stimulate job growth within Alaska's IT sector. The contract's duration of three years offers a degree of job stability for those employed. However, the specific impact depends on ATTAINX INC.'s staffing strategy, whether they relocate personnel or prioritize local hiring, and the extent to which they leverage existing Alaskan IT talent pools.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: 1305M323RNFFS0010

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13873 PARK CENTER RD STE 55N, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,425,471

Exercised Options: $10,425,471

Current Obligation: $9,982,163

Actual Outlays: $7,597,231

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline