EPA awards $1.59M for data analytics software to CaseWare International Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,880 ($15.9K)

Contractor: Caseware International Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2026-04-13

End Date: 2027-04-12

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $44/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IDEA SOFTWARE IS NEEDED TO PERFORM DATA ANALYTICS WHICH HELP OUR AUDITORS AND PROGRAM EVALUATORS PERFORM THEIR AUDITS. IDEA FACILITATES IN MEETING PROFESSIONAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. IDEA SATISFIES THE DATA ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS OF THE OIG, AN

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20202

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $15,880 to CASEWARE INTERNATIONAL INC. for work described as: IDEA SOFTWARE IS NEEDED TO PERFORM DATA ANALYTICS WHICH HELP OUR AUDITORS AND PROGRAM EVALUATORS PERFORM THEIR AUDITS. IDEA FACILITATES IN MEETING PROFESSIONAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. IDEA SATISFIES THE DATA ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS OF THE OIG, AN Key points: 1. Software acquisition supports critical audit and program evaluation functions. 2. Contract aims to enhance regulatory compliance and data analysis capabilities. 3. Fixed-price purchase order structure provides cost certainty. 4. Performance period spans one year, with potential for extensions. 5. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential savings. 6. Geographic focus on District of Columbia for contract performance.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $1.59 million purchase order for IDEA software, a data analytics tool essential for audits and regulatory compliance. While the specific value-for-money assessment is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, the price appears to align with industry standards for specialized audit software. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for data analytics platforms is challenging without more detailed pricing information or competitive bids. The fixed-price nature of the contract offers some cost predictability for the agency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, CaseWare International Inc., was solicited. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process, which typically involves multiple vendors submitting proposals. While sole-source awards can be justified in specific circumstances, such as when a unique capability is required or only one vendor can provide the necessary product, they generally limit price discovery and may not result in the most cost-effective outcome for the government. The lack of competition means potential savings that could have been achieved through a bidding process are likely foregone.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for this software. Without competitive pressure, the government may be paying a premium compared to what could have been negotiated in a more open market.

Public Impact

EPA auditors and program evaluators will benefit from enhanced data analysis capabilities. The software facilitates compliance with professional and regulatory requirements for audits. Improved audit efficiency and effectiveness are expected outcomes. The contract supports the agency's mission to protect human health and the environment. Workforce within the EPA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) will utilize the software.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential cost savings.
Lack of transparency in the procurement process due to sole-source justification.
Potential for overpayment without market-based price validation.

Positive Signals

Acquisition of specialized software critical for audit and compliance functions.
Fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Supports agency's mission-critical operations for regulatory oversight.

Sector Analysis

The market for data analytics software is robust and growing, driven by increasing data volumes across all sectors. This contract falls within the Software Publishers industry (NAICS 513210). Government spending on such tools is substantial, as agencies rely on data analytics for oversight, compliance, and operational efficiency. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the specialized nature of audit software and the sole-source award, but the price point appears within a reasonable range for enterprise-level analytics solutions. The EPA's investment aligns with a broader government trend towards leveraging technology for improved performance and accountability.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to include a small business set-aside. Given the sole-source nature of the award to CaseWare International Inc., there is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses through this specific procurement. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral, as the contract did not prioritize small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract will be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency. As a purchase order, it falls under the agency's standard procurement and financial management controls. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source award, making public scrutiny of the procurement process more challenging. The Inspector General's office within the EPA would have jurisdiction to audit the use and effectiveness of the software post-award, ensuring it meets the stated requirements and provides value.

Related Government Programs

Government Audit Software
Data Analytics Platforms
Regulatory Compliance Tools
Information Technology Procurement
Environmental Protection Agency IT Spending

Risk Flags

Sole-source justification requires scrutiny.
Potential for higher cost due to lack of competition.
Need for post-award performance evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $15,880 to CASEWARE INTERNATIONAL INC.. IDEA SOFTWARE IS NEEDED TO PERFORM DATA ANALYTICS WHICH HELP OUR AUDITORS AND PROGRAM EVALUATORS PERFORM THEIR AUDITS. IDEA FACILITATES IN MEETING PROFESSIONAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS. IDEA SATISFIES THE DATA ANALYSIS REQUIREMENTS OF THE OIG, AN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CASEWARE INTERNATIONAL INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15,880.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-13. End: 2027-04-12.

What is the track record of CaseWare International Inc. with federal agencies?

Information regarding CaseWare International Inc.'s specific track record with federal agencies is not detailed in the provided data. However, the company is known for its IDEA data analysis software, which is widely used in the auditing profession. Federal agencies, particularly Inspector General offices, often procure such specialized tools to meet audit and compliance requirements. A comprehensive review would require examining past federal contract awards, performance evaluations, and any reported issues or successes associated with CaseWare's products in government settings. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively assess their federal performance history beyond the general professional recognition of their software.

How does the $1.59 million price compare to similar government contracts for data analytics software?

Benchmarking the $1.59 million price for IDEA software against similar government contracts is challenging due to the sole-source nature of this award and the specificity of the software's intended use (audit analytics). Typically, competitive solicitations for broader data analytics platforms might yield a range of prices depending on features, user licenses, and support levels. For specialized audit software, prices can vary significantly. Without access to a database of comparable sole-source awards or detailed feature comparisons, it's difficult to definitively state if this price represents excellent, fair, or concerning value. However, for enterprise-level audit software supporting critical functions, the amount is not inherently unreasonable, but the lack of competition prevents a definitive value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for essential software?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for essential software like IDEA include potential overpayment due to the absence of competitive pricing pressure, limited innovation if alternative solutions exist, and a lack of transparency in the procurement process. Taxpayers may not benefit from the most cost-effective solution available in the market. Furthermore, reliance on a single vendor can create long-term dependencies and potential vulnerabilities if that vendor's product strategy or financial stability changes. While sole-source awards are sometimes necessary for unique requirements, they necessitate robust justification and careful oversight to mitigate these inherent risks and ensure the government is still obtaining fair value.

How effective is IDEA software in meeting the audit and program evaluation needs of an agency like the EPA?

IDEA software is widely recognized and utilized within the auditing profession for its capabilities in data analysis, fraud detection, and audit management. Its effectiveness in meeting the needs of agencies like the EPA stems from its ability to process large datasets, identify anomalies, and facilitate compliance with professional and regulatory standards. For auditors and program evaluators, it provides tools to perform more thorough and efficient reviews of financial data, operational performance, and compliance metrics. The EPA's Office of Inspector General, for instance, relies on such tools to conduct independent audits and evaluations, ensuring accountability and identifying areas for improvement within the agency's programs and operations. Its established reputation suggests a high degree of effectiveness for these core functions.

What are the historical spending patterns for data analytics software at the EPA?

Historical spending patterns for data analytics software at the EPA are not detailed in the provided data. However, it is reasonable to infer that the agency, like other large federal organizations, has consistently invested in various forms of data analysis tools to support its extensive regulatory, scientific, and administrative functions. Spending likely fluctuates based on technological advancements, evolving audit requirements, and specific program needs. The current award of $1.59 million for IDEA software suggests a continued commitment to equipping its audit and evaluation staff with necessary analytical capabilities. A deeper analysis would require examining the EPA's procurement history over several fiscal years, identifying trends in software acquisitions, and understanding the specific types of analytics tools procured.

What is the duration of the contract and are there options for extension?

The provided data indicates a contract duration of 364 days, effectively one year, with an end date of April 12, 2027, and a start date of April 13, 2026. While the data specifies the initial period of performance, it does not explicitly detail any options for extension. However, purchase orders of this nature, especially for software licenses and support, often include provisions for renewal or follow-on orders, subject to funding availability and continued need. The absence of explicit 'option periods' in the summary data does not preclude the possibility of extensions or future procurements for the same software or services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Software Publishers › Software Publishers

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 351 KING STREET E SUITE 1100, TORONTO

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,880

Exercised Options: $15,880

Current Obligation: $15,880

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline