Commerce Awards $205M for Scientific Consulting to Blue Iris Tech
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,051,040 ($2.1M)
Contractor: Blue Iris Tech Consulting Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2024-06-04
End Date: 2027-06-03
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: IEDISON
Place of Performance
Location: GAITHERSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20899
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $2.1 million to BLUE IRIS TECH CONSULTING INC for work described as: IEDISON Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $205.1 million. 2. Blue Iris Tech Consulting Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Potential for limited competition due to 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status. 4. Services fall under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value is substantial, but without a competitive bidding process, it's difficult to assess if the pricing is optimal. Benchmarking against similar contracts for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' is needed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers are receiving the best possible value for $205.1 million.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the absence of competitive bidding. The specific scientific consulting services provided are not detailed, impacting public understanding of the expenditure. The long contract duration (3 years) means sustained potential for non-competitive pricing.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- High contract value
- Limited transparency on services
Positive Signals
- Clear awardee identified
- Defined contract period
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional services, specifically scientific and technical consulting. The value is high for this category, especially without competitive sourcing.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is a firm, and there is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements or participation in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial to ensure the services are necessary and performed effectively, given the sole-source nature of the award. The Department of Commerce and NIST should monitor performance closely.
Related Government Programs
- Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Institute of Standards and Technology Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition.
- Lack of transparency regarding specific services procured.
- Long contract duration increases risk of sustained non-competitive pricing.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consultin, department-of-commerce, md, purchase-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $2.1 million to BLUE IRIS TECH CONSULTING INC. IEDISON
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BLUE IRIS TECH CONSULTING INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Institute of Standards and Technology).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-06-04. End: 2027-06-03.
What specific scientific and technical consulting services are being procured, and how do they align with NIST's mission?
The data indicates the NAICS code is 541690 for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' However, the specific nature of these services is not detailed. Understanding the precise deliverables and their relevance to NIST's research and standards development goals is essential for justifying this significant expenditure and ensuring it directly supports the agency's mission.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a non-competitive basis?
The contract is marked as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION.' A thorough review of the justification for this limited competition is necessary. Agencies typically sole-source contracts when only one vendor possesses the required capabilities, or in urgent situations. Without this justification, it's difficult to assess if taxpayer funds are being used efficiently or if alternative competitive strategies were overlooked.
How will the effectiveness and value of Blue Iris Tech's services be measured throughout the contract period?
Given the $205.1 million value and the lack of competition, robust performance metrics and regular evaluations are critical. NIST must establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) and conduct frequent reviews to ensure Blue Iris Tech is delivering high-quality services that meet or exceed expectations and provide demonstrable value for the investment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting 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
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3033 WILSON BLVD STE 700, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,541,619
Exercised Options: $2,051,040
Current Obligation: $2,051,040
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-06-04
Current End Date: 2027-06-03
Potential End Date: 2028-06-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-23
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