State Dept. Awards $2.9M for Data Assessment Services to Blackwood Associates, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $290,637 ($290.6K)
Contractor: Blackwood Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2024-09-24
End Date: 2026-08-23
Contract Duration: 698 days
Daily Burn Rate: $416/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: DATA ASSESSMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: ANNAPOLIS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21401
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $290,637.35 to BLACKWOOD ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: DATA ASSESSMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for data assessment professional services. 2. Blackwood Associates, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is for a Firm Fixed Price type. 4. The period of performance is approximately 698 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $2.9 million for data assessment services is a significant investment. Without comparable contract data or a detailed breakdown of services, assessing its pricing against similar contracts is difficult. The lack of competition further complicates value assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
This contract was not competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition approach. The award to a single vendor without a broader solicitation process raises questions about whether the government secured the best possible price and solution.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for professional services. The limited competition may result in a higher cost than if the contract had been openly competed, potentially impacting the efficient use of taxpayer money.
Public Impact
Citizens may question the justification for awarding a significant contract without open competition. Transparency regarding the specific data assessment services and their necessity is important for public trust. The effectiveness of the services provided by Blackwood Associates, Inc. will be a key indicator of value.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of detailed service breakdown
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition
Positive Signals
- Clear contract award
- Defined period of performance
Sector Analysis
The IT services sector, particularly data assessment and related professional services, is a growing area of government spending. Benchmarks for similar contracts are often difficult to establish due to the specialized nature of the services and varying contract scopes.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not competed under SAP and awarded to Blackwood Associates, Inc. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be crucial to ensure Blackwood Associates, Inc. delivers the contracted data assessment services effectively and within budget. The Department of State's contracting officers will be responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises concerns about price reasonableness.
- Lack of transparency regarding the specific services and their necessity.
- Potential for higher costs due to sole-source or limited award.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-state, md, definitive-contract, 100k-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $290,637.35 to BLACKWOOD ASSOCIATES, INC.. DATA ASSESSMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BLACKWOOD ASSOCIATES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $290,637.35.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-24. End: 2026-08-23.
What specific data assessment services are being procured, and how do they align with the Department of State's strategic objectives?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'DATA ASSESSMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES' under NAICS code 541519 (Other Computer Related Services). While the specific objectives are not detailed, such services typically involve analyzing large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can inform decision-making, improve operational efficiency, or enhance security. For the Department of State, this could relate to geopolitical analysis, resource management, or cybersecurity.
What is the justification for not competing this contract more broadly, given its value?
The contract was 'NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP,' suggesting it may have fallen under specific exceptions or justifications for limited competition, such as a sole-source award or a specific set-aside that was not met. Without further details on the justification, it's difficult to assess if this was the most cost-effective approach for the government. A limited competition can sometimes lead to higher prices compared to full and open competition.
How will the effectiveness and value of Blackwood Associates, Inc.'s services be measured and ensured?
Effectiveness and value will be measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as timely delivery of reports, quality of analysis, and achievement of specific data assessment goals. The Department of State's contracting officer and technical representatives will monitor progress, conduct reviews, and ensure deliverables meet the agreed-upon standards. Regular performance evaluations and milestone reviews are standard practices to ensure contractor accountability and service value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1835 FOREST DR, ANNAPOLIS, MD, 21401
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $290,637
Exercised Options: $290,637
Current Obligation: $290,637
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-24
Current End Date: 2026-08-23
Potential End Date: 2026-08-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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