DOJ's $3.8M IT Helpdesk Contract Awarded to Bailey Information Technology, LLC for 3 Years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,832,316 ($3.8M)

Contractor: Bailey Information Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2023-09-22

End Date: 2026-09-21

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: EXTERNAL HELPDESK FY23

Place of Performance

Location: STAFFORD, STAFFORD County, VIRGINIA, 22554

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $3.8 million to BAILEY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: EXTERNAL HELPDESK FY23 Key points: 1. Contract provides essential IT support services, ensuring operational continuity for the Department of Justice. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these services. 3. The contract duration of three years allows for stable service delivery and potential for performance optimization. 4. Service type is Computer Systems Design, a critical component of modern government IT infrastructure. 5. Awarded as a Delivery Order, indicating it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 6. The contract is structured using Labor Hours, which can offer flexibility but requires careful monitoring of effort.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking the value of this specific delivery order is challenging without knowing the parent contract's specifics or broader IT support market rates. However, the $3.8 million total value over three years for external helpdesk services for a large agency like the DOJ appears reasonable, assuming the scope of services is comprehensive. The use of Labor Hours necessitates close oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent cost overruns compared to fixed-price arrangements.

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 the competition was broad, specific sources may have been excluded based on pre-defined criteria. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' nature suggests a competitive process that should drive fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by promoting market-driven pricing and encouraging contractors to offer their best value.

Public Impact

The Department of Justice's internal staff will benefit from reliable IT support, improving their ability to perform their duties. Essential IT helpdesk services will be delivered, addressing user issues, system maintenance, and technical support. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting DOJ personnel across various locations. Workforce implications include the potential for specialized IT roles within the contractor's organization supporting this effort.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if labor hours are not meticulously tracked and managed.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT support functions could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring consistent service quality across all DOJ components and locations requires robust performance management.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and competitive pricing.
The three-year duration provides stability for service delivery and contractor performance.
The contractor, Bailey Information Technology, LLC, is established in the IT services sector.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly computer systems design and related support, is a significant area of federal spending. This contract falls under the broader category of IT support services, which are essential for the functioning of virtually all government agencies. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Federal spending in this area often benchmarks against commercial IT support costs, with agencies seeking cost-effective solutions that ensure system uptime and user productivity.

Small Business Impact

Information on small business set-asides or subcontracting is not explicitly provided for this delivery order. As it was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' it does not appear to be a direct small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities, which would need to be tracked separately.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Justice's contracting officers and program managers. Performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) outlined in the parent contract or delivery order would be used to monitor contractor performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance reports are often internal.

Related Government Programs

Federal IT Support Services
Department of Justice IT Contracts
Computer Systems Design Services
Helpdesk Support Contracts
IT Professional Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor hour contract type.
Risk of service degradation if contractor performance is not closely monitored.
Dependence on contractor personnel for critical IT functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $3.8 million to BAILEY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, LLC. EXTERNAL HELPDESK FY23

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAILEY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-22. End: 2026-09-21.

What is the track record of Bailey Information Technology, LLC in performing similar federal IT support contracts?

Assessing Bailey Information Technology, LLC's track record requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving IT helpdesk and computer systems design services. While this specific award is for $3.8 million over three years, understanding their history with similar-sized or larger contracts, client satisfaction ratings, and any past performance issues or commendations is crucial. Federal procurement data systems (like SAM.gov or FPDS) often contain past performance information or links to relevant contract history. A thorough review would involve examining contract close-out reports, any debriefings provided to unsuccessful bidders on previous solicitations, and potentially seeking feedback from agency contracting officers who have previously utilized their services. This due diligence helps gauge their capability to meet the demanding requirements of the Department of Justice.

How does the estimated value of this contract compare to similar IT helpdesk services procured by other federal agencies?

To benchmark this $3.8 million, three-year contract for IT helpdesk services, one would compare its estimated value against similar contracts awarded by other federal agencies for comparable scope and service levels. This involves analyzing data from contract databases (e.g., FPDS) for contracts with keywords like 'helpdesk,' 'IT support,' 'customer support,' and 'computer systems design' within a similar timeframe. Key comparison points include the total contract value, duration, number of users supported, types of services offered (e.g., Tier 1/2/3 support, remote vs. on-site), and the pricing structure (labor hours vs. fixed price). For instance, if similar agencies are procuring comparable services for significantly less or more, it would indicate whether this contract represents a potentially high or low value. Factors like geographic location, specific technology stacks supported, and security requirements can also influence pricing and must be considered in the comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this IT helpdesk contract include potential performance deficiencies (e.g., slow response times, unresolved issues), cost overruns due to the labor hours pricing model, and contractor personnel turnover impacting service continuity. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust performance monitoring through Service Level Agreements (SLAs), regular performance reviews, and clear metrics for success. The Department of Justice's contracting officer and technical points of contact are responsible for actively managing the contract, ensuring adherence to SLAs, and addressing any performance gaps promptly. For cost control, detailed tracking and auditing of labor hours, along with defined ceilings, are essential. Contractor personnel stability can be encouraged through contract incentives and by requiring the contractor to maintain a qualified and experienced workforce.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring optimal value for taxpayers in this IT services procurement?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach aims to balance broad market participation with specific requirements that might necessitate excluding certain types of offerors. While 'full and open' competition is generally preferred for maximizing value, the 'exclusion of sources' clause indicates that specific criteria were used to narrow the field before the final competition. This could be due to specific technical requirements, past performance issues with certain vendors, or socioeconomic goals. If the exclusions were justified and based on objective criteria directly related to the agency's needs, this approach can still yield good value by focusing competition among highly qualified vendors. However, if the exclusions were overly broad or arbitrary, it could limit competition and potentially lead to higher prices or less innovative solutions, thereby reducing value for taxpayers. The effectiveness hinges on the justification and transparency of the exclusion criteria.

What is the historical spending pattern for IT helpdesk services at the Department of Justice, and how does this contract fit within that trend?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for IT helpdesk services at the Department of Justice requires examining procurement data over several fiscal years. This involves identifying previous contracts for similar services, their values, durations, and the contractors awarded. Trends might reveal whether the DOJ consistently uses full and open competition, relies on specific contract vehicles, or has seen fluctuations in spending for these services. This $3.8 million delivery order should be viewed in context: is it a continuation of a long-standing service, a new initiative, or a consolidation of previous efforts? If spending has been increasing, it might indicate growing IT needs or rising service costs. Conversely, stable or decreasing spending could suggest efficiency gains or a shift in service delivery models. Understanding this historical context helps assess if the current contract represents a prudent use of funds aligned with the agency's overall IT strategy and budget.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 15JE1R23Q00000008

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 800 CORPORATE DR STE 301, STAFFORD, VA, 22554

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,951,523

Exercised Options: $3,951,523

Current Obligation: $3,832,316

Actual Outlays: $2,879,533

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCB22D0299

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline