State Department awards $2.5M for PMO and program support, highlighting custom computer programming services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,495,263 ($2.5M)

Contractor: Jssa Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-08-13

End Date: 2026-08-12

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: REQUIREMENT FOR PMO AND PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES FOR GTM.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20520

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $2.5 million to JSSA INC for work described as: REQUIREMENT FOR PMO AND PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES FOR GTM. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential program management and support, indicating a need for specialized expertise. 2. The award was made through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. Labor hours pricing model allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of effort. 4. The contract duration of approximately two years provides a stable period for service delivery. 5. This award falls under custom computer programming services, a key area for government IT modernization. 6. The single award indicates a specific need met by one contractor, JSSA INC.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.5 million for approximately two years of PMO and program support appears reasonable given the scope of custom computer programming services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for program management and IT support within the Department of State or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value assessment. The labor hours pricing structure necessitates diligent oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market pricing and encourage innovation. The fact that it was a single award suggests that JSSA INC. was the most advantageous offer based on the evaluation criteria, which could include technical capability, past performance, and price.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and improves service quality.

Public Impact

The Department of State benefits from enhanced program management and support, leading to more effective execution of its initiatives. Services delivered include crucial PMO functions and program support, likely impacting various departmental projects. The geographic impact is centered in the District of Columbia, where the Department of State is headquartered. Workforce implications may include the need for skilled personnel in program management, IT support, and custom programming.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in labor-hour contracts if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive and fair process.
Contract duration of nearly two years provides stability for program execution.
Focus on PMO and program support addresses core governmental needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming services. The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies continually investing in technology to support their missions. This award represents a portion of the Department of State's broader IT spending, aimed at improving program management and operational efficiency through specialized support.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded through full and open competition. This suggests that large businesses or those capable of meeting the specific requirements were the primary bidders. There is no explicit indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data, though it remains a possibility depending on JSSA INC.'s approach.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures will be tied to the performance standards outlined in the contract and the delivery order. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though specific performance details may be internal.

Related Government Programs

Department of State IT Support Services
Program Management Support Contracts
Custom Computer Programming Services
Federal IT Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor-hour pricing model.
Need for robust government oversight to manage contractor performance and hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $2.5 million to JSSA INC. REQUIREMENT FOR PMO AND PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES FOR GTM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JSSA INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-13. End: 2026-08-12.

What is the track record of JSSA INC. in performing similar PMO and program support services for federal agencies?

Assessing JSSA INC.'s track record requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving Program Management Office (PMO) functions and general program support. This would involve examining contract databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or SAM.gov for awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any reported issues or successes. A strong history of successful contract completion, positive performance reviews, and minimal disputes would indicate a lower risk. Conversely, a history of performance issues, contract terminations, or significant disputes would raise concerns about their ability to successfully execute this new award.

How does the awarded value compare to similar PMO and program support contracts within the Department of State?

To compare the awarded value of $2.5 million for approximately two years, one would need to identify comparable contracts within the Department of State or other agencies for similar services. This involves looking at contracts with similar scopes of work (PMO, program support, IT services), durations, and pricing structures (e.g., labor hours). Benchmarking would involve analyzing the average cost per labor hour, the total contract value relative to the number of personnel or scope, and the overall value proposition. If this contract's value is significantly higher or lower than comparable contracts, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing/underbidding, warranting further investigation into the specific requirements and market rates.

What are the primary risks associated with a labor-hour contract for PMO and program support services?

Labor-hour contracts, like this one, carry inherent risks primarily related to cost control and scope management. The main risk is that the contractor may not perform work as efficiently as possible, leading to inflated labor hours and exceeding the contract ceiling. There's also a risk of scope creep, where the tasks performed expand beyond the original intent without adequate adjustments to the contract. For the government, effective oversight is crucial to monitor the hours worked, the appropriateness of the labor categories, and the progress towards deliverables. Without robust oversight, the government could end up paying more than necessary for the services rendered, diminishing the overall value for money.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' process likely to be in ensuring value for money for this specific contract?

The 'full and open competition' process is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal contracting. It allows any responsible source to submit an offer, fostering a competitive environment that typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. For this contract, the effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the solicitation, the number and quality of bidders, and the evaluation criteria used. If multiple capable vendors submitted competitive bids, it strongly suggests that the awarded price reflects a fair market value. However, the government must still diligently manage the contract to ensure the contractor delivers the expected quality and quantity of services within the agreed-upon terms.

What is the historical spending pattern for PMO and program support services at the Department of State?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for PMO and program support services at the Department of State would involve examining procurement data over several fiscal years. This would reveal trends in contract values, the types of services procured, the primary contractors utilized, and the competition levels for these types of services. Understanding this history can help contextualize the current $2.5 million award. For instance, if historical spending in this area has been consistently high, it suggests a sustained need. If spending has fluctuated, it might indicate shifts in program priorities or funding. Comparing current spending to past trends can also highlight potential increases or decreases in investment and inform future budget planning and procurement strategies.

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 - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 POSSUM HOLLOW RD, ANDOVER, MA, 01810

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,813,174

Exercised Options: $7,789,474

Current Obligation: $2,495,263

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA22D002V

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline