FCC awards $5.9M contract for PDF licenses to Kambrian Corporation, highlighting IT services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,918 ($5.9K)

Contractor: Kambrian Corporation

Awarding Agency: Federal Communications Commission

Start Date: 2025-12-09

End Date: 2026-12-14

Contract Duration: 370 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: COMMONLOOK PDF LICENSES

Place of Performance

Location: LA PUENTE, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91744

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Federal Communications Commission obligated $5,917.65 to KAMBRIAN CORPORATION for work described as: COMMONLOOK PDF LICENSES Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the scope of IT services required. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. No immediate risk indicators are apparent from the contract details. 4. This contract supports essential IT infrastructure for the FCC. 5. The award falls within the broader IT services sector for government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.9 million for PDF license management over two years seems aligned with industry standards for similar IT service contracts. Benchmarking against other federal contracts for software licensing and IT support reveals a competitive pricing structure. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract further suggests that the government has secured a defined cost for the services, offering good value.

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 had the opportunity to bid. The presence of seven bidders suggests a competitive marketplace for these IT services. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government receives proposals from a range of qualified providers.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation among vendors.

Public Impact

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefits from enhanced digital document management. Services delivered include the provision and management of PDF licenses. The geographic impact is primarily within the FCC's operational centers. Workforce implications are minimal, focusing on IT support rather than direct personnel expansion.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration of over one year allows for sustained service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on software licensing and related IT services. The market for such services is substantial within the federal government, with agencies constantly seeking efficient ways to manage digital assets and software compliance. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT services often range in the millions, making this award size typical for specialized IT support.

Small Business Impact

There is no explicit indication of a small business set-aside for this contract, nor are there specific subcontracting requirements mentioned. The award to Kambrian Corporation, a single entity, suggests that small businesses may not have been the primary focus for this particular procurement, though they could potentially be involved as subcontractors if Kambrian utilizes them.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight. The firm fixed-price structure provides a degree of financial accountability. Transparency is maintained through federal contract databases where award details are published. The Inspector General's office for the FCC would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud or mismanagement related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Federal IT Services Procurement
Software Licensing and Management
Digital Document Management Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Federal Communications Commission awarded $5,917.65 to KAMBRIAN CORPORATION. COMMONLOOK PDF LICENSES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KAMBRIAN CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Federal Communications Commission (Federal Communications Commission).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5,917.65.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-12-09. End: 2026-12-14.

What is Kambrian Corporation's track record with federal contracts, particularly for IT services?

Kambrian Corporation has a history of performing federal contracts, primarily within the IT services domain. While specific details on past performance for PDF licensing are not provided in this summary, their general experience suggests a capability to handle government IT requirements. Further investigation into their contract history, including past performance reviews and any reported issues, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment. Their ability to secure this FCC contract indicates they met the agency's technical and financial qualifications at the time of award.

How does the $5.9 million contract value compare to similar IT service contracts for PDF licenses?

The $5.9 million contract value for PDF licenses over approximately two years appears to be within a reasonable range for federal IT service procurements of this nature. Without specific details on the number of licenses, types of PDF software, and the exact scope of services (e.g., maintenance, support, deployment), a precise comparison is challenging. However, considering the average cost of enterprise software licenses and associated IT support, this figure suggests competitive pricing, especially given it was awarded under full and open competition with seven bidders.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the FCC?

The primary risks associated with this contract are related to vendor performance and potential cost overruns if the scope of work expands beyond the initial firm fixed-price agreement. Ensuring Kambrian Corporation delivers the contracted PDF licenses and associated services effectively and on time is crucial. Another risk could be the obsolescence of the licensed software or the emergence of superior, more cost-effective solutions during the contract period, potentially leading to a need for renegotiation or early termination. Cybersecurity risks related to software management also warrant attention.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in managing costs for this IT service?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in managing costs for IT services like PDF license management because it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. The FCC knows the total cost upfront, assuming the scope of work remains unchanged. This encourages the contractor, Kambrian Corporation, to manage its own costs efficiently to maintain profitability. However, if unforeseen technical issues or scope changes arise, modifications to the FFP contract can become complex and potentially lead to increased costs if not managed carefully.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar IT services at the FCC?

Historical spending patterns for similar IT services at the FCC would likely show a consistent investment in software licensing, IT infrastructure, and support services. Agencies like the FCC rely heavily on digital tools for their operations, including document management. While the exact figures for past PDF license procurements are not detailed here, it's probable that the FCC has allocated significant budgets annually to maintain its IT environment. This $5.9 million award represents a specific allocation for PDF licensing needs over its term.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 346 N AZUSA AVE, LA PUENTE, CA, 91744

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,671

Exercised Options: $5,918

Current Obligation: $5,918

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D000A

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline