SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC awarded $11.7M for custom computer programming, with 0 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,704,639 ($11.7M)

Contractor: Sabel Systems Technology Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2022-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-05

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: AFNWC NC3 DEE

Place of Performance

Location: KIRTLAND AFB, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87117

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $11.7 million to SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: AFNWC NC3 DEE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for custom computer programming services, indicating a need for specialized IT solutions. 2. The contract's duration of 1460 days suggests a long-term requirement for these services. 3. Awarded as a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 4. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 5. No small business set-aside was applied, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller enterprises. 6. The contract is located in New Mexico, suggesting a specific geographic operational focus.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without knowing the specific services rendered and the underlying IDIQ contract's pricing structure. The absence of competition raises concerns about whether the government secured the best possible price. However, firm fixed-price contracts generally offer cost control if the scope is well-defined. Further analysis would require comparing the per-unit costs or labor rates to similar custom programming services procured under competitive conditions.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded under a sole-source or non-competitive procedure, indicated by 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION'. This means only one vendor was solicited, likely due to specific circumstances such as the unique capabilities of SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC, or if it was a follow-on to a previously competed effort where only this contractor could perform. The lack of multiple bidders prevents a robust price discovery process.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can lead to higher costs for taxpayers as competitive pressures are absent. Without competition, there's less incentive for the contractor to offer the lowest possible price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the end-users within the AFNWC NC3 DEE program, who will receive enhanced or new custom computer programming capabilities. Services delivered include custom computer programming, which could encompass software development, system integration, or specialized IT support. The contract's location in New Mexico suggests a direct impact on the local IT workforce and economy in that region. The workforce implications include the potential for job creation or utilization of specialized IT skills by SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpricing and reduced value for taxpayer dollars.
The sole-source nature limits transparency and opportunities for other qualified vendors, including small businesses.
Without a competitive benchmark, assessing the fairness of the price is difficult.
The specific nature of 'custom computer programming' can be broad, potentially leading to scope creep if not tightly managed.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope is well-defined.
Awarding to a single vendor may indicate specialized expertise required for the specific needs of AFNWC NC3 DEE.
The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need for the services, allowing for focused development and support.

Sector Analysis

The Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services (NAICS 541511), is a critical area for government operations. This contract falls within a market characterized by rapid technological advancements and a high demand for specialized skills. Comparable spending benchmarks for custom programming services vary widely based on complexity, duration, and required expertise. Government IT spending is substantial, with significant portions allocated to software development and maintenance.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. The lack of a small business set-aside means opportunities for subcontracting with small businesses may be limited unless voluntarily pursued by the prime contractor. This could reduce the overall impact on the small business IT ecosystem for this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the General Services Administration (GSA) and the acquiring agency (AFNWC NC3 DEE). Mechanisms include contract performance reviews, milestone tracking, and financial audits. Transparency is enhanced through contract databases like FPDS, though details on sole-source justifications can be limited. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule Contracts
Department of Defense IT Modernization Programs
Air Force Nuclear Command and Control (NC3) Systems
Custom Software Development Services
Federal Civilian IT Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing validation.
Limited transparency into the specific justification for non-competition.
Potential for higher costs due to absence of bidding.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical IT services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $11.7 million to SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC. AFNWC NC3 DEE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-06. End: 2026-04-05.

What is the specific nature of the custom computer programming services required by AFNWC NC3 DEE under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific custom computer programming services. However, given the context of 'AFNWC NC3 DEE' (Air Force Nuclear Command and Control, Communications, and Computers), these services likely relate to the development, modification, or maintenance of highly specialized and secure software systems critical for nuclear command and control operations. This could include anything from database management and system integration to the creation of new user interfaces or the enhancement of existing command and control software to meet evolving security and operational requirements. The exact scope would be defined in the contract's statement of work.

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

The data indicates the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' implying a sole-source award. Common justifications for sole-source contracts include unique capabilities possessed by only one vendor, urgent and compelling needs where competition is impractical, or if the contract is a logical follow-on to a previously competed contract where the original contractor is the only viable option. Without further information from the procuring agency (General Services Administration for AFNWC NC3 DEE), the precise reason remains unspecified, but it suggests SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC holds a unique position or capability.

How does the $11.7 million value compare to similar custom computer programming contracts awarded by the government?

Comparing the $11.7 million value requires context regarding the contract's duration (4 years) and the specific nature of the custom programming. For a 4-year engagement, this equates to approximately $2.9 million per year. This figure is moderate within the federal IT landscape. Larger, more complex system development projects can easily reach tens or hundreds of millions. However, smaller, more focused programming tasks might be in the hundreds of thousands. Without knowing the specific deliverables and labor categories, a precise benchmark is difficult, but it appears to be a significant, mid-tier investment for specialized IT services.

What is the track record of SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC in performing government contracts, particularly in the IT sector?

The provided data does not include historical contract performance information for SABEL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC. To assess their track record, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards, contract values, agencies served, and performance ratings. Information on past performance, including any past issues or successes with similar custom programming services, would be crucial for evaluating their capability to successfully execute this $11.7 million contract.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for critical IT services like those for AFNWC NC3 DEE?

Sole-source awards carry inherent risks, primarily related to cost and performance. Without competition, there's less pressure on the contractor to offer the most competitive pricing, potentially leading to higher costs for the government. There's also a risk that the contractor may not be the most innovative or efficient provider available. Furthermore, reliance on a single vendor can create dependency and make it difficult to switch providers if performance issues arise or if market conditions change. For critical systems like NC3, ensuring robust performance and security from a sole-source provider requires diligent oversight.

How does this contract fit into the broader landscape of federal IT spending, particularly for specialized programming services?

This contract represents a segment of the vast federal IT spending, specifically targeting custom computer programming. Federal agencies consistently invest heavily in IT to maintain and modernize systems. Specialized programming services are essential for developing bespoke solutions that off-the-shelf software cannot provide, especially in areas with unique operational or security requirements like nuclear command and control. The $11.7 million value, spread over four years, indicates a sustained need for specific technical expertise. It aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to ensure its technological infrastructure is up-to-date, secure, and capable of supporting mission-critical functions.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 47QFLA22Q0078

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14300 GRACKLE CT, GAINESVILLE, VA, 20155

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,404,982

Exercised Options: $14,040,876

Current Obligation: $11,704,639

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $280,267

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QFLA19D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline