Accenture Federal Services LLC awarded $6.9M contract for USPTO information delivery product division support services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,896,502 ($6.9M)

Contractor: Accenture Federal Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-12-17

End Date: 2026-12-16

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: INFORMATION DELIVERY PRODUCT DIVISION SUPPORT SERIVCES

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $6.9 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: INFORMATION DELIVERY PRODUCT DIVISION SUPPORT SERIVCES Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 364 days indicates a need for ongoing support services. 3. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541512 points to computer systems design services. 4. The contract is a BPA Call, indicating it's an order against a previously established Blanket Purchase Agreement. 5. The contract is for labor hours, implying payment based on time and effort expended. 6. The award is to a single contractor, Accenture Federal Services LLC.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.9 million for a 364-day duration for information delivery product division support services appears to be within a reasonable range for IT support contracts of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for computer systems design services would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The 'labor hours' pricing structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly, but it also offers flexibility.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' which implies that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This method is generally preferred for maximizing competition and achieving the best value for the government. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a robust bidding environment was available.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to more competitive pricing, potentially saving taxpayer dollars by ensuring the government receives services at or near market rates.

Public Impact

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) benefits from continued support for its information delivery product division. Services delivered are related to computer systems design and support, crucial for the USPTO's operations. The geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located or services are rendered. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for individuals with expertise in computer systems design and IT support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost creep due to 'labor hours' pricing model if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The BPA Call mechanism, while efficient, might obscure the initial competition details of the underlying BPA.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing need for these services.
The contractor, Accenture Federal Services LLC, is a well-established entity in the federal contracting space.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design and related support. The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies like the USPTO relying heavily on contractors for specialized expertise. Contracts for system design and support are common, and the value of this award is moderate within the broader landscape of federal IT spending. Benchmarking against similar contracts for patent and trademark office IT support would offer further context.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false). There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans. Without specific set-aside requirements or mandated subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated by contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are usually internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

USPTO IT Modernization Efforts
Federal Civilian Agency IT Support Contracts
Computer Systems Design Services
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor hours pricing.
Reliance on a single awardee for critical support.
Lack of specific competition details for this BPA Call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $6.9 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC. INFORMATION DELIVERY PRODUCT DIVISION SUPPORT SERIVCES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-17. End: 2026-12-16.

What is Accenture Federal Services LLC's track record with the Department of Commerce and the USPTO?

Accenture Federal Services LLC has a significant history of contracting with various federal agencies, including the Department of Commerce and its sub-agencies like the USPTO. Their past performance typically involves a wide range of IT services, consulting, and system integration projects. Reviewing their specific award history with the USPTO would reveal the types of services previously rendered, contract values, and any reported performance issues or commendations. A detailed analysis would involve examining contract databases for prior awards, task orders, and any associated performance evaluations to gauge their reliability and expertise in supporting the USPTO's mission-critical systems.

How does the $6.9 million value compare to similar USPTO IT support contracts?

The $6.9 million contract value for 364 days of support services for the USPTO's information delivery product division needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. Similar contracts for computer systems design and IT support within the USPTO or other intellectual property offices would provide a relevant comparison. Factors such as the scope of work, required skill sets, and contract duration are crucial for an accurate comparison. If this contract represents a standard level of support for a specific division's IT needs, its value may be considered fair. However, if it significantly deviates from historical spending patterns or industry benchmarks for similar services, it could indicate potential overpricing or under-resourcing.

What are the primary risks associated with this 'labor hours' contract type?

The primary risk associated with a 'labor hours' contract type is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, where the contractor assumes more risk for cost management, labor hour contracts pay the contractor for the direct labor hours expended at specified fixed hourly rates. This means the total cost is directly tied to the amount of time spent by personnel. If the project scope is not well-defined, or if project management is weak on either the government or contractor side, labor hours can accumulate beyond initial estimates, leading to a higher-than-anticipated final cost. Effective oversight, clear task definitions, and diligent monitoring of hours are crucial to mitigate this risk.

How effective is 'full and open competition' in ensuring value for money for USPTO IT services?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in government contracting. By allowing all responsible sources to compete, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For USPTO IT services, this means that a wide range of qualified vendors can bid, potentially leading to better pricing, higher quality services, and more tailored solutions. The USPTO benefits from a broader pool of talent and technology options. However, the effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation requirements and the rigor of the evaluation process to ensure the lowest price isn't chosen at the expense of essential quality or capability.

What are the historical spending patterns for information delivery product division support at the USPTO?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for the USPTO's information delivery product division support is key to assessing the current contract's value and necessity. This involves examining past contract awards for similar services, including the number of contracts, their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Significant year-over-year increases or decreases in spending, or a shift in awarded contractors, could indicate changes in program needs, market dynamics, or procurement strategies. Understanding these patterns helps determine if the current $6.9 million award is consistent with previous investments or represents a new trend in resource allocation for this division.

What is the significance of this contract being a 'BPA Call'?

The designation 'BPA Call' signifies that this contract is not a standalone award but rather an order placed against a pre-existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). BPAs are simplified acquisition methods used to streamline the purchasing of recurring needs from approved sources. This means the initial competition and vetting of the contractor likely occurred when the parent BPA was established. A 'BPA Call' typically involves a more streamlined ordering process compared to a new full and open competition. The significance for taxpayers is potentially faster service delivery and potentially pre-negotiated favorable terms within the BPA, but it also means the specific competition for this particular order is limited to the terms of the BPA.

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) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1333BJ26Q00180006

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Novetta Solutions, LLC

Address: 800 N GLEBE RD STE 300, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,896,502

Exercised Options: $6,896,502

Current Obligation: $6,896,502

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 8

Total Subaward Amount: $972,849

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1333BJ26A00180002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline