Commerce Department's NOAA awards $49M IT support contract to GAMA-1 Technologies, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $49,076,375 ($49.1M)

Contractor: Gama-1 Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2022-09-22

End Date: 2026-06-21

Contract Duration: 1,368 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: APPLICATION AND SCIENCE COMMON SERVICES SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: GREENBELT, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20770

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $49.1 million to GAMA-1 TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: APPLICATION AND SCIENCE COMMON SERVICES SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract provides essential IT and science common services support. 2. GAMA-1 Technologies, LLC, a small business, secured this award. 3. The contract has a duration of 1368 days. 4. Awarded under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call. 5. Service is categorized under 'Other Computer Related Services'. 6. Performance is concentrated in Maryland. 7. This contract represents a significant investment in NOAA's operational capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $49.1 million over approximately 3.75 years suggests a moderate annual spend for IT support services. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts requires more granular data on the specific services provided. However, the award to a small business may indicate a focus on value and specialized capabilities rather than solely lowest price. The pricing structure, based on labor hours, allows for flexibility but necessitates careful monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness.

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. The presence of 4 bids suggests a reasonable level of competition for this requirement. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and encourage vendors to offer their best value propositions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best possible price and quality for essential IT services supporting NOAA's scientific missions.

Public Impact

Federal employees and scientists within NOAA will benefit from reliable IT and science common services. Ensures continuity of operations for critical data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Supports the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. Workforce implications include the potential for IT specialists and support staff employed by GAMA-1 Technologies, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are not managed efficiently.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT infrastructure could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Award to a small business aligns with federal goals to support smaller enterprises.
Full and open competition suggests a robust vetting process for the selected contractor.
Long-term contract duration provides stability for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer-related services. The market for IT support and common services for federal agencies is substantial, with numerous companies vying for these contracts. NOAA's requirement for specialized scientific IT support is a niche within this larger market, often requiring vendors with specific technical expertise and security clearances.

Small Business Impact

GAMA-1 Technologies, LLC is identified as a small business, and this contract was awarded under full and open competition, not as a small business set-aside. This suggests that while small businesses are eligible and can compete, the primary driver for this award was likely best value rather than a specific set-aside program. The subcontracting implications will depend on GAMA-1's strategy, but it's an opportunity for other small businesses to participate in the federal IT ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers. Performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the BPA Call will be key to monitoring contractor performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

NOAA IT Support Services
Federal Civilian Agency IT Contracts
IT Professional Services
Science Mission Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to labor hour contract type.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities inherent in IT support contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $49.1 million to GAMA-1 TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. APPLICATION AND SCIENCE COMMON SERVICES SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GAMA-1 TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.

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 $49.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-22. End: 2026-06-21.

What is the specific breakdown of services provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'APPLICATION AND SCIENCE COMMON SERVICES SUPPORT' under NAICS code 541519 ('Other Computer Related Services'). While the broad category is IT support, the specifics would detail tasks such as system administration, network management, software development/maintenance, cybersecurity, and potentially specialized scientific application support tailored to NOAA's mission. The labor hour pricing model suggests a flexible scope where the exact mix of services can adapt to evolving needs, but a detailed statement of work (SOW) would clarify the precise deliverables and technical requirements.

How does GAMA-1 Technologies, LLC's past performance compare to other potential bidders?

Assessing GAMA-1 Technologies, LLC's past performance relative to other bidders requires access to proprietary evaluation data from the NOAA procurement process. Typically, agencies evaluate past performance based on factors like quality of work, timeliness, cost control, customer satisfaction, and adherence to contract requirements. Without the specific evaluation criteria and scores from this BPA Call, a direct comparison is not possible. However, the fact that GAMA-1 was awarded the contract suggests their past performance met or exceeded NOAA's expectations within the competitive landscape.

What are the key risk indicators associated with this contract?

Key risk indicators for this contract include potential over-reliance on labor hours, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT and science support also presents a performance risk; any disruption in service could impact NOAA's operations. Furthermore, the complexity of supporting scientific applications may introduce technical risks if the contractor lacks specialized expertise. Cybersecurity threats are an inherent risk in any IT contract, requiring robust security measures and continuous monitoring.

How does this contract's value compare to historical IT spending by NOAA?

The $49 million value over approximately 3.75 years equates to an average annual spend of roughly $13 million for IT and science common services. To compare this to historical spending, one would need to analyze NOAA's IT budgets and contract awards over previous fiscal years. This analysis should consider whether NOAA's IT needs have increased or decreased, the scope of services procured, and inflation. Without historical data, it's difficult to definitively state if this contract represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment compared to past IT expenditures.

What is the potential impact of this contract on GAMA-1 Technologies, LLC's growth?

This $49 million contract represents a significant opportunity for GAMA-1 Technologies, LLC, particularly as a small business. It provides a substantial revenue stream and a platform to demonstrate capabilities in supporting a major federal agency like NOAA. Successful execution could lead to enhanced reputation, potential for follow-on work, and the ability to scale operations, including hiring additional personnel. This award could be a pivotal moment for the company, potentially elevating its position within the federal contracting market.

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 - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1332KQ22QNEEG0048

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7500 GREENWAY CENTER DR, GREENBELT, MD, 20770

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $59,879,530

Exercised Options: $55,399,031

Current Obligation: $49,076,375

Actual Outlays: $33,067,425

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1305M421ANAAA0038

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline