Commerce Dept. awards $2.26M for NIST IT support, highlighting custom programming services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,258,594 ($2.3M)

Contractor: Prominent Edge, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2025-03-28

End Date: 2027-03-27

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: SERVICE DESK SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: GAITHERSBURG, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20899

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $2.3 million to PROMINENT EDGE, LLC for work described as: SERVICE DESK SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.26M for IT support services. 2. Service desk and custom computer programming are key deliverables. 3. Awarded to PROMINENT EDGE, LLC, a single contractor. 4. Contract duration spans 729 days. 5. Performance location is Maryland. 6. This contract falls under the IT sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.26M for 729 days of service desk and custom programming support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized IT services. However, without specific details on the scope of work, number of users supported, or the complexity of the custom programming, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar NIST or Commerce Department contracts for comparable IT support would provide a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market prices and encourage innovation. The fact that it resulted in a single award suggests PROMINENT EDGE, LLC was the most advantageous offer received by the agency.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces and ensures the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

NIST researchers and staff will benefit from reliable IT support. Ensures continuity of operations for critical scientific research. Custom programming services will support unique NIST project needs. Services are delivered within Maryland, supporting the local economy. IT professionals employed by PROMINENT EDGE, LLC will perform the work.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if custom programming becomes highly specialized.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure.
Scope creep in custom programming could lead to cost overruns.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
Clear contract duration limits potential for indefinite spending.
Focus on specific IT services indicates targeted government needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on custom computer programming and IT support. The IT services market is highly competitive and dynamic, with significant government spending allocated to maintaining and upgrading federal IT infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar IT support contracts within federal agencies can vary widely based on scope, duration, and required expertise.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside provisions. Therefore, it is unlikely that small businesses were specifically targeted for this award. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

IT Support Services
Custom Computer Programming Services
Federal IT Infrastructure Modernization
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Operations

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to custom programming.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $2.3 million to PROMINENT EDGE, LLC. SERVICE DESK SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PROMINENT EDGE, LLC.

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 $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-28. End: 2027-03-27.

What is the specific scope of 'Custom Computer Programming Services' required under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of 'Custom Computer Programming Services.' This typically involves developing, testing, and deploying new software applications or modifying existing ones to meet unique government requirements. For NIST, this could range from developing specialized scientific simulation software to creating data analysis tools or internal workflow management systems. A detailed review of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW) associated with this contract would be necessary to understand the precise nature and complexity of the programming tasks.

How does the awarded amount of $2.26M compare to similar IT support contracts at NIST or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $2.26M award requires comparing it to contracts with similar scopes, durations, and service levels. For a 729-day contract (approximately 2 years), this equates to roughly $3,100 per day. If this contract supports a significant number of users or involves highly specialized programming, the cost might be considered reasonable. However, without knowing the exact number of personnel supported, the complexity of the IT environment, and the specific deliverables, a direct comparison is difficult. Agencies often issue multiple task orders under larger IT support vehicles, making direct comparisons challenging without granular data on individual task orders.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that PROMINENT EDGE, LLC will be measured against?

The provided summary data does not list the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Typically, IT support contracts include KPIs related to response times for service desk tickets, resolution rates, system uptime, security compliance, and successful completion of custom programming milestones. These KPIs are crucial for ensuring the contractor meets the government's performance expectations and for evaluating the overall value and effectiveness of the services provided. The contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) would contain these specific metrics.

What is PROMINENT EDGE, LLC's track record with federal IT support contracts?

Information regarding PROMINENT EDGE, LLC's specific track record with federal IT support contracts is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance history, one would need to examine past federal contract awards and performance evaluations (e.g., through the Federal Procurement Data System - FPDS or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS). This would reveal their experience with similar services, their past performance ratings, and any history of contract disputes or issues. A positive track record with relevant IT services would indicate a lower performance risk for this new contract.

Are there any potential risks associated with awarding this contract to a single vendor, even under full and open competition?

While full and open competition aims to mitigate risks, awarding a critical service like IT support to a single vendor inherently carries some risks. These can include potential vendor lock-in, especially if custom programming creates unique dependencies. If the vendor experiences financial difficulties, staffing shortages, or strategic shifts, it could disrupt essential services. Furthermore, a single vendor may have less incentive to continuously innovate or offer highly competitive pricing compared to a market with multiple active providers. However, the competitive bidding process is designed to select the vendor offering the best overall value and lowest risk at the time of award.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1333ND25RNB180013

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14572 RIVERWIND TER, CENTREVILLE, VA, 20120

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,110,507

Exercised Options: $2,258,594

Current Obligation: $2,258,594

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA18D00DU

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline