EPA Awards $5.47M Task Order for COMPASS Support to CGI Federal, Sole-Source

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,470,070 ($5.5M)

Contractor: CGI Federal Inc.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2018-06-06

End Date: 2025-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,581 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: OCFO COMPASS LICENSING AND OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICES, TASK ORDER 06 FOR COMPASS CHANGE REQUEST (CR) AND APPROVED ENHANCEMENT SUPPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $5.5 million to CGI FEDERAL INC. for work described as: OCFO COMPASS LICENSING AND OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICES, TASK ORDER 06 FOR COMPASS CHANGE REQUEST (CR) AND APPROVED ENHANCEMENT SUPPORT. Key points: 1. The task order focuses on critical COMPASS system enhancements and operational support. 2. CGI Federal Inc. is the incumbent contractor, suggesting a sole-source award. 3. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control risks. 4. The IT sector, specifically software and systems support, is the relevant domain.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $5.47M award for COMPASS support is difficult to benchmark without detailed scope and labor rates. Time and Materials contracts can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed, potentially exceeding the value of fixed-price alternatives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This task order was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to CGI Federal. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being spent without competitive bidding, which may result in a less favorable price than could have been achieved through open competition.

Public Impact

Environmental data management systems are crucial for regulatory compliance and public health. Continuity of operations for the COMPASS system ensures ongoing environmental protection efforts. Lack of competition raises concerns about the efficient use of taxpayer dollars for essential government functions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Time and Materials contract type carries inherent cost escalation risks.
No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Supports critical environmental data management system (COMPASS).
Ensures continuity of essential government operations.
Long-term relationship with contractor may offer institutional knowledge.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending benchmarks for similar government IT support services vary widely based on complexity and scope, but this award appears moderate for specialized system maintenance and enhancement.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that neither small business nor socio-economic status was a factor in this award, as it was awarded to CGI Federal Inc. and marked as not competed. There is no indication of small business subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure the pricing is fair and reasonable and that future requirements will be competed to maximize value. Oversight should focus on the management of the Time and Materials contract.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing.
Time and Materials contract type increases cost risk.
No small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns without strict oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $5.5 million to CGI FEDERAL INC.. OCFO COMPASS LICENSING AND OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICES, TASK ORDER 06 FOR COMPASS CHANGE REQUEST (CR) AND APPROVED ENHANCEMENT SUPPORT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CGI FEDERAL INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-06-06. End: 2025-06-30.

What is the justification for the sole-source award, and has it been adequately documented and approved?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves demonstrating that only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. This often relates to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs. For this contract, the justification would need to be thoroughly documented and approved by the contracting officer and potentially higher authorities to ensure it meets federal procurement regulations and represents the best interest of the government.

How will the EPA manage the Time and Materials contract to mitigate cost overruns and ensure efficient resource utilization?

Effective management of a Time and Materials contract requires robust oversight. The EPA should implement strict monitoring of labor hours, establish clear ceilings, conduct regular performance reviews, and ensure that the contractor's personnel are working efficiently. Defining specific deliverables and milestones, even within a T&M framework, can help anchor costs and provide measurable progress, thereby mitigating the risk of uncontrolled spending.

What is the long-term strategy for the COMPASS system, and will future support requirements be subject to full and open competition?

The long-term strategy for the COMPASS system is crucial for understanding future spending and competition. The EPA should outline a roadmap for system modernization or replacement. It is imperative that future requirements, unless a compelling justification for sole-source exists and is approved, are subjected to full and open competition to leverage market forces and achieve better value for taxpayer dollars.

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: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 68HE0H18R0016

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Timken Company

Address: 12601 FAIR LAKES CIR, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,196,506

Exercised Options: $7,177,052

Current Obligation: $5,470,070

Actual Outlays: $3,874,725

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: EPW18007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline