DOI awards $2.3M contract for knowledge management framework to APTIMA INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,299,968 ($2.3M)

Contractor: Aptima Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-08-09

End Date: 2027-01-07

Contract Duration: 1,247 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: DEVELOP AN ASSESSMENT AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (KM) FRAMEWORK THAT GUIDED OPERATIONAL TRANSITIONS

Place of Performance

Location: WOBURN, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01801

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.3 million to APTIMA INC for work described as: DEVELOP AN ASSESSMENT AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (KM) FRAMEWORK THAT GUIDED OPERATIONAL TRANSITIONS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on developing an assessment and knowledge management framework to guide operational transitions. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The duration of the contract is over 3 years, indicating a significant, long-term need. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541715 points to research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. 6. The contract is a definitive contract, typically used for complex projects with defined scopes. 7. The contractor, APTIMA INC, has secured this award, indicating their capability in the relevant R&D sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.3 million for a knowledge management framework over approximately 3.5 years appears reasonable for a research and development effort. However, without specific benchmarks for similar knowledge management framework development contracts or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces potential risks for cost escalation if the scope of work expands or if efficiencies are not realized by the contractor. Further analysis of APTIMA INC's historical performance on similar CPFF contracts would be beneficial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which indicates that the solicitation was broadly advertised and multiple responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This method generally promotes a competitive environment, allowing the government to receive a range of proposals and potentially secure favorable pricing and innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve the quality of services or products delivered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Interior's operational units that will utilize the developed assessment and knowledge management framework. The services delivered include the creation of a framework to guide operational transitions, implying improved efficiency and effectiveness in departmental operations. The geographic impact is likely national, as the Department of the Interior operates across the United States and its territories. Workforce implications may include training for personnel on the new framework and potential shifts in how knowledge is managed and disseminated within the agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries inherent risk of cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The specific deliverables and success metrics for the knowledge management framework are not detailed, potentially leading to scope creep or performance issues.
Long contract duration (over 3 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued alignment with evolving agency needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that likely yielded a qualified contractor.
The contractor, APTIMA INC, is specialized in R&D, indicating potential expertise relevant to the contract's objectives.
The contract aims to improve operational transitions through knowledge management, a critical function for agency efficiency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on management and operational frameworks. The NAICS code 541715 covers a broad range of R&D activities. Spending in this area is crucial for government agencies to innovate, improve processes, and adapt to changing environments. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within government-wide R&D spending reports or specific agency R&D budgets, often analyzed by functional area or scientific discipline.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) is false, meaning there is no explicit small business set-aside. Furthermore, there is no indication of subcontracting goals for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, APTIMA INC, is likely a large business, and the contract may not directly contribute to the small business ecosystem unless subcontracting opportunities arise organically.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract statement of work. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS.gov. The Inspector General's office for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of the Interior Knowledge Management Initiatives
Federal Agency Operational Efficiency Programs
Research and Development Support Services
Government IT and Data Management Frameworks

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
Lack of clearly defined success metrics could hinder performance evaluation.
Limited visibility into small business subcontracting opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.3 million to APTIMA INC. DEVELOP AN ASSESSMENT AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (KM) FRAMEWORK THAT GUIDED OPERATIONAL TRANSITIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APTIMA INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-09. End: 2027-01-07.

What is APTIMA INC's track record with Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, particularly for knowledge management or R&D frameworks?

Assessing APTIMA INC's track record with CPFF contracts is crucial for understanding their performance history and potential risks associated with this award. CPFF contracts, while offering flexibility, require diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns. A review of past performance databases and contract awards would reveal if APTIMA INC has successfully managed similar contracts, met cost targets, and delivered on time. Specific examples of their previous work in knowledge management or R&D frameworks, especially those using CPFF, would provide valuable insights into their capabilities and reliability. Without this specific data, the assessment remains general, relying on the inherent risks and benefits of the CPFF structure.

How does the $2.3 million contract value compare to similar knowledge management framework development contracts within the federal government?

Benchmarking the $2.3 million contract value against similar federal contracts for knowledge management framework development is essential for evaluating its reasonableness. This comparison would ideally involve analyzing contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity, awarded to various agencies or departments. Factors such as the specific functionalities required, the level of customization, and the contractor's expertise can influence pricing. If comparable contracts are significantly lower or higher, it could indicate potential overpricing or underestimation of the project's needs. Access to historical contract data and market research reports would facilitate a more precise value-for-money assessment.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics for this knowledge management framework contract?

The key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics for this contract are critical for measuring the effectiveness of the developed knowledge management framework and ensuring the contractor meets expectations. While the provided data does not detail these specific metrics, a robust contract would include measurable objectives related to the framework's adoption rate, its impact on operational transition efficiency, user satisfaction, and the accessibility and accuracy of managed knowledge. Without clearly defined and measurable KPIs, it becomes challenging to objectively assess the contractor's performance and the overall value delivered to the Department of the Interior. These metrics should be quantifiable and directly linked to the contract's stated goals.

What is the anticipated impact of this knowledge management framework on the Department of the Interior's operational efficiency and decision-making?

The anticipated impact of this knowledge management framework is to significantly enhance the Department of the Interior's operational efficiency and decision-making processes. By establishing a structured approach to capturing, organizing, and disseminating knowledge, the framework aims to reduce redundancies, improve information retrieval, and foster better-informed strategic choices. This could translate into faster response times during operational transitions, more consistent application of best practices across different units, and a stronger institutional memory. The framework is expected to provide a centralized repository of critical information, enabling personnel to access relevant data and insights more readily, thereby supporting more agile and effective operations.

What is the historical spending trend for knowledge management or similar R&D support services within the Department of the Interior?

Analyzing historical spending trends for knowledge management or similar R&D support services within the Department of the Interior provides context for the current $2.3 million award. Understanding past investment levels in these areas can reveal whether this contract represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of spending. It also helps identify patterns in contract types, durations, and awarded contractors. For instance, if the DOI has consistently invested in knowledge management frameworks, this award might be part of an ongoing strategy. Conversely, a significant increase could signal a new focus or a response to identified operational challenges. Historical data would also highlight which types of R&D support services have received the most funding.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Aptima, Inc.

Address: 12 GILL ST, WOBURN, MA, 01801

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,299,968

Exercised Options: $2,299,968

Current Obligation: $2,299,968

Actual Outlays: $1,620,643

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline