Commerce Dept Awards $10.7M for National Security Solutions to High Prairie Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,699,040 ($10.7M)
Contractor: High Prairie Services, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2020-06-15
End Date: 2025-09-14
Contract Duration: 1,917 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: IT
Official Description: NATIONAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES (NS3) SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20230
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $10.7 million to HIGH PRAIRIE SERVICES, LLC for work described as: NATIONAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES (NS3) SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract is for computer systems design services, a critical area for national security. 2. High Prairie Services, LLC, is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract's duration and time-and-materials pricing structure present potential cost risks. 4. Spending is concentrated in Washington D.C., indicating a focus on federal agency support.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract uses a Time and Materials pricing structure, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar contracts for computer systems design services is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may not have yielded the most competitive pricing or explored all potential vendors.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of a limited competition and a time-and-materials contract could result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a firm-fixed-price contract awarded under full and open competition.
Public Impact
Supports national security operations, a high-priority government function. Contract duration extends over five years, indicating a long-term need for these services. Focus on computer systems design is essential for modern defense and intelligence capabilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Time and Materials pricing
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of small business participation
Positive Signals
- Supports critical national security functions
- Long-term contract provides stability
Sector Analysis
The IT services sector, particularly for national security applications, is highly specialized. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on the complexity and criticality of the services provided. This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services NAICS code.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Commerce, Office of the Secretary. Oversight will be crucial to manage the Time and Materials pricing and ensure effective service delivery within budget.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- Office of the Secretary Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may not yield best value.
- Time and Materials pricing increases cost risk.
- No small business participation identified.
- Contract duration is substantial (over 3 years).
- Specific services are not detailed, hindering full assessment.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-commerce, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $10.7 million to HIGH PRAIRIE SERVICES, LLC. NATIONAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES (NS3) SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is HIGH PRAIRIE SERVICES, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (Office of the Secretary).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-06-15. End: 2025-09-14.
What specific national security solutions and services are being provided under this contract?
The contract is categorized under NAICS code 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services). While the award title is 'NATIONAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS AND SERVICES (NS3) SUPPORT,' the specific deliverables are not detailed in the provided data. Further inquiry would be needed to understand the exact nature of the IT support, system design, integration, or maintenance activities critical to national security.
What is the justification for excluding other sources and limiting competition for these national security services?
The contract states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This implies that an initial broad solicitation may have occurred, but ultimately, only specific sources were considered or qualified. The rationale for excluding other potential offerors needs further investigation to ensure fair and effective use of taxpayer funds.
How will the Time and Materials pricing model be monitored to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for money?
Effective oversight of the Time and Materials (T&M) contract is paramount. This requires rigorous tracking of labor hours, material costs, and adherence to pre-negotiated rates. The contracting officer must implement strict controls, regular performance reviews, and potentially establish cost ceilings or award-fee structures to incentivize efficiency and control spending.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design 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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 601 PIERCE ST, OMAHA, NE, 68108
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $13,227,704
Exercised Options: $11,640,081
Current Obligation: $10,699,040
Actual Outlays: $618,558
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCH18D0004
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-06-15
Current End Date: 2025-09-14
Potential End Date: 2026-03-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-24
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