NSF's $18.9M IT support BPA with Directviz Solutions, awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,900,956 ($18.9M)

Contractor: Directviz Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2024-12-20

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 831 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: SERVICE DESK SUPPORT BPA

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $18.9 million to DIRECTVIZ SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: SERVICE DESK SUPPORT BPA Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through competitive bidding and market benchmarking. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a robust market for IT support services. 3. Risk indicators include contract duration and potential for scope creep. 4. Performance context is set against NSF's need for ongoing IT assistance. 5. Sector positioning is within the IT services market for government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value is benchmarked against similar IT support agreements. The pricing structure, based on Time and Materials, requires careful monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness. While the total award amount is substantial, the per-task or hourly rates will be critical for assessing true value for money over the contract's life. Comparisons with other federal IT support contracts will help determine if Directviz Solutions' pricing is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a competitive process typically leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government. The number of bidders, if available, would further clarify the level of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive award process that aims to secure IT support services at the best possible price, reducing the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The National Science Foundation (NSF) benefits from reliable IT service desk support. Services delivered include technical assistance and support for NSF's IT infrastructure. The geographic impact is primarily within NSF's operational locations, likely supporting federal employees and contractors. Workforce implications include the potential for Directviz Solutions to staff these roles, impacting the IT labor market.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if Time and Materials rates are not closely managed.
Risk of vendor lock-in if not managed proactively.
Dependence on a single BPA call for critical IT support functions.
Ensuring consistent service quality across all support requests.
Managing contract modifications and scope changes effectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating market validation.
Established BPA call structure provides a framework for service delivery.
Clear contract end date helps in future planning and budget allocation.
Contractor has experience in providing IT services.
Supports critical IT functions for a key federal agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically focusing on IT support and help desk operations. The government's IT services market is substantial, with agencies consistently seeking reliable support for their complex systems. This BPA call represents a portion of the broader federal spending on IT services, which includes areas like custom computer programming, cloud services, and cybersecurity. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts often consider hourly rates, service level agreements, and the scope of support provided.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside requirement. However, the prime contractor, Directviz Solutions, LLC, may choose to engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would be a positive development for the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Science Foundation's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures will be tied to the performance work statement and service level agreements outlined in the BPA call. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award data being publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

IT Help Desk Services
IT Support Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
IT Professional Services
Managed IT Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Need for robust oversight to manage scope creep and ensure value.
Contract duration may impact flexibility in adopting future IT solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $18.9 million to DIRECTVIZ SOLUTIONS, LLC. SERVICE DESK SUPPORT BPA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DIRECTVIZ SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-12-20. End: 2027-03-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for IT support services at the National Science Foundation?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for IT support services at the National Science Foundation (NSF) is crucial for understanding the agency's long-term needs and budget allocation for such services. While specific historical data for this particular BPA call is not provided, NSF, like many federal agencies, relies heavily on IT support to maintain its operations, research infrastructure, and data management. Past spending would likely show a consistent requirement for help desk support, network maintenance, and end-user device management. Trends might indicate an increasing reliance on cloud-based support solutions or a shift towards more specialized IT services. Benchmarking this $18.9 million BPA against previous years' IT support expenditures would reveal whether this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in IT support. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing the sustainability of current spending and identifying potential areas for efficiency improvements or strategic investments in future IT support capabilities.

How does Directviz Solutions' track record compare to other potential bidders for this IT support contract?

Directviz Solutions, LLC's track record is a key factor in assessing their suitability for this $18.9 million IT support BPA. A thorough review would involve examining their past performance on similar government contracts, particularly those involving IT help desk and service desk operations. This includes evaluating client satisfaction ratings, adherence to contract terms, successful delivery of services, and any history of performance issues or disputes. Comparing this to the track records of other potential bidders, especially those who may have competed but were not awarded, provides context. If Directviz has a strong history of successful IT support delivery for federal agencies, it suggests a lower performance risk for NSF. Conversely, a limited or mixed track record might raise concerns about their ability to meet the demanding requirements of supporting a federal agency's IT infrastructure effectively and efficiently over the contract's duration.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials contract for IT support services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like the one awarded to Directviz Solutions for IT support, carry inherent risks, primarily concerning cost control. The main risk is the potential for cost overruns, as the government pays for the actual labor hours and materials used, rather than a fixed price. This can be exacerbated if work is inefficiently performed, if scope creep occurs without proper management, or if labor rates are higher than anticipated. For IT support, this means that unexpected issues or a higher volume of service requests could significantly increase the total cost beyond initial projections. Effective oversight, detailed tracking of hours and expenses, and robust change control processes are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value for money. Without stringent management, T&M contracts can become more expensive than fixed-price alternatives.

How does the $18.9M award compare to overall federal IT spending in the Custom Computer Programming Services category?

The $18.9 million award to Directviz Solutions for IT support services, categorized under NAICS code 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), represents a specific investment within a much larger federal IT spending landscape. Federal IT spending is in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually, encompassing a vast array of services including software development, system integration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IT support. This particular contract, while substantial for a single BPA call, is a relatively small fraction of the total federal IT budget. Comparing it to the overall spending within the Custom Computer Programming Services category, which also includes development and integration work, provides context. It highlights that while NSF's need for IT support is significant, it is one of many demands on federal IT resources. Benchmarking this award against similar IT support contracts across other agencies can offer a clearer picture of its relative size and cost-effectiveness within the broader federal IT market.

What are the potential implications of this contract's duration (ending March 2027) on NSF's long-term IT strategy?

The contract's duration, extending to March 2027, has several implications for the National Science Foundation's (NSF) long-term IT strategy. A duration of over two years (from award) allows for continuity and stability in IT support services, which is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and supporting ongoing research initiatives. However, it also means that NSF is committing a significant portion of its IT support budget to this specific BPA call for an extended period. This could potentially limit flexibility in adopting newer technologies or changing support models if a more agile approach were desired. NSF will need to ensure that the services provided remain relevant and effective throughout the contract term and begin planning for future IT support needs well in advance of the expiration date to avoid service disruptions or a rushed procurement process.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1595 SPRING HILL RD STE 600, VIENNA, VA, 22182

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $40,980,621

Exercised Options: $18,900,956

Current Obligation: $18,900,956

Actual Outlays: $11,468,520

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $40,062

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 49100422A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline