Labor Dept. Awards $7.8M for Technical Application Support Services to Micro Systems Consultants, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,835,521 ($7.8M)

Contractor: Micro Systems Consultants, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2023-12-27

End Date: 2026-05-15

Contract Duration: 870 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: TECHNICAL APPLICATION SUPPORT SERVICES (TASS)

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $7.8 million to MICRO SYSTEMS CONSULTANTS, INC. for work described as: TECHNICAL APPLICATION SUPPORT SERVICES (TASS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Micro Systems Consultants, Inc. for $7.8M. 2. Services fall under Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512). 3. Full and open competition was conducted after exclusion of sources. 4. Contract duration is 870 days, ending May 15, 2026. 5. The contract is for labor hours, indicating a time and materials approach.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $7.8M for technical application support services appears reasonable given the 870-day duration. However, without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a precise value assessment is difficult. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts would provide better context.

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. This method suggests an attempt to ensure fair market access, but the exclusion of specific sources might limit the breadth of competition and potentially impact price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The $7.8M expenditure represents taxpayer funds allocated for essential IT support services. The competitive nature of the award aims to ensure value for money, but the specific terms and pricing structure will ultimately determine the true taxpayer impact.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and support for critical technical applications within the Department of Labor. Supports the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management's IT infrastructure. Provides employment opportunities within the IT services sector. The labor hours model allows flexibility in addressing evolving support needs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables.
Potential for cost overruns with a labor hours contract.
Limited information on the 'exclusion of sources' rationale.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports essential government IT functions.
Long-term contract provides stability for services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this area is substantial across federal agencies, supporting a wide range of digital operations. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there is no direct benefit to small businesses from this specific award, and opportunities for subcontracting are not explicitly detailed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure Micro Systems Consultants, Inc. delivers effective technical application support within the allocated budget and timeframe. The Department of Labor's contracting officers will monitor performance, and the labor hours structure necessitates careful tracking of work performed.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Labor Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Programs

Risk Flags

Labor hours contract can lead to cost overruns.
Exclusion of sources may limit competition.
Lack of defined deliverables hinders performance measurement.
Potential for scope creep without clear task definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $7.8 million to MICRO SYSTEMS CONSULTANTS, INC.. TECHNICAL APPLICATION SUPPORT SERVICES (TASS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MICRO SYSTEMS CONSULTANTS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-27. End: 2026-05-15.

What is the expected impact of the labor hours pricing model on cost control and service delivery efficiency?

The labor hours model offers flexibility, allowing the government to adjust support levels as needed. However, it carries a risk of cost escalation if not managed diligently. Effective oversight, clear task definitions, and regular performance reviews are essential to ensure efficiency and prevent overspending. Without defined deliverables, it can be challenging to measure true value and hold the contractor accountable for specific outcomes.

How does the 'exclusion of sources' in the full and open competition affect the overall competitiveness and potential for cost savings?

Excluding specific sources from a full and open competition, while still allowing broad participation, can limit the range of potential bidders and innovative solutions. This exclusion might reduce competitive pressure, potentially leading to higher prices than if all qualified vendors were considered. The rationale behind the exclusion needs to be clearly documented to ensure it was justified and did not unduly restrict competition.

What specific technical applications are covered by this support contract, and what is the criticality of these systems to the Department of Labor's mission?

The provided data does not specify the exact technical applications supported by this contract. Understanding the criticality of these systems to the Department of Labor's mission is essential for assessing the risk associated with potential service disruptions and the overall value of the $7.8M investment. Further details on the scope of work are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this spending.

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 - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1605TA-23-Q-00050

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Micro Systems Consultants Inc.

Address: 2785 HARTLAND RD, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22043

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,135,690

Exercised Options: $8,035,404

Current Obligation: $7,835,521

Actual Outlays: $6,448,803

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCH18D0040

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline