DHS awards $12.5M contract for program support to Vision Centric Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,448,461 ($12.4M)

Contractor: Vision Centric Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-09-09

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 964 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROGRAM SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: MADISON, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35758

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $12.4 million to VISION CENTRIC INC for work described as: PROGRAM SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract provides essential program support services. 2. Vision Centric Inc. is the primary contractor. 3. Services are delivered over a 32-month period. 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 5. The contract type is delivery order, indicating task-based execution. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 561110 for Office Administrative Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract requires more detailed service descriptions and performance metrics. The total award amount of $12.5 million over approximately 32 months suggests a moderate annual spend. Without comparable contracts for similar program support services, it is difficult to definitively assess if the pricing represents good value for money. Further analysis would involve comparing the labor hours and rates to industry standards and other government contracts for analogous services.

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, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and evaluated. The presence of three bids suggests a reasonable level of competition for these program support services. This competitive process is generally expected to drive more favorable pricing and service quality for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely resulted in a more cost-effective solution compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The contract delivers essential program support services, crucial for the efficient operation of CBP programs. The geographic impact is primarily within Alabama, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include the creation or maintenance of jobs for individuals performing administrative and program support functions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
Limited transparency on specific program support activities.
Potential for scope creep if not managed closely.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting fair pricing potential.
Contract duration provides stability for service delivery.
Clear identification of the contracting agency and its needs.

Sector Analysis

The program support services fall under the broader administrative and support services sector. This sector is characterized by a wide range of businesses providing essential operational functions for government agencies and private companies. The market size for government administrative support is substantial, with agencies consistently seeking efficient and cost-effective solutions to manage their programs. This contract fits within the typical spending patterns for agencies requiring dedicated support staff and services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific award, as the 'ss' (small business set-aside) field is false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the prime contractor, Vision Centric Inc., is likely a larger entity, and the contract did not prioritize direct set-asides for small businesses. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting plan would be needed to understand the full impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by contracting officers and program managers within U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Accountability measures are usually embedded in the contract's performance standards and delivery requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS, though detailed operational specifics may be limited. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Program Management Support
Customs and Border Protection Administrative Services
Federal Government Office Support Contracts
Program Support Services (General)

Risk Flags

Potential for undefined scope creep in 'program support' services.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in summary data.
Limited visibility into small business subcontracting opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $12.4 million to VISION CENTRIC INC. PROGRAM SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VISION CENTRIC INC.

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 $12.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-09. End: 2026-04-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'program support' services being provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the NAICS code is 561110, which corresponds to Office Administrative Services. Therefore, 'program support' likely encompasses a range of administrative functions essential for the operation of specific programs within U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This could include tasks such as document management, scheduling, logistical support, data entry, basic research, report preparation, and general office administration. Without more granular details in the contract award itself, the precise scope remains generalized. However, the classification suggests a focus on enabling the smooth functioning of programs through administrative means rather than direct program execution or technical services.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar program support contracts within DHS or CBP?

Direct comparison of the $12.5 million award to similar program support contracts within DHS or CBP is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contract specifics. Factors such as contract duration (964 days or approx. 32 months), the level of service required (labor hours vs. fixed price), and the specific expertise needed significantly influence contract value. However, for large federal agencies like CBP, multi-million dollar contracts for essential support services are common. The value is moderate in the context of overall agency spending, suggesting it covers a defined set of administrative functions over a significant period. A more precise benchmark would require analyzing contracts with identical or highly similar NAICS codes and service descriptions.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate Vision Centric Inc.'s performance?

The provided summary data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or specific metrics used to evaluate Vision Centric Inc.'s performance under this contract. Typically, government contracts include a Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW) that details the required services and the standards by which performance will be measured. These metrics often relate to timeliness of service delivery, accuracy of work, responsiveness to requests, and adherence to reporting requirements. Without access to the full contract documentation, it is impossible to detail the specific KPIs. However, the contracting officer and program managers at CBP are responsible for monitoring performance against the agreed-upon terms.

What is the historical spending pattern for program support services by U.S. Customs and Border Protection?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for program support services by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires access to historical contract data over multiple fiscal years. While this specific award is for $12.5 million, understanding the broader trend involves looking at aggregate spending on similar services (e.g., NAICS 561110, administrative support, program management support) over time. CBP, as a large component of DHS, consistently requires significant administrative and program support to manage its vast operations. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on agency priorities, budget allocations, and specific program needs. A detailed analysis would reveal if this $12.5 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in such services compared to previous years.

What is the track record of Vision Centric Inc. in performing similar government contracts?

Vision Centric Inc.'s track record in performing similar government contracts can be assessed by reviewing their past performance information available in federal procurement databases. This includes examining previous awards, contract values, agencies served, and any available past performance ratings or feedback. A company's history with fulfilling contracts on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards is crucial. For this specific $12.5 million contract, understanding Vision Centric Inc.'s experience with program support or administrative services for agencies like DHS or CBP would provide insight into their capability and reliability. Without direct access to their full performance history, a definitive assessment cannot be made, but the award itself suggests they met the criteria for this particular contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Office Administrative Services › Office Administrative Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70B06C23Q00000103

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 130 CASTLE DR, MADISON, AL, 35758

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,448,461

Exercised Options: $12,448,461

Current Obligation: $12,448,461

Actual Outlays: $7,298,669

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC16DP2030

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline