Treasury's OCC Awards $3.5M for Microsoft Premier Support to Aurora Systems Consulting Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,505,021 ($3.5M)
Contractor: Aurora Systems Consulting Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury
Start Date: 2023-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: MICROSOFT PREMIER SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: TORRANCE, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 90505
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Treasury obligated $3.5 million to AURORA SYSTEMS CONSULTING INC for work described as: MICROSOFT PREMIER SUPPORT Key points: 1. Significant contract value for IT support services. 2. Aurora Systems Consulting Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Potential risk associated with vendor lock-in for premier support. 4. IT services sector, specifically computer-related services.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $3.5M over three years for Microsoft Premier Support is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar enterprise-level support contracts is difficult without more specific service level details, but it warrants scrutiny for value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may not have yielded the most competitive pricing, as potential bidders were excluded.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this contract. The limited competition raises questions about whether the best possible price was secured for the government.
Public Impact
Ensures continued access to critical Microsoft software support for the OCC. Supports the operational continuity of financial regulatory systems. Potential for cost savings if support is efficiently utilized and negotiated.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with premier support.
Positive Signals
- Contract supports essential government IT functions.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services.' Spending benchmarks for similar premier support contracts can vary widely based on the scope of services and the vendor.
Small Business Impact
The contract data indicates that small businesses were not a factor in this award (sb: false). There is no indication of subcontracting goals for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Treasury's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Oversight would typically involve contract management officials ensuring service delivery and adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of the Treasury Contracting
- Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition raises cost concerns.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- High contract value requires strong justification for services.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-the-treasury, ca, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Treasury awarded $3.5 million to AURORA SYSTEMS CONSULTING INC. MICROSOFT PREMIER SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AURORA SYSTEMS CONSULTING INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $3.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What specific services are included in this 'Microsoft Premier Support' to justify the $3.5M cost over three years?
The exact scope of services within 'Microsoft Premier Support' is crucial for a value assessment. Premier support typically includes proactive services, reactive support, technical account management, and training. Without a detailed breakdown of these components and their associated service level agreements (SLAs), it's challenging to determine if the $3.5M represents a fair market price or if there are opportunities for cost optimization.
How was the 'exclusion of sources' justified to ensure fair and open competition was truly maximized?
The justification for excluding sources in a 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award is critical for accountability. Agencies must demonstrate that the exclusion was based on specific, documented reasons, such as unique capabilities or prior performance, and that the remaining competition was robust enough to ensure a competitive price. Without this documentation, the award process raises concerns about fairness and potential cost inefficiencies.
What is the long-term strategy for managing Microsoft software licensing and support to avoid escalating costs and vendor dependency?
The long-term strategy for managing Microsoft software and support is vital for controlling costs and mitigating vendor lock-in. Agencies should have a plan that includes regular reviews of support needs, exploration of alternative solutions or support models, and negotiation of favorable terms. Continuous reliance on premier support without strategic planning can lead to escalating expenses and reduced flexibility in technology adoption.
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 - DELIVERY
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2510 W 237TH ST STE 202, TORRANCE, CA, 90505
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,160,229
Exercised Options: $3,505,021
Current Obligation: $3,505,021
Actual Outlays: $3,505,021
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD79B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2028-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-13
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