National Gallery of Art awards $158M software contract to InsightSoftware, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $158,367 ($158.4K)

Contractor: Insightsoftware, LLC

Awarding Agency: National Gallery of Art

Start Date: 2025-04-24

End Date: 2026-04-09

Contract Duration: 350 days

Daily Burn Rate: $452/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SOFTWARE

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20004

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Gallery of Art obligated $158,367.24 to INSIGHTSOFTWARE, LLC for work described as: SOFTWARE Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in software solutions for the National Gallery of Art. 2. The 'NOT COMPETED' award raises questions about potential missed opportunities for cost savings through competition. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor, potentially incentivizing efficiency. 4. The contract duration of approximately one year suggests a need for ongoing software support or updates. 5. The award falls within the Software Publishers industry sector, indicating a focus on specialized technology services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Without comparable contract data or detailed pricing breakdowns, it is difficult to definitively assess the value for money. The lack of competition suggests that the National Gallery of Art may not have secured the most advantageous pricing. Benchmarking against similar software procurement contracts would be necessary for a more robust evaluation of cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not openly competed. This approach is typically used when only one source is capable of meeting the requirement. The lack of competition limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for the government compared to a fully competed procurement.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the absence of competitive bidding, as the government did not leverage market forces to drive down prices.

Public Impact

The National Gallery of Art will benefit from updated or maintained software, potentially improving operational efficiency and digital services. Users of the Gallery's software systems, including staff and potentially the public, will experience the impact of this procurement. The contract's impact is primarily concentrated within the District of Columbia, where the National Gallery of Art is located.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated pricing.
Potential for vendor lock-in if the software is highly specialized.
Limited transparency into the justification for sole-source award.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract aligns incentives for contractor performance.
Contract duration suggests a clear need and defined scope.
Award to a single entity may streamline management and support.

Sector Analysis

The Software Publishers industry (NAICS 513210) encompasses companies primarily engaged in computer programming, data processing, and related activities. This contract likely involves the procurement of specialized software, potentially for data management, digital archiving, or public-facing applications within the arts sector. Benchmarking against other government software procurements of similar scale and scope would provide further context on pricing and terms.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract included a small business set-aside. The award to InsightSoftware, LLC does not provide information on their size status. Further investigation would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are included or likely.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract would typically fall under the National Gallery of Art's internal procurement and financial management systems. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and performance monitoring would be key accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Government Software Procurement
Information Technology Services
Arts and Culture Funding

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition.
Limited public information on contract specifics and vendor performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Gallery of Art awarded $158,367.24 to INSIGHTSOFTWARE, LLC. SOFTWARE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INSIGHTSOFTWARE, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Gallery of Art (National Gallery of Art).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $158,367.24.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-24. End: 2026-04-09.

What is the specific software or service being procured under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'SOFTWARE' and falls under the 'Software Publishers' industry (NAICS 513210). However, the specific nature of the software or service is not detailed. It could range from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, digital asset management (DAM) solutions, customer relationship management (CRM) software, or specialized applications for museum operations, collections management, or public engagement. Further details from the contract award notice or associated documentation would be required to ascertain the precise function and purpose of the software.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding why competition was bypassed. Common reasons include the existence of a unique capability or proprietary technology held by only one vendor, urgent and compelling needs where only one vendor can respond in time, or if the contract is a follow-on to a previously competed effort where the original contractor possesses unique knowledge or data. Without the specific justification documented by the National Gallery of Art, it is impossible to confirm the validity of the sole-source award. This information is typically available in the contract award notice or through agency procurement records and is essential for assessing fairness and potential value loss.

How does the contract value of $158 million compare to historical spending on software by the National Gallery of Art?

To assess the $158 million contract value in historical context, one would need to examine the National Gallery of Art's past spending on software and IT services. This would involve analyzing previous contract awards, their values, durations, and the types of software procured. A significant increase in spending compared to previous periods might indicate an expansion of IT initiatives, a major system upgrade, or potentially higher costs. Conversely, if this figure aligns with or is lower than previous large-scale software investments, it might suggest a more stable or predictable IT budget. Without access to historical spending data, it's challenging to determine if this award represents a substantial shift or a continuation of existing investment levels.

What are the performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract?

The provided data does not specify the performance metrics or deliverables associated with this software contract. For a firm fixed-price contract, key deliverables would typically include the software itself (licenses, installation, configuration), training, documentation, and potentially ongoing support or maintenance services. Performance metrics would likely focus on the successful delivery of these items within agreed-upon timelines and quality standards. The National Gallery of Art would be responsible for monitoring the contractor's adherence to these terms. A thorough review of the contract's statement of work (SOW) would be necessary to identify the specific performance expectations and measurable outcomes.

What is the track record of InsightSoftware, LLC in performing similar government contracts?

Information regarding InsightSoftware, LLC's track record with government contracts is not provided in the data. To assess their reliability and past performance, one would typically consult databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). These systems contain records of past awards, performance evaluations, and any disputes or terminations. A review of their history would reveal their experience with similar software procurements, their ability to meet deadlines and quality standards, and their overall reputation as a government contractor. Without this information, it's difficult to gauge the risk associated with awarding this significant contract to them.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Software Publishers › Software Publishers

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Insightsoftware LLC

Address: 8529 SIX FORKS RD STE 300, RALEIGH, NC, 27615

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $159,656

Exercised Options: $159,656

Current Obligation: $158,367

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline