Commerce Awards $4M for Business Analysis and Data Sciences Support to Whirlwind Technologies LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,000,000 ($4.0M)

Contractor: Whirlwind Technologies LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2024-09-20

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 557 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING, BUSINESS ANALYSIS, IMAGE RETRIEVAL, DATA SCIENCES, XD, AND MOJO SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SUITLAND, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20746

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $4.0 million to WHIRLWIND TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING, BUSINESS ANALYSIS, IMAGE RETRIEVAL, DATA SCIENCES, XD, AND MOJO SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical areas like data sciences and business analysis. 2. Limited competition raises questions about potential price overpayment. 3. Risk of vendor lock-in due to the nature of the services. 4. IT services sector, specifically computer systems design, is the focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4 million for a 557-day period is not directly comparable without specific service benchmarks. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but the lack of competitive bidding makes a precise value assessment difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This approach may bypass opportunities for price discovery through competitive bidding, potentially leading to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these specialized support services.

Public Impact

Supports U.S. Census Bureau operations with essential business analysis and data services. Enhances capabilities in image retrieval and data sciences for government functions. Potential for improved efficiency and effectiveness in Census Bureau processes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of clear justification for limited competition

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract
Clear statement of work

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending in this area is substantial across government agencies, with benchmarks varying widely based on the complexity and duration of services required.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting goals or participation in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the services meet the defined requirements and that the limited competition was appropriately justified. The contracting officer's representative will be key to monitoring performance and cost.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Commerce Contracting
U.S. Census Bureau Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for higher-than-market pricing
Lack of small business participation
Contract duration extends over a significant period

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $4.0 million to WHIRLWIND TECHNOLOGIES LLC. PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING, BUSINESS ANALYSIS, IMAGE RETRIEVAL, DATA SCIENCES, XD, AND MOJO SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WHIRLWIND TECHNOLOGIES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Census Bureau).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-20. End: 2026-03-31.

What is the justification for limiting competition on this contract, and how does it ensure best value?

The provided data does not include the justification for limiting competition. Typically, agencies must document reasons such as urgent need, sole-source provider, or specific technical requirements. Without this justification, it's difficult to assess if limiting competition truly served the government's best interest or if alternative, more competitive approaches were overlooked.

How will the government ensure the quality and effectiveness of the 'PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING, BUSINESS ANALYSIS, IMAGE RETRIEVAL, DATA SCIENCES, XD, AND MOJO SUPPORT SERVICES' without competitive press

Effective contract management and performance monitoring are essential. The government should establish clear performance metrics, conduct regular progress reviews, and ensure a qualified contracting officer's representative is assigned. Strong communication channels with Whirlwind Technologies LLC will be vital to address any issues promptly and ensure the delivered services align with the agency's needs and objectives.

What is the potential risk of cost overruns or inefficiencies given the lack of competitive bidding?

The primary risk is that the firm fixed-price may not reflect the most economical rate achievable through competition. Without market comparison from multiple bidders, there's a possibility that Whirlwind Technologies LLC's pricing is higher than it might have been. Continuous monitoring of deliverables and adherence to the contract scope are necessary to mitigate potential inefficiencies or scope creep that could inflate costs.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - DELIVERY

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 1333LC24Q00000026

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 137 NATIONAL PLZ STE 300, OXON HILL, MD, 20745

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,000,000

Exercised Options: $4,000,000

Current Obligation: $4,000,000

Actual Outlays: $947,340

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline