EPA awards $4.8M contract for IT O&M support to UVS Infotech LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,798,792 ($4.8M)

Contractor: UVS Infotech LLC.

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-10-23

End Date: 2026-10-22

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: OFFICE OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (OCFO) PEOPLEPLUS (PPL) OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20460

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $4.8 million to UVS INFOTECH LLC. for work described as: OFFICE OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (OCFO) PEOPLEPLUS (PPL) OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential IT operations and maintenance, crucial for agency functions. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, indicating a broad search for qualified vendors. 3. The contract duration of 1095 days suggests a need for sustained support. 4. UVS Infotech LLC, the awardee, will provide computer systems design services. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose budget management challenges if not closely monitored. 6. The base award amount is approximately $4.4M, with potential for growth.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $4.8 million over three years for IT O&M support appears reasonable for a federal agency. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for agencies of the EPA's size suggests this is within expected ranges. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while common, requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the value delivered and do not escalate beyond initial projections. Further analysis of specific labor rates and material markups would provide a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This indicates that while the competition was broad, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria, possibly related to past performance, security clearances, or specialized capabilities. The fact that it was competed broadly suggests that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, which generally promotes competitive pricing and encourages vendors to offer their best value.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition, even with exclusions, generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective solutions and prevent price gouging.

Public Impact

The Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) at the EPA will benefit from enhanced IT operations and maintenance. Services delivered include computer systems design and ongoing support for critical IT infrastructure. The contract's impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the EPA's OCFO is located. The contract supports IT professionals and potentially other roles involved in maintaining the agency's technological backbone.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed and monitored.
Potential for scope creep exists with T&M contracts, requiring strong project management from the agency.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny to ensure it did not unduly limit competition.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust vetting process.
The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term need for these services, implying a well-defined requirement.
The focus on essential IT O&M support is critical for the agency's operational continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, a vital component of the broader IT services industry. This sector is characterized by a high degree of specialization and rapid technological advancement. Federal spending in IT services is substantial, with agencies relying heavily on contractors for system design, integration, maintenance, and support. The market size for federal IT services is in the tens of billions annually. This contract represents a small but important piece of the EPA's overall IT infrastructure investment, ensuring the smooth operation of its financial systems.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The awardee, UVS Infotech LLC, is listed with a base award of approximately $4.4 million, which may or may not classify them as a small business depending on their specific NAICS code revenue thresholds. The absence of small business set-asides or subcontracting goals means that the direct economic impact on the small business ecosystem for this specific contract is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses independently.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting officers and program managers within the Office of Chief Financial Officer (OCFO). Accountability measures will be tied to the performance standards outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and the Time and Materials reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. The Inspector General's office at the EPA may conduct audits or investigations if performance issues or potential fraud are identified.

Related Government Programs

EPA IT Support Services
Federal IT Operations and Maintenance
Computer Systems Design Services Contracts
Office of Chief Financial Officer IT Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Need for diligent oversight to manage scope creep.
Justification for 'exclusion of sources' requires review to ensure adequate competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $4.8 million to UVS INFOTECH LLC.. OFFICE OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (OCFO) PEOPLEPLUS (PPL) OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (O&M) SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UVS INFOTECH LLC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-23. End: 2026-10-22.

What is the track record of UVS Infotech LLC with federal contracts, particularly in IT O&M support?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that UVS Infotech LLC has been awarded multiple federal contracts, primarily in the IT services domain. While specific details on their performance history for IT O&M support require deeper analysis of contract performance reports and any associated award or termination notices, their consistent receipt of federal awards suggests a baseline level of capability and compliance. Further investigation into past performance evaluations and any debriefings from previous solicitations would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record and suitability for this specific EPA contract.

How does the pricing structure (Time and Materials) compare to other IT O&M support contracts of similar scope and duration?

Time and Materials (T&M) is a common contract type for IT services where the scope of work is not clearly defined at the outset or is expected to evolve. Compared to fixed-price contracts, T&M can offer flexibility but carries a higher risk of cost overruns if not managed rigorously. For IT O&M support of this scale ($4.8M over 3 years), T&M is often competitive, especially when labor categories and hourly rates are benchmarked against government-wide contract vehicles or industry standards. Agencies typically mitigate T&M risks through detailed monitoring of hours, material costs, and by establishing not-to-exceed (NTE) clauses or cost ceilings within the contract.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential cost overruns due to the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, scope creep, and vendor performance issues. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by the EPA's contracting officer's representative (COR), regular performance reviews, strict adherence to reporting requirements for hours and materials, and clearly defined deliverables and milestones. The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' also presents a potential risk if the exclusion criteria were overly restrictive, limiting the pool of qualified bidders and potentially impacting price. Ensuring the justification for exclusions is sound is crucial.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' approach in ensuring value for taxpayers?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' approach aims to balance broad competition with the need for specific capabilities or qualifications. When executed properly, it can ensure that a wide range of potential offerors are considered while filtering out those who clearly do not meet essential requirements. This can lead to a more focused competition among capable vendors, potentially driving better value. However, if the exclusions are too broad or not well-justified, it could inadvertently limit competition, leading to higher prices or fewer innovative solutions, thus diminishing taxpayer value. The effectiveness hinges on the transparency and necessity of the exclusions.

What is the historical spending pattern for IT O&M support services at the EPA, and how does this award compare?

Historical spending data for IT O&M support services at the EPA would reveal trends in contract values, award types, and incumbent contractors over time. Without specific historical data for this exact service category, a direct comparison is difficult. However, federal IT O&M spending is generally consistent, driven by the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade complex systems. An award of $4.8 million over three years for a specific office's IT support is a moderate-sized contract within the federal IT landscape. If historical spending for similar EPA IT support functions has been in a similar range, this award suggests continuity. Significant deviations might warrant further investigation into the reasons for increased or decreased spending.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ1630478

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 603 7TH ST STE 302, LAUREL, MD, 20707

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $8,269,171

Exercised Options: $4,841,054

Current Obligation: $4,798,792

Actual Outlays: $3,426,014

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCB22D0484

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline