Interior awards $2.2M contract for custom programming services to Focus Consulting LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,202,301 ($2.2M)

Contractor: Focus Consulting LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2025-09-24

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 370 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: COMMUNITY SERVICES FORMS BUILDER FOR EFFICIENT REPORTING

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20005

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.2 million to FOCUS CONSULTING LLC for work described as: COMMUNITY SERVICES FORMS BUILDER FOR EFFICIENT REPORTING Key points: 1. Contract awarded for custom computer programming, indicating a need for specialized software development. 2. The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can pose cost control risks if not managed closely. 3. A single award suggests limited competition, potentially impacting price negotiation and value for money. 4. The duration of 370 days allows for substantial development and implementation time. 5. Focus Consulting LLC is the sole awardee, highlighting their specific expertise or market position for this requirement. 6. The contract falls under the 'Custom Computer Programming Services' category, a common area for federal IT spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.2 million for custom computer programming services over approximately one year appears within a reasonable range for specialized IT development. However, without specific details on the scope of work, it is difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The Time and Materials pricing structure introduces inherent risk; actual costs could exceed the estimated value if not carefully monitored and controlled. A more fixed-price or performance-based contract might offer better value certainty.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when a specific contractor possesses unique capabilities, or when urgency and limited market availability necessitate it. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from a range of proposals and pricing, potentially leading to a higher cost than if it had been openly competed.

Taxpayer Impact: A sole-source award limits the government's ability to leverage competitive pressures to secure the best possible price for taxpayers. This can result in less efficient use of public funds compared to contracts awarded through full and open competition.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior benefits from the development of custom software for efficient reporting. Federal employees within the Department of the Interior will likely use the new forms builder for their reporting tasks. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia, where the Department of the Interior is headquartered. The contract supports the IT services sector by engaging a private sector firm for custom software development.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
Sole-source award limits competitive pressure, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed scope of work makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing oversight to ensure progress and quality.

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific need for efficient reporting through custom software.
Focus Consulting LLC is awarded the contract, suggesting they meet specific requirements.
The contract has a defined end date, providing a clear project timeline.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. The federal government is a significant consumer of such services to modernize systems, improve efficiency, and meet evolving operational needs. The market for custom software development is competitive, but specialized requirements can sometimes lead to limited competition or sole-source awards. Benchmarking this contract's value would require detailed analysis of the specific functionalities and complexity of the forms builder being developed.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to involve significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses based on the available data. The award to Focus Consulting LLC, a single entity, suggests it is either a large business or a small business that was the sole source for this specific requirement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the size standard of Focus Consulting LLC and its potential impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily rest with the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, approving invoices, and ensuring compliance with contract terms. The Time and Materials nature of the contract necessitates rigorous oversight to control costs and ensure the work performed aligns with the project's objectives. Transparency would be enhanced by public reporting of key milestones and expenditures.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
IT Services
Software Development
Departmental IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Time and Materials pricing structure carries cost overrun risk.
Lack of detailed scope of work hinders value assessment.
Potential for scope creep due to T&M contract type.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.2 million to FOCUS CONSULTING LLC. COMMUNITY SERVICES FORMS BUILDER FOR EFFICIENT REPORTING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FOCUS CONSULTING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-24. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the specific scope of work for the 'COMMUNITY SERVICES FORMS BUILDER FOR EFFICIENT REPORTING' and what functionalities will it provide?

The provided data indicates the contract is for a 'COMMUNITY SERVICES FORMS BUILDER FOR EFFICIENT REPORTING' under NAICS code 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services). While the exact functionalities are not detailed, the name suggests the development of a software tool designed to create, manage, and process forms related to community services. This could include features for data entry, workflow automation, report generation, and potentially integration with other departmental systems. The goal is to streamline the reporting process, making it more efficient for users within the Department of the Interior. A detailed statement of work (SOW) would typically outline specific features, user interfaces, data security requirements, and performance metrics.

How does the $2.2 million award compare to typical spending on custom computer programming services by the Department of the Interior?

Benchmarking the $2.2 million award requires comparing it against historical spending patterns for similar custom computer programming services within the Department of the Interior. Without access to a comprehensive database of past contracts and their specific scopes, a direct comparison is challenging. However, for a project spanning approximately one year and involving specialized software development, this value is not unusually high, especially considering the potential complexity of reporting systems. Federal IT spending varies widely based on project scope, duration, and the level of customization required. To provide a more precise comparison, one would need to analyze contracts with similar NAICS codes (541511) and project durations awarded by the DOI or comparable agencies.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for custom programming, and how can they be mitigated?

The primary risk with Time and Materials (T&M) contracts is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is paid for the actual time and materials used, rather than a fixed price for a defined outcome. This can lead to scope creep and inefficiencies if not managed closely. For custom programming, this means the project could take longer and cost more than initially anticipated. Mitigation strategies include establishing clear labor categories with defined rates, setting a ceiling price for the contract, implementing strict oversight and approval processes for all hours worked and materials purchased, and defining specific deliverables and milestones. Regular progress reviews and performance monitoring are crucial to ensure the contractor is working efficiently and that the project remains within budget and on schedule.

Given the sole-source award, what due diligence was likely performed to ensure Focus Consulting LLC was the only viable option?

When a sole-source award is made, federal acquisition regulations typically require the agency to justify why full and open competition is not practicable. This often involves documenting that only one responsible source exists to meet the agency's needs. Due diligence might include market research to confirm the lack of other capable vendors, verifying the uniqueness of the contractor's capabilities or intellectual property, or demonstrating an urgent need that cannot be met through a competitive process. For IT services, this could involve proprietary software, highly specialized expertise, or a critical need to continue an existing system developed by that specific vendor. The justification for the sole-source award would be documented in the contract file.

What are the potential implications of this contract on the broader market for community services reporting software?

This contract, being a sole-source award for custom development, has limited direct implications on the broader market for off-the-shelf community services reporting software. It signifies a specific need within the Department of the Interior that existing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions did not adequately meet, or that customization was deemed more cost-effective or necessary. The development of this custom 'forms builder' might, however, influence future market offerings if its features prove innovative or highly effective, potentially inspiring commercial vendors. It also indicates a government willingness to invest in bespoke solutions when necessary, which can be a signal to the market about specific unmet needs in federal IT.

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 - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1015 15TH ST NW STE 600, WASHINGTON, DC, 20005

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,202,301

Exercised Options: $2,202,301

Current Obligation: $2,202,301

Actual Outlays: $365,474

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline