DOI awards IBM $1.4M for Wildland Fire Decision Support System, ending August 2025
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,399,820 ($1.4M)
Contractor: International Business Machines Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2024-08-29
End Date: 2025-08-31
Contract Duration: 367 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: OFFICE OF WILDLAND FIRE (OWF) INTERAGENCY FUEL TREATMENT DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (IFTDSS)
Place of Performance
Location: BOISE, ADA County, IDAHO, 83709
State: Idaho Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $1.4 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION for work described as: OFFICE OF WILDLAND FIRE (OWF) INTERAGENCY FUEL TREATMENT DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (IFTDSS) Key points: 1. The contract supports critical wildfire management technology. 2. IBM is a major IT services provider, indicating significant competition potential. 3. The fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks. 4. Spending falls within the 'Other Computer Related Services' sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $1.4M for a 1-year period appears reasonable for a specialized decision support system. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts for government agencies would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing the best value.
Public Impact
Enhances wildfire prediction and response capabilities. Supports interagency coordination for fire management. Provides data-driven tools for resource allocation. Aims to improve the effectiveness of fuel treatment strategies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if system becomes highly integrated.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical decision support.
Positive Signals
- Clear contract end date.
- Fixed-price contract reduces cost uncertainty.
- Supports a vital national security and environmental mission.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under IT services, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Spending in this category for government IT solutions can vary widely, but this award appears moderate for a specialized system.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to IBM, a large corporation, and there is no indication of small business participation in this specific award. Future solicitations could explore opportunities for small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Interior's oversight is crucial for ensuring the IFTDSS meets its objectives and that IBM delivers according to the contract terms. Regular performance reviews are expected.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of the Interior Contracting
- Departmental Offices Programs
Risk Flags
- Vendor lock-in potential
- System obsolescence risk
- Data security and integrity concerns
- Dependence on vendor's continued support
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-the-interior, id, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $1.4 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. OFFICE OF WILDLAND FIRE (OWF) INTERAGENCY FUEL TREATMENT DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (IFTDSS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $1.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-08-29. End: 2025-08-31.
What is the expected impact of the IFTDSS on wildfire suppression costs and effectiveness?
The IFTDSS is expected to improve resource allocation and strategic planning for wildfire management, potentially leading to more efficient suppression efforts and reduced overall costs. By providing better data and predictive capabilities, it can help prioritize fuel treatments and response actions, thereby mitigating the severity and spread of wildfires.
What are the primary risks associated with relying on a single vendor for this critical decision support system?
The primary risks include potential vendor lock-in, where the government becomes dependent on IBM's proprietary technology and pricing. This could lead to higher costs in the future or difficulties in transitioning to alternative solutions. Additionally, a single vendor's financial instability or strategic shifts could disrupt service delivery.
How will the effectiveness of the IFTDSS be measured and validated post-implementation?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) related to improved prediction accuracy, faster response times, optimized resource deployment, and documented cost savings in wildfire management. Regular performance reviews and user feedback from wildland fire agencies will be essential for validation and iterative improvements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related 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: 140D0424Q0933
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6710 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, BETHESDA, MD, 20817
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $1,604,041
Exercised Options: $1,399,820
Current Obligation: $1,399,820
Actual Outlays: $1,399,820
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: IND13PC00024
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-08-29
Current End Date: 2025-08-31
Potential End Date: 2025-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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