Interior's DOI Bureau of Reclamation Spends $118.8K on IT MySQL Licenses with Strategic Communications LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $118,762 ($118.8K)

Contractor: Strategic Communications LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2024-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $109/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IT MYSQL ENTERPRISE EDITION LICENSES

Place of Performance

Location: DENVER, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80225

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $118,761.9 to STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS LLC for work described as: IT MYSQL ENTERPRISE EDITION LICENSES Key points: 1. Spending on enterprise software licenses is common, but the specific vendor and contract details warrant review. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate procurement strategy. 3. The contract duration of nearly three years indicates a need for ongoing support and maintenance. 4. The 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code is broad and may encompass various IT functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $118.8K for enterprise MySQL licenses over three years appears moderate. Benchmarking against similar enterprise license agreements for major database software is necessary to determine if this pricing is competitive.

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,' indicating that while competition was sought, specific circumstances led to excluding certain potential bidders. This method can impact price discovery if the exclusion was not fully justified.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential IT infrastructure. The effectiveness of the competition method in securing the best value for the government is a key consideration for taxpayer impact.

Public Impact

Ensures access to critical database software for government operations. Supports the Bureau of Reclamation's mission-essential functions. Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully. Requires ongoing budget allocation for software maintenance and support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Justification for exclusion of sources needs clear documentation.
Potential for cost overruns if license needs change.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical software.

Positive Signals

Procured through a competitive process.
Supports agency operational needs.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

The IT sector, particularly software licensing, represents a significant portion of federal spending. Benchmarks for enterprise database licenses vary widely based on vendor, edition, and support levels. This contract falls within the typical range for such procurements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to 'STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS LLC.' Further analysis is needed to determine if this is a small business and if opportunities were provided for small business participation in the subcontracting process.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. Oversight should focus on the justification for the specific requirements, the vendor's performance, and adherence to contract terms and conditions.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
Bureau of Reclamation Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of clarity on source exclusion justification.
Potential for uncompetitive pricing due to limited competition.
Need for detailed cost-benefit analysis of enterprise licenses.
Dependency on a single vendor for critical database infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $118,761.9 to STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS LLC. IT MYSQL ENTERPRISE EDITION LICENSES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $118,761.9.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

What was the specific justification for excluding sources in the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award?

The justification for excluding sources is critical to understanding the procurement's integrity and potential impact on pricing. Agencies must provide clear, documented reasons, such as technical uniqueness, proprietary data, or specific government-unique requirements, to ensure fair competition and prevent undue restrictions on potential bidders. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the exclusion led to suboptimal pricing or limited the government's options.

How does the per-unit cost of these MySQL licenses compare to industry benchmarks for similar enterprise editions?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost against industry standards for enterprise MySQL licenses is essential for determining value for money. Factors like the number of users, cores, or features included in the license significantly influence pricing. A detailed comparison with publicly available pricing or data from similar government contracts can reveal if the Department of the Interior is paying a competitive rate or if there is potential for cost savings.

What is the long-term strategy for managing MySQL licensing and potential vendor lock-in?

Federal agencies must have a clear strategy for managing software licenses to avoid vendor lock-in and control long-term costs. This includes regular reviews of license utilization, exploring alternative solutions, and negotiating favorable terms upon renewal. Proactive management ensures that the agency is not overly reliant on a single vendor and can adapt to changing technological needs and budget constraints effectively.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140R8124Q0040

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 310 EVERGREEN RD # 100, LOUISVILLE, KY, 40243

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Joint Venture Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $197,937

Exercised Options: $118,762

Current Obligation: $118,762

Actual Outlays: $79,175

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC90B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline