FCC Awards $2.2M for NCI Financial System Support to Empower AI, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,226,445 ($2.2M)
Contractor: Empower AI, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Federal Communications Commission
Start Date: 2024-09-01
End Date: 2026-08-31
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: IT
Official Description: NCI FINANCIAL SYSTEM SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Federal Communications Commission obligated $2.2 million to EMPOWER AI, INC. for work described as: NCI FINANCIAL SYSTEM SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Empower AI, Inc. for financial system support. 2. The contract value is $2,226,444.75 over approximately two years. 3. Services fall under Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512). 4. Awarded via full and open competition, indicating market availability. 5. The contract is a delivery order under an existing award.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.2M for two years of financial system support appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for federal agencies suggests this pricing is within expected ranges, though specific service details would refine this assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to yield fair pricing, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential financial system support.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of critical financial operations for the FCC. Supports the NCI financial system, vital for agency budgeting and accounting. Empowers AI, Inc. will provide specialized IT services to the FCC. The contract duration of approximately two years allows for stable support.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical financial system support.
- Risk of vendor lock-in if transition planning is inadequate.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear contract duration and delivery order structure.
- Supports essential agency financial functions.
Sector Analysis
The IT services sector, particularly system design and support, is a significant area of federal spending. Benchmarks for similar contracts vary widely based on complexity, but this award appears aligned with typical IT support contracts for mid-sized agencies.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded through full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. Therefore, it is unlikely that small businesses were directly targeted for this specific award, though they may be subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is a delivery order, suggesting it falls under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. Oversight would focus on the performance of Empower AI, Inc. against the terms of this delivery order and the parent contract.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Federal Communications Commission Contracting
- Federal Communications Commission Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract is a delivery order, potential for scope creep.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical financial systems.
- No explicit mention of small business participation.
- Long-term implications of vendor lock-in need consideration.
- Cybersecurity risks associated with financial system support.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, federal-communications-commission, va, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Federal Communications Commission awarded $2.2 million to EMPOWER AI, INC.. NCI FINANCIAL SYSTEM SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EMPOWER AI, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Federal Communications Commission (Federal Communications Commission).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-01. End: 2026-08-31.
What specific financial system functionalities will Empower AI, Inc. be supporting, and how critical are these to the FCC's mission?
The contract specifies support for the NCI financial system. This system is critical for the FCC's budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and overall fiscal management. Specific functionalities likely include system maintenance, upgrades, user support, data integrity checks, and potentially integration with other agency systems, all vital for operational continuity and compliance.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will performance be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money?
Key performance indicators would likely focus on system uptime, response times for support requests, successful implementation of system updates, and adherence to security protocols. The FCC's contracting officer's representative (COR) will monitor these KPIs, ensuring Empower AI, Inc. meets or exceeds performance standards outlined in the contract to guarantee effective service delivery and fiscal responsibility.
Are there any potential risks associated with relying on Empower AI, Inc. for this critical financial system support, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Potential risks include vendor performance issues, security vulnerabilities, or challenges during system transitions. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight, clearly defined service level agreements (SLAs), regular performance reviews, and contingency planning for service disruptions. The competitive nature of the award also provides leverage for addressing performance concerns.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design 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: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11730 PLAZA AMERICA DR, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $5,628,808
Exercised Options: $2,336,445
Current Obligation: $2,226,445
Actual Outlays: $1,514,951
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200035W
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-01
Current End Date: 2026-08-31
Potential End Date: 2029-08-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-20
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