State Department Awards $3.8M for Consular Administrative Management Systems to Gray Matters Technology

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,837,496 ($3.8M)

Contractor: Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-09-01

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 545 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS (CA) CONSULAR ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (AMS)

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 $3.8 million to GRAY MATTERS TECHNOLOGY SERVICE, LLC for work described as: BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS (CA) CONSULAR ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (AMS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for custom computer programming services. 2. Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is for a Firm Fixed Price delivery order. 4. This award falls under the Custom Computer Programming Services NAICS code. 5. The contract duration is 545 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.84 million for a 545-day period appears reasonable for custom computer programming services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for IT system development and maintenance would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best value through market forces.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and potential enhancement of critical consular administrative systems. Supports the Department of State's mission in managing consular services. Potential for improved efficiency in administrative processes for consular affairs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for scope creep in custom programming projects.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract type limits cost overruns.
Clear end date for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending in this sector is substantial across government agencies, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is Gray Matters Technology Service, LLC. It is unclear from the provided data whether this is a small business or if small business subcontracting goals were a factor in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to ensure the contractor meets performance requirements and delivers the contracted services within the specified timeline and budget. The Department of State's contracting office is responsible for this oversight.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is relatively short (545 days).
Awardee is a single entity, limiting redundancy.
Specific performance metrics not detailed.
Potential for vendor lock-in with custom solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $3.8 million to GRAY MATTERS TECHNOLOGY SERVICE, LLC. BUREAU OF CONSULAR AFFAIRS (CA) CONSULAR ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (AMS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GRAY MATTERS TECHNOLOGY SERVICE, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-01. End: 2026-02-28.

What specific functionalities or improvements are expected from the Consular Administrative Management Systems under this contract?

The contract is for custom computer programming services for the Consular Administrative Management Systems (AMS). While the exact functionalities are not detailed, it likely involves maintaining, updating, or developing new features to support the Bureau of Consular Affairs' administrative operations. This could include enhancements to case management, data processing, reporting, or user interface improvements to streamline consular processes.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential technical challenges in custom development, contractor performance issues, and the possibility of scope creep. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management, clear performance standards, regular progress reviews, and the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes the contractor to control costs. The full and open competition also helps mitigate risks by selecting a capable vendor.

How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Bureau of Consular Affairs?

This contract is essential for maintaining and potentially improving the IT infrastructure that underpins the Bureau of Consular Affairs' operations. Effective administrative management systems can lead to increased efficiency, better data accuracy, improved service delivery to citizens, and enhanced security. By ensuring these systems are functional and up-to-date, the contract directly supports the agency's mission effectiveness.

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 - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Gray Matters Technology Service LLC

Address: 10011 NICOL CT E, BOWIE, MD, 20721

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,605,586

Exercised Options: $3,837,496

Current Obligation: $3,837,496

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F290CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline