DHS ICE awards $22.8M contract for Law Enforcement Investigative Database Subscription to Thomson Reuters

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,786,104 ($22.8M)

Contractor: Thomson Reuters Special Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-05-28

End Date: 2026-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,829 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIVE DATABASE SUBSCRIPTION (LEIDS), TASKS 2/2A

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $22.8 million to THOMSON REUTERS SPECIAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIVE DATABASE SUBSCRIPTION (LEIDS), TASKS 2/2A Key points: 1. The contract is for a critical law enforcement database, indicating ongoing operational needs. 2. Thomson Reuters is a major player in information services, suggesting significant market presence. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs, but the duration warrants attention. 4. The sector is IT, specifically data services and web portals, a growing area of government spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $22.8 million over approximately five years appears reasonable for a specialized law enforcement database subscription. Benchmarking against similar data services would provide a more precise assessment, but the price seems aligned with market offerings for comprehensive investigative tools.

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 ensures the government receives the best value. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, fostering price discovery and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to secure the best possible price for taxpayers by leveraging market forces.

Public Impact

Enhances investigative capabilities for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Supports national security and public safety by providing access to critical data. Facilitates efficient information gathering for law enforcement personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contract duration of nearly five years could lead to price increases if not managed.
Reliance on a single vendor for a critical database may pose long-term risks.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting fair pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on data services and web portals. Government spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need for advanced analytical and investigative tools to support various agency missions.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Department of Homeland Security. Oversight would focus on ensuring the vendor meets performance requirements and that the subscription remains cost-effective throughout its term.

Related Government Programs

Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration
Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on a single data provider
Need for ongoing cost-effectiveness assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $22.8 million to THOMSON REUTERS SPECIAL SERVICES LLC. LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIVE DATABASE SUBSCRIPTION (LEIDS), TASKS 2/2A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THOMSON REUTERS SPECIAL SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $22.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-28. End: 2026-05-31.

What is the specific scope of data provided by the LEIDS subscription and how does it compare to alternative data sources?

The LEIDS subscription likely provides access to a comprehensive suite of public and proprietary data relevant to law enforcement investigations, including but not limited to, criminal records, financial data, and social media intelligence. A detailed comparison with alternative data sources would assess if LEIDS offers unique capabilities or a more integrated solution that justifies its cost, ensuring optimal value for ICE's investigative needs.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on Thomson Reuters for this critical investigative database over the contract's duration?

Potential risks include vendor lock-in, where switching providers becomes difficult and costly. Price increases upon renewal, changes in service quality, or data security breaches are also concerns. Ensuring robust contract terms, regular performance reviews, and contingency planning for data access are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How effectively does the LEIDS subscription contribute to ICE's mission objectives and operational efficiency?

The effectiveness of the LEIDS subscription is measured by its direct contribution to ICE's mission, such as identifying and apprehending individuals involved in illegal activities, disrupting criminal networks, and enhancing border security. Improved operational efficiency can be gauged by reduced investigation times, increased case closure rates, and better-informed decision-making enabled by the database's insights.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Other Information Services › Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70CMSD21R00000002

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1410 SPRING HILL ROAD, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,786,104

Exercised Options: $22,786,104

Current Obligation: $22,786,104

Actual Outlays: $13,837,728

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline