GSA awards $8.3M ITSS order to Ishpi for DMDC VLER, highlighting IT services for defense personnel records

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,326,346 ($8.3M)

Contractor: Ishpi Information Technologies Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-09-15

End Date: 2026-03-14

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CALL 16 ORDER #47QFMA20K0015 (ITSS ORDER ID ID03200012) UNDER BPA GS03Q17DSA0011 (ID03170035007) IS HEREBY AWARDED FOR THE DEFENSE MANPOWER DATA CENTER (DMDC) VIRTUAL LIFETIME ELECTRONIC RECORDS (VLER) TO ISHPI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Place of Performance

Location: SEASIDE, MONTEREY County, CALIFORNIA, 93955

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $8.3 million to ISHPI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC. for work described as: CALL 16 ORDER #47QFMA20K0015 (ITSS ORDER ID ID03200012) UNDER BPA GS03Q17DSA0011 (ID03170035007) IS HEREBY AWARDED FOR THE DEFENSE MANPOWER DATA CENTER (DMDC) VIRTUAL LIFETIME ELECTRONIC RECORDS (VLER) TO ISHPI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through firm-fixed-price contract type, aiming for predictable costs. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators include contract duration and the nature of IT services, requiring ongoing performance monitoring. 4. Performance context is within the Defense Manpower Data Center's critical function of managing personnel records. 5. Sector positioning is in IT services, specifically computer-related services for government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. Benchmarking against similar IT services contracts for data management and electronic records systems would offer a clearer picture of value. The award amount of $8.3 million over approximately six years suggests a moderate annual spend, which appears reasonable for specialized IT support to a federal agency like DMDC.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 5 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of IT service requirement. This competitive environment is generally favorable for achieving fair market prices and innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently by fostering a marketplace where contractors vie for the best price and performance.

Public Impact

Benefits military personnel and their families through secure and accessible electronic lifetime records. Delivers critical IT support services for the Defense Manpower Data Center's Virtual Lifetime Electronic Records system. Geographic impact is national, supporting a federal agency with nationwide operational scope. Workforce implications include the need for specialized IT professionals to maintain and enhance the VLER system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in IT service contracts requiring vigilant oversight.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT infrastructure could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring data security and privacy for sensitive personnel records is paramount.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and budget predictability.
Awarded under a BPA, suggesting a pre-vetted pool of vendors and potentially streamlined acquisition.
Full and open competition indicates a robust bidding process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer-related services. The market for government IT support is substantial, with agencies increasingly relying on specialized vendors for managing complex systems like electronic records. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar data management and IT support services within defense and civilian agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. The prime contractor, Ishpi Information Technologies, Inc., is often categorized as a small business itself, which could indirectly benefit the small business ecosystem if they utilize other small businesses for support. Further analysis would be needed to confirm subcontracting plans.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is likely managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) through contract performance reviews and adherence to service level agreements. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Operations
Virtual Lifetime Electronic Records (VLER) System
General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule Contracts
IT Support Services for Federal Agencies
Electronic Health Records Management (related concept)

Risk Flags

Long contract duration requires sustained performance monitoring.
Reliance on IT services for critical defense data necessitates robust security measures.
Potential for vendor lock-in if competition is not maintained for future needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $8.3 million to ISHPI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC.. CALL 16 ORDER #47QFMA20K0015 (ITSS ORDER ID ID03200012) UNDER BPA GS03Q17DSA0011 (ID03170035007) IS HEREBY AWARDED FOR THE DEFENSE MANPOWER DATA CENTER (DMDC) VIRTUAL LIFETIME ELECTRONIC RECORDS (VLER) TO ISHPI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ISHPI INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $8.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-15. End: 2026-03-14.

What is Ishpi Information Technologies, Inc.'s track record with similar government IT contracts?

Ishpi Information Technologies, Inc. has a history of performing IT services for various government agencies. Their portfolio often includes support for data management, cybersecurity, and system integration. Analyzing their past performance on contracts of similar size, scope, and duration, particularly those involving sensitive data or critical infrastructure, would provide insight into their reliability and capability. Specific metrics such as on-time delivery, adherence to budget, and customer satisfaction ratings from previous contracts are key indicators. A review of contract databases and past performance evaluations would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the $8.3 million award compare to the typical cost of similar IT services for managing electronic records?

The $8.3 million award for the DMDC VLER system over approximately six years translates to an average annual cost of roughly $1.4 million. This figure needs to be benchmarked against similar contracts for managing large-scale, secure electronic records systems within federal agencies. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the system, the number of users, data volume, security requirements, and the specific services provided (e.g., maintenance, development, support). Without direct comparable contract data, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents excellent or fair value. However, for specialized IT support to a critical defense system, this annual spend appears within a reasonable range, assuming the scope of work is adequately defined and met.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential performance issues with the IT services, data security breaches, and contractor over-reliance. Mitigation strategies likely involve the firm-fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes cost control, and the full and open competition, which encourages vendor diligence. The government's oversight mechanisms, including performance monitoring and adherence to service level agreements, are crucial. Furthermore, the contract's duration (approximately six years) necessitates careful vendor management and contingency planning. The inherent risks of managing sensitive defense personnel data require robust cybersecurity protocols and regular audits.

How effective is the VLER system in meeting the needs of the Defense Manpower Data Center and its users?

The effectiveness of the VLER system is directly tied to the quality of IT support provided under this contract. The VLER system aims to provide a centralized, accessible repository for lifetime military personnel records, improving efficiency and reducing administrative burdens. Its effectiveness can be measured by user satisfaction, data accuracy, system uptime, and the ability to integrate with other defense systems. While this contract focuses on the IT support aspect, the overall success of VLER depends on continuous system improvement, user training, and adaptation to evolving military personnel management needs. Anecdotal evidence and user feedback would be needed to fully assess system effectiveness.

What are the historical spending patterns for IT services at the Defense Manpower Data Center?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for IT services at DMDC would provide context for this $8.3 million award. This includes examining previous contracts for VLER support, other IT infrastructure, and related services. Understanding trends in IT spending, such as increases or decreases in specific service categories, can reveal strategic shifts or persistent needs. It also helps in identifying potential cost efficiencies or areas where spending may have been excessive. Without access to DMDC's historical contract data, a precise analysis of spending patterns is not possible, but it is a crucial element for comprehensive federal spending analysis.

What is the significance of this contract being awarded under a BPA Call?

Awarding this contract as a BPA Call signifies that it was placed under an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). BPAs are established with vendors to streamline the procurement of recurring services or supplies. This means that the initial vetting of the contractor (Ishpi Information Technologies, Inc.) and potentially some terms and conditions were already completed when the BPA was awarded. A BPA Call is essentially an order placed against that agreement. This method typically leads to faster acquisition cycles and potentially better pricing due to pre-negotiated terms and volume commitments, indicating an efficient procurement strategy for ongoing IT support needs.

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 › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: ID03200012

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ishpi Information Technologies, Inc.

Address: 6900 HARBOUR VIEW BLVD SUITE E, SUFFOLK, VA, 23435

Business Categories: American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,750,527

Exercised Options: $10,530,594

Current Obligation: $8,326,346

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS03Q17DSA0011

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline