State Department awards $3.2M for geospatial support, extending services through April 2027

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $321,688 ($321.7K)

Contractor: Geospatial Consulting Group International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2027-04-12

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $884/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: GEOSPATIAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22209

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $321,688 to GEOSPATIAL CONSULTING GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: GEOSPATIAL SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized geospatial services over a multi-year period. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. Fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Contract duration aligns with typical needs for ongoing support services. 5. Geospatial consulting group has secured a significant award in a specialized sector. 6. Virginia-based awardee indicates potential for regional economic impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.2 million over approximately one year (with potential for extension) for geospatial support services seems aligned with market rates for specialized IT and consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for geographic information system (GIS) support, data analysis, and mapping services would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract is a positive indicator for cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely invited to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the government receives the best value. The number of bidders is not specified, but the method of competition suggests a robust market for these services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and higher quality services, maximizing the return on public funds.

Public Impact

The Department of State benefits from continued access to critical geospatial data and analytical support. Services delivered likely include mapping, data visualization, and geographic analysis to support diplomatic and operational missions. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting federal agency needs, with potential for global application in foreign policy. Workforce implications may include specialized roles for GIS analysts, data scientists, and geospatial technicians within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on contracts are not competitively procured.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical geospatial capabilities could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market and fair pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration allows for stable service delivery and planning.

Sector Analysis

The IT consulting and services sector is vast, with a significant portion dedicated to specialized areas like geospatial analysis. This contract fits within the broader IT services market, specifically focusing on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related data management and analysis. The market for geospatial services is driven by increasing demand for data-driven decision-making across government and commercial sectors. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other federal contracts for GIS software, data acquisition, and analytical support services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Geospatial Consulting Group International LLC, is likely a larger entity or a small business that won through full and open competition. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses, which could be a missed opportunity to engage the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of State. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Geographic Information System (GIS) Services
IT Professional Services
Data Analysis and Visualization
Department of State IT Support Contracts
Federal Geospatial Data Management

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Reliance on contractor performance for critical geospatial functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $321,688 to GEOSPATIAL CONSULTING GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC. GEOSPATIAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GEOSPATIAL CONSULTING GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $321,688.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2027-04-12.

What is the track record of Geospatial Consulting Group International LLC with the Department of State and other federal agencies?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Geospatial Consulting Group International LLC's track record. This would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (if publicly available), and any history of disputes or contract modifications. Understanding their past performance, particularly with the Department of State, is crucial for evaluating the reliability and quality of services they are likely to provide under this new award. A history of successful contract completion and positive performance reviews would indicate a lower risk, while a pattern of issues could raise concerns about the contractor's capability and adherence to contract terms.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar geospatial support contracts awarded by the Department of State or other agencies?

To benchmark the value, one would compare the $3.2 million award for approximately one year of service against similar contracts for geospatial support, GIS analysis, and data management services. Factors to consider include the scope of work, required expertise, duration, and the specific services provided (e.g., data acquisition, analysis, software development, training). If similar contracts for comparable services and durations have been awarded at significantly lower or higher price points, it would indicate whether this award represents excellent, fair, or questionable value for money. The firm fixed-price nature is a positive cost control element, but the underlying unit or service rates would be the key comparison points.

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

Key risks include potential underperformance by the contractor, reliance on a single vendor for critical services, and the possibility of scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes the contractor to control costs. The Department of State's oversight mechanisms, including contract management and performance monitoring, are crucial. Furthermore, the full and open competition process suggests a market with alternatives, reducing the risk of vendor lock-in for future needs. Clear performance metrics and regular reviews are essential to identify and address any issues proactively.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for the government in this context?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective for ensuring value when the scope of work is well-defined and the risks are understood. For geospatial support services, where the deliverables can be clearly specified (e.g., specific data products, analysis reports, software functionalities), FFP provides cost certainty to the government. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage their resources efficiently. This structure helps prevent budget blowouts and ensures that the government pays a predetermined price for the agreed-upon services, maximizing predictability and financial control.

What is the historical spending trend for geospatial support services at the Department of State?

Analyzing historical spending data for geospatial support services at the Department of State would reveal trends in demand, average contract values, and the prevalence of different contract types (e.g., competitive vs. sole-source). Understanding this history can help contextualize the current $3.2 million award. For instance, if spending in this area has been steadily increasing, it might indicate growing reliance on geospatial capabilities. Conversely, a decrease could suggest shifting priorities or consolidation of services. Comparing this award to past expenditures helps assess whether current spending is consistent, escalating, or declining, providing insights into resource allocation and program importance.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 19AQMM26Q0102

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Geospatial Consulting Group International, LLC

Address: 203 E HOWELL AVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22301

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,891,676

Exercised Options: $1,922,641

Current Obligation: $321,688

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F212DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline