DHS ICE awards $50.8M contract for HSI RAVEN program UI/UX services to Acuity Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,820,579 ($50.8M)

Contractor: Acuity Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-02-08

End Date: 2025-05-16

Contract Duration: 1,193 days

Daily Burn Rate: $42.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DHS ICE REQUIRES UI/UX SERVICES FOR THE HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS (HSI) REPOSITORY FOR ANALYTICS IN VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20190

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $50.8 million to ACUITY INC for work described as: DHS ICE REQUIRES UI/UX SERVICES FOR THE HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS (HSI) REPOSITORY FOR ANALYTICS IN VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical UI/UX services for a key data analytics program. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type may offer cost certainty but limits flexibility. 4. The contract duration of nearly three years indicates a significant, ongoing need. 5. The award to Acuity Inc. warrants examination of their past performance and capacity. 6. The RAVEN program's importance to HSI operations is a key performance context.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $50.8M over approximately three years for specialized UI/UX services appears reasonable given the scope of supporting a critical analytics program like HSI's RAVEN. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for complex software development and user interface design suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure, while potentially limiting scope adjustments, provides a degree of cost predictability for the agency. Further analysis would involve comparing specific deliverables and team composition to similar contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service quality. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide qualified vendors for these specialized UI/UX services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a wider pool of bidders vying for the contract. This process helps ensure that the government receives competitive pricing and the best value available in the market.

Public Impact

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel will benefit from improved user interfaces for the RAVEN analytics program. Enhanced UI/UX is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of data analysis for homeland security investigations. The program's impact is primarily within the operational domain of federal law enforcement and intelligence gathering. Workforce implications include the need for skilled UI/UX designers and developers, potentially creating opportunities in the tech sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined upfront under a fixed-price contract.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical UI/UX development could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Ensuring the UI/UX design effectively meets the complex needs of HSI analysts requires close collaboration and oversight.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition suggests a robust market offering for these services.
A firm fixed-price contract provides budget certainty for the agency.
The contract duration allows for sustained development and refinement of the UI/UX.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically focusing on custom computer programming and user experience design. The market for IT services supporting government agencies is substantial, with significant spending allocated to software development, data analytics platforms, and specialized IT support. This contract for the HSI RAVEN program represents a specific investment in enhancing the usability and effectiveness of a critical national security data analysis tool, fitting within the trend of agencies seeking advanced technological solutions.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless Acuity Inc. actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be necessary to fully assess the impact on small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's performance work statement, requiring adherence to specific deliverables, timelines, and quality standards. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though detailed project-level oversight information may not be publicly available. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General may also conduct audits or investigations related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

HSI RAVEN Program
DHS IT Modernization Efforts
Federal Data Analytics Platforms
Custom Computer Programming Services

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if UI/UX is highly proprietary.
Risk of unmet user needs if requirements gathering is insufficient.
Dependence on contractor's cybersecurity practices for sensitive data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $50.8 million to ACUITY INC. DHS ICE REQUIRES UI/UX SERVICES FOR THE HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS (HSI) REPOSITORY FOR ANALYTICS IN VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACUITY INC.

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 $50.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-02-08. End: 2025-05-16.

What is Acuity Inc.'s track record with similar government UI/UX contracts, particularly for law enforcement or intelligence agencies?

Acuity Inc.'s track record with similar government UI/UX contracts is crucial for assessing their capability to deliver on the HSI RAVEN program. While specific details of past performance are not provided, a review of their contract history would reveal their experience with agencies like DHS, FBI, or other intelligence community members. Key indicators to examine include the complexity of previous projects, the size and duration of those contracts, client satisfaction feedback (if available through sources like Past Performance Information Retrieval System - PPIRS), and any history of performance issues or contract disputes. Experience with data visualization, secure system interfaces, and user-centered design principles in high-stakes environments would be particularly relevant. A strong history suggests a lower risk of performance failure and a higher likelihood of successful project completion.

How does the $50.8M contract value compare to the estimated market rate for similar UI/UX services for a program of this scale and complexity?

The $50.8M contract value for UI/UX services over approximately three years for the HSI RAVEN program needs to be benchmarked against market rates for comparable government IT projects. Factors influencing market rates include the level of specialization required (e.g., advanced data analytics visualization, secure interfaces), the number of users, the criticality of the system, and the specific skill sets of the personnel involved. Government IT contract data from sources like the General Services Administration (GSA) schedules or publicly available contract databases can provide comparative data points. If this contract value falls within or below the typical range for similar scope and complexity, it suggests good value for money. Conversely, if it appears significantly higher than benchmarks, it may indicate potential overpricing or a scope that is more extensive than initially perceived. The firm fixed-price nature also implies that the agency has negotiated a definitive cost for the defined scope.

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

Primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues from the contractor (Acuity Inc.), challenges in defining and managing evolving UI/UX requirements within a fixed-price structure, and the risk of the developed interface not fully meeting the complex analytical needs of HSI users. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by ICE, clear definition of requirements and acceptance criteria in the Performance Work Statement (PWS), regular progress reviews, and potentially incorporating user feedback loops throughout the development lifecycle. The agency's selection process, including past performance evaluations, aims to mitigate contractor-related risks. Furthermore, the firm fixed-price contract itself, while posing risks for scope changes, incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and deliver within the agreed-upon budget. The agency's ability to manage scope and ensure clear communication will be critical.

How effective is the HSI RAVEN program expected to be with the enhanced UI/UX services, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs)?

The enhanced UI/UX services are expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of the HSI RAVEN program by making its powerful analytical capabilities more accessible and intuitive for investigators. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract would likely focus on user adoption rates, task completion times, reduction in user errors, user satisfaction scores, and the overall efficiency gains in data analysis and reporting. Improved UI/UX can lead to faster identification of threats, more comprehensive investigations, and better-informed decision-making. The success of the RAVEN program, therefore, is directly tied to the successful implementation of these UI/UX improvements, which should be measurable through defined metrics within the contract or program management framework.

What has been the historical spending trend for UI/UX services or similar IT development contracts within DHS or ICE over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending trends for UI/UX services and similar IT development contracts within DHS or ICE over the past five years would provide valuable context for the $50.8M award. This trend analysis would reveal whether spending in this area is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, potentially indicating shifts in agency priorities or technological investments. It would also help identify the typical contract vehicles and award types used for such services. For instance, a rising trend might suggest a greater emphasis on modernizing IT systems and improving user interfaces across the department. Conversely, a stable or declining trend might indicate a focus on other IT priorities. Understanding these patterns can help assess if the current award is an anomaly or part of a consistent investment strategy.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70CTD021Q00000142

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Acuity International LLC

Address: 11710 PLAZA AMERICA DR STE 700, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $66,434,722

Exercised Options: $50,893,161

Current Obligation: $50,820,579

Actual Outlays: $45,279,812

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0560W

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline