Commerce Dept Awards $26.6M for Computer Services to Think Tank, Inc. with Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,609,470 ($26.6M)
Contractor: Think Tank, Incorporated
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2020-09-15
End Date: 2025-03-16
Contract Duration: 1,643 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CBS SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: GERMANTOWN, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20874
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $26.6 million to THINK TANK, INCORPORATED for work described as: CBS SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for "Other Computer Related Services" (NAICS 541519). 2. Think Tank, Inc. secured the contract valued at $26.6 million. 3. The contract spans over five years, from September 2020 to March 2025. 4. Awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26.6 million over five years appears reasonable for IT support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for "Other Computer Related Services" would provide a more precise assessment of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently, with pricing driven by market forces rather than limited options.
Public Impact
Ensures continued IT support for NOAA's critical operations. Supports a private sector company, contributing to the economy. Provides essential services for data collection and analysis by the Department of Commerce.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope creeps beyond "Other Computer Related Services".
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical IT functions.
- Risk of vendor performance issues impacting NOAA operations.
Positive Signals
- Competitive award process likely secured favorable pricing.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.
- Long-term contract allows for stable service delivery.
Sector Analysis
The IT services sector is highly competitive. Spending benchmarks for "Other Computer Related Services" (NAICS 541519) vary widely based on the specific nature of the services and contract duration. This $26.6M contract over five years falls within a moderate range for comprehensive IT support.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to a single entity, Think Tank, Inc. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting opportunities within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Commerce, specifically NOAA, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and contract management practices would apply to ensure performance and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to long contract duration.
- Scope definition for "Other Computer Related Services" could be broad.
- Performance monitoring is crucial to ensure service quality.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $26.6 million to THINK TANK, INCORPORATED. CBS SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THINK TANK, INCORPORATED.
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 $26.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-09-15. End: 2025-03-16.
What specific "Other Computer Related Services" are included in this contract, and how do they align with NOAA's core mission requirements?
The contract details for "Other Computer Related Services" (NAICS 541519) are not fully specified in the provided data. However, these services typically encompass IT consulting, system integration, data processing, and IT support. For NOAA, these services likely support critical functions such as weather forecasting, climate monitoring, fisheries management, and oceanic research, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of their scientific and operational endeavors.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of Think Tank, Inc.'s service delivery under this contract?
Key performance indicators for IT support contracts typically include system uptime, response times for issue resolution, adherence to service level agreements (SLAs), and customer satisfaction ratings. While specific KPIs for this contract are not detailed, NOAA would likely monitor metrics related to the reliability and efficiency of the computer systems and services provided by Think Tank, Inc. to ensure operational continuity and mission support.
How does the firm-fixed-price structure of this contract mitigate risks associated with potential cost overruns for the government?
A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract establishes a ceiling price that the contractor must not exceed, regardless of the actual costs incurred. This structure transfers most of the cost risk to the contractor, providing the government with budget certainty. For NOAA, the FFP nature of this $26.6 million contract means they are protected from unexpected increases in Think Tank, Inc.'s operating expenses, ensuring the total expenditure remains within the agreed-upon budget.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8403 COLESVILLE RD, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, 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: $29,631,906
Exercised Options: $26,609,470
Current Obligation: $26,609,470
Actual Outlays: $8,715,450
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D007M
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-09-15
Current End Date: 2025-03-16
Potential End Date: 2025-03-16 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-12-05
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