Booz Allen Hamilton awarded $13.6M contract for IT lifecycle management support at Tinker AFB

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,663,261 ($13.7M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-07-17

End Date: 2026-01-16

Contract Duration: 2,009 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: PROPULSION LCMP IDE AFLCMC, MISSION SUPPORT FOR LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT PROCESS, TINKER AFB OK

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73145

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $13.7 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: PROPULSION LCMP IDE AFLCMC, MISSION SUPPORT FOR LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT PROCESS, TINKER AFB OK Key points: 1. Contract provides essential IT lifecycle management services, crucial for maintaining operational readiness. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract's duration and scope indicate a significant, long-term need for these services. 4. Performance is located at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, a key hub for Air Force logistics. 5. The IT services category is vital for modern defense operations and infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $13.6 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for comprehensive IT lifecycle management services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for IT support at major Air Force bases suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure cost efficiency and prevent scope creep. Without specific details on labor categories and rates, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process provides a degree of assurance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment. A competitive process is expected to drive down prices and encourage innovative solutions as contractors vie for the award. The GSA's Federal Acquisition Service likely managed a robust solicitation process to ensure fair and broad participation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically results in more competitive pricing and a wider array of qualified contractors, maximizing the use of public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Air Force units and personnel at Tinker AFB, who will receive enhanced IT support. Services delivered include mission support for the lifecycle management process, ensuring IT systems are maintained and updated. The geographic impact is focused on Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Workforce implications include the potential for direct employment by Booz Allen Hamilton and its subcontractors at the base.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess contractor performance objectively.
The long duration of the contract (over 5 years) necessitates ongoing vigilance to ensure continued value and relevance of services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Booz Allen Hamilton is a well-established contractor with significant experience in government IT services.
The contract supports critical Air Force lifecycle management processes, indicating a high level of necessity and strategic importance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and lifecycle management services. The IT services market for the federal government is substantial, with significant spending allocated to maintaining and modernizing complex systems. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT support at large military installations often run into the tens of millions of dollars annually, reflecting the critical nature of these services for operational readiness and cybersecurity.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses are unlikely to be direct prime contractors on this award. However, Booz Allen Hamilton, as a large prime contractor, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill specific requirements, contributing to the small business ecosystem. The extent of small business subcontracting would depend on the prime contractor's policies and the specific needs of the contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the contracting officer and the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the relevant Air Force or GSA contracting activity. Performance monitoring, invoice review, and compliance checks are standard accountability measures. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Force IT Modernization Programs
Defense Logistics Agency IT Support Contracts
GSA IT Schedule Contracts
Federal Civilian IT Services
DoD Lifecycle Management Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract type.
Need for robust oversight to ensure efficient use of funds.
Contract duration requires sustained monitoring for continued value.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical IT functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $13.7 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. PROPULSION LCMP IDE AFLCMC, MISSION SUPPORT FOR LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT PROCESS, TINKER AFB OK

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-07-17. End: 2026-01-16.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with similar IT lifecycle management contracts for the Department of Defense?

Booz Allen Hamilton has a extensive track record of performing IT lifecycle management and mission support services for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. They are a major government contractor with deep expertise in areas such as systems engineering, software development, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure management. Historically, they have been awarded numerous large-scale contracts supporting complex defense systems and platforms, often involving long-term sustainment and modernization efforts. Their performance on these contracts is generally viewed as strong, though like any large contractor, specific contract performance can vary. Reviews of past performance on similar contracts would typically be part of the source selection process for new awards.

How does the $13.6 million contract value compare to other IT support contracts at Tinker AFB or similar Air Force bases?

The $13.6 million contract value for IT lifecycle management support at Tinker AFB appears to be within a reasonable range for a multi-year contract supporting a major Air Force installation. Contracts for comprehensive IT services at large bases can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope, duration, and specific services required. For instance, contracts covering network operations, cybersecurity, help desk support, and system sustainment often represent significant investments. Given that this contract spans from July 2020 to January 2026 (approximately 5.5 years), the annual average value is around $2.5 million, which is consistent with the scale of IT operations at a significant Air Force facility like Tinker.

What are the primary risks associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for the government?

The primary risk associated with Time and Materials (T&M) contracts for the government is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual cost of labor (at specified hourly rates) and materials, plus a fixed fee or profit. This structure can incentivize contractors to extend task durations or increase labor hours if not managed diligently. For the government, effective oversight is crucial to ensure that hours billed are reasonable and necessary, that labor rates are fair, and that materials are procured at competitive prices. Scope creep is another significant risk, as the flexible nature of T&M can make it easier for requirements to expand without a corresponding increase in the contract's ceiling price, potentially leading to unexpected costs.

What is the strategic importance of IT lifecycle management services for the Air Force at Tinker AFB?

IT lifecycle management services are strategically critical for the Air Force at Tinker AFB, as they ensure the continuous operation, maintenance, and modernization of essential IT systems. Tinker AFB hosts numerous critical missions, including aircraft sustainment, logistics, and command and control. The IT infrastructure underpins all these operations, from managing supply chains and maintenance schedules to enabling communication and data analysis. Effective lifecycle management ensures that these IT systems remain secure, reliable, and capable of supporting evolving mission requirements. Neglecting lifecycle management can lead to system obsolescence, security vulnerabilities, increased downtime, and ultimately, degraded mission effectiveness, making this contract vital for maintaining operational readiness.

How has federal spending on IT services for defense logistics and sustainment evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on IT services for defense logistics and sustainment has generally seen a steady increase over the past five years, driven by the need to modernize aging systems, enhance cybersecurity, and improve data analytics capabilities. The Department of Defense, in particular, has prioritized digital transformation initiatives aimed at achieving greater operational efficiency and information superiority. This includes investments in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data management, and network modernization. Contracts supporting lifecycle management, system integration, and sustainment of critical logistics platforms are a significant component of this spending. Factors such as geopolitical tensions and the increasing complexity of defense operations further contribute to the sustained demand and funding for these essential IT services.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QFWA20R0028

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,782,844

Exercised Options: $14,781,887

Current Obligation: $13,663,261

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCK18D0004

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline