DHS Awards $1.38M for Network Automation Licenses and Maintenance to Distributed Technology Group LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,385,543 ($1.4M)

Contractor: Distributed Technology Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2027-03-29

Contract Duration: 910 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: OPEN TEXT NETWORK AUTOMATION LICENSES MAINTENANCE

Place of Performance

Location: ASHBURN, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20147

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $1.4 million to DISTRIBUTED TECHNOLOGY GROUP LLC for work described as: OPEN TEXT NETWORK AUTOMATION LICENSES MAINTENANCE Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Distributed Technology Group LLC for network automation software. 2. The contract value is $1.38 million over approximately 2.5 years. 3. Competition method was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The sector appears to be IT services, specifically computer-related services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.38 million for network automation licenses and maintenance over 2.5 years appears moderate. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the price seems within a reasonable range for specialized software and support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows any qualified vendor to bid. This method is expected to yield fair market value for the services provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it encourages multiple bids and potentially drives down costs.

Public Impact

Enhances network automation capabilities for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Supports critical infrastructure for border security operations. Ensures continued operation and maintenance of essential IT systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized software.
Reliance on a single delivery order for the full contract value.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Clear contract duration and end date.
Firm fixed price contract type limits cost escalation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically under 'Other Computer Related Services'. The spending benchmark for similar IT services can vary widely based on the complexity and criticality of the systems involved. $1.38 million over 2.5 years for specialized network automation software and maintenance is a significant but not extraordinary investment for a federal agency.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security, specifically U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Oversight would typically involve contract officers, technical monitors, and potentially program managers to ensure deliverables meet requirements and are within budget.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is relatively long (over 2 years).
Specific software capabilities not detailed.
No indication of small business participation.
Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized software.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $1.4 million to DISTRIBUTED TECHNOLOGY GROUP LLC. OPEN TEXT NETWORK AUTOMATION LICENSES MAINTENANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DISTRIBUTED TECHNOLOGY GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2027-03-29.

What specific network automation capabilities does this software provide, and how do they directly support CBP's mission?

The provided data does not detail the specific functionalities of the 'OPEN TEXT NETWORK AUTOMATION LICENSES MAINTENANCE' software. To assess its value, understanding its role in streamlining network operations, enhancing security protocols, or improving data management for CBP is crucial. Without this context, it's difficult to quantify the direct impact on mission effectiveness beyond general IT support.

Are there any known risks associated with the 'OPEN TEXT' software or Distributed Technology Group LLC that could impact contract performance or security?

The provided data does not highlight any specific risks related to the software or the vendor. However, potential risks could include software vulnerabilities, vendor financial stability, or challenges in integrating the automation tools with existing CBP systems. A thorough risk assessment would involve reviewing past performance, cybersecurity posture, and the software's track record.

How does the $1.38 million expenditure compare to previous investments in similar network automation solutions by CBP or other agencies?

Benchmarking this $1.38 million expenditure against historical spending on comparable network automation solutions by CBP or other federal agencies is essential for evaluating its cost-effectiveness. Without comparative data, it's challenging to determine if this represents a good value or if similar capabilities have been acquired at a lower cost previously.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 499 S WARREN ST STE 501, SYRACUSE, NY, 13202

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,405,182

Exercised Options: $1,385,543

Current Obligation: $1,385,543

Actual Outlays: $613,233

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC31B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline