DOT awards $2M for PRISM functional support to Unison Software Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,995,878 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Unison Software Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-08-18

End Date: 2030-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,839 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR PRISM FUNCTIONAL SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20166

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.0 million to UNISON SOFTWARE INC for work described as: TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR PRISM FUNCTIONAL SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized software support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Delivery order type indicates a specific, defined need. 4. Contract duration extends over five years, indicating long-term support. 5. Software Publishers NAICS code points to a niche market. 6. Virginia location may offer local talent pool advantages.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $2 million for over five years of functional support for PRISM software seems within a reasonable range for specialized IT services. Benchmarking against similar software support contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while common, requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain aligned with the scope of work and market rates. Without specific details on the PRISM system's complexity or the criticality of its functions, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the awarded amount does not immediately suggest overpricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The number of bidders is not specified, but the use of full and open competition suggests a robust process. The agency's decision to compete broadly implies confidence in the market's ability to provide suitable solutions for the PRISM functional support.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a wider range of bids and encourages contractors to offer competitive pricing to win the award.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits from continued functional support for the PRISM system. Users of the PRISM system, likely within the FAA, will experience sustained operational capability. The contract supports IT professionals in Virginia, potentially creating or maintaining jobs in the region. Ensuring the functionality of PRISM contributes to the overall efficiency of FAA operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns with Time and Materials contract if not closely managed.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical software support over a long period.
Risk of scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and controlled.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Contract duration of over five years indicates a stable, long-term need.
Clear identification of the software (PRISM) and its support function.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly software publishers and support, is a significant area of federal spending. This contract falls under the Software Publishers (NAICS 511210) category. Federal agencies rely heavily on specialized software for mission-critical operations, leading to a consistent demand for maintenance, support, and upgrades. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in various software platforms. The approximately $2 million award over five years is a moderate-sized contract within this sector, reflecting a specific need for functional support rather than a large-scale development or implementation project.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb: false). As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (potentially), the subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the terms of the underlying award. Without further information on the prime contractor's small business subcontracting plan or the nature of the underlying contract, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear. However, the absence of a small business set-aside suggests larger firms were likely the primary focus of this competition.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contracting officer and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The Time and Materials pricing structure necessitates diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure that work performed aligns with the stated requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are typically internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

Software Maintenance Services
IT Support Services
Application Software Development
Cloud Computing Services
IT Professional Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Risk of vendor lock-in due to the long contract duration.
Need for robust oversight to manage scope and ensure value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.0 million to UNISON SOFTWARE INC. TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR PRISM FUNCTIONAL SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNISON SOFTWARE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-18. End: 2030-08-31.

What is the specific function and criticality of the PRISM system within the FAA?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'PRISM FUNCTIONAL SUPPORT' awarded to 'UNISON SOFTWARE INC'. However, the specific function and criticality of the PRISM system within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, systems named with acronyms like PRISM in federal agencies relate to program management, resource allocation, information management, or operational tracking. Given the FAA's domain, PRISM could potentially relate to air traffic management, safety reporting, regulatory compliance, or personnel management. The criticality would depend on its role; if it's essential for daily operations, safety, or regulatory compliance, its criticality would be high. Without more context, it's difficult to ascertain its exact role and impact, but functional support contracts often imply the system is operational and requires ongoing maintenance to ensure its continued utility.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar software support contracts for FAA systems?

Comparing the awarded amount of approximately $2 million over five years (roughly $400,000 annually) for PRISM functional support requires benchmarking against similar contracts within the FAA or other aviation authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration utilizes a wide array of complex software systems for air traffic control, safety management, regulatory oversight, and administrative functions. Contracts for functional support can vary significantly based on the software's complexity, user base, and the vendor's specialization. A $400,000 annual spend for specialized software support is not uncommon for systems that are critical but perhaps not undergoing major development. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to identify contracts for similar types of software (e.g., operational support systems, data management platforms) with comparable contract durations and scopes of work within the FAA or other transportation-related agencies.

What are the potential risks associated with a Time and Materials contract for software support?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like the one awarded for PRISM functional support, carry inherent risks, primarily related to cost control. The main risk is the potential for cost overruns if the contractor's labor hours or material costs exceed initial estimates or if the scope of work is not well-defined and managed. This can lead to the contract exceeding its ceiling value without a corresponding increase in delivered value. For the government, effective oversight is crucial to mitigate this risk. This involves closely monitoring the hours worked, ensuring the labor categories and rates are appropriate, and verifying that the materials purchased are necessary and reasonably priced. Scope creep is another significant risk; without strict management, the contractor may perform work beyond the original intent, driving up costs. Therefore, robust project management and vigilant oversight by the FAA are essential to ensure value and prevent uncontrolled expenditure under this T&M contract.

What is Unison Software Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the FAA?

The provided data identifies 'UNISON SOFTWARE INC' as the contractor for this $2 million delivery order. To assess their track record, one would need to examine federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) for past awards and performance history. Information regarding Unison Software Inc.'s previous contracts with the FAA or other federal agencies would reveal their experience in delivering similar IT services, their performance ratings (if available), and any history of contract disputes or issues. A positive track record with the FAA would suggest familiarity with agency processes, security requirements, and operational needs, potentially reducing performance risk. Conversely, a history of performance issues or contract terminations could indicate a higher risk for this new award. Without access to this specific historical data, it's impossible to definitively assess their track record.

How does the duration of this contract (over 5 years) impact long-term IT strategy and vendor lock-in?

A contract duration extending over five years, as seen with this PRISM functional support award, has significant implications for the FAA's long-term IT strategy and potential vendor lock-in. On one hand, a longer duration provides stability and ensures continuity of essential software support, allowing the FAA to focus on other strategic initiatives without immediate concerns about vendor transitions. It can also foster a deeper working relationship with the contractor, potentially leading to better understanding and more tailored support. On the other hand, such long-term commitments can lead to vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch to a different provider or adopt new technologies if the current vendor's solution becomes outdated or less competitive. This necessitates careful contract management, including provisions for performance reviews, potential renegotiations, and clear exit strategies to mitigate the risks of long-term dependency.

What is the significance of the NAICS code 511210 (Software Publishers) in the context of this contract?

The assignment of NAICS code 511210, 'Software Publishers,' to this contract indicates that the primary activity of the contractor, Unison Software Inc., is related to the publishing of software. This typically involves developing, marketing, and distributing software products. In the context of a 'functional support' contract, this suggests that Unison Software Inc. is likely the original developer or publisher of the PRISM software system for which they are providing support. This specialization can be advantageous, as the original publisher often possesses the deepest knowledge of the software's architecture, code, and intended functionality, potentially leading to more effective and efficient support. It also implies that the FAA is procuring support directly from the source of the software, which can be beneficial for ensuring the integrity and longevity of the system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Software Publishers › Software Publishers

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 8444 WESTPARK DR STE 920, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,703,371

Exercised Options: $1,995,878

Current Obligation: $1,995,878

Actual Outlays: $384,941

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D00EP

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline