FEMA Awards $7.77M for IT Helpdesk Services to Karthik Consulting LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,774,661 ($7.8M)

Contractor: Karthik Consulting LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2025-11-16

Contract Duration: 1,143 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: HELPDESK SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE GRANTS TECHNOLOGY DIVISION, GMM PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $7.8 million to KARTHIK CONSULTING LLC for work described as: HELPDESK SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE GRANTS TECHNOLOGY DIVISION, GMM PROGRAM Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential IT helpdesk support to FEMA's Grants Technology Division. 2. Karthik Consulting LLC secured the contract, indicating potential specialization in this niche. 3. The contract's duration and value suggest a significant, ongoing need for these services. 4. IT services sector is highly competitive, but specialized support can command premium pricing. 5. Potential risk lies in vendor lock-in or service degradation over the contract term.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.77M over approximately 3 years for IT helpdesk services appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar government IT support contracts suggests this pricing is within expected ranges, especially considering the specialized nature of supporting a grants technology division.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a competitive process that considered multiple bidders. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value is obtained.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for necessary IT support services.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of critical IT support for FEMA's grant programs, impacting grant recipients. Supports the operational efficiency of the Grants Technology Division, enabling smoother grant processing. Provides employment opportunities within the IT services sector. Contributes to the overall functioning of the Department of Homeland Security's mission.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in helpdesk services.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical IT support.
Risk of service quality decline over contract duration.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract type limits cost overruns.
Long-term contract provides stability for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, a vital component of government IT infrastructure. Spending in this area is consistently high as agencies rely on technology for operations. Benchmarks vary widely based on service complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). While this specific award may not benefit small businesses directly, the overall IT services market includes numerous opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Department of Homeland Security. Standard government oversight mechanisms for contract performance and financial management are expected to be in place.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to vendor lock-in.
Potential for service quality degradation over time.
Dependence on vendor for critical IT support.
Limited visibility into specific performance metrics.
No small business participation noted on this specific award.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $7.8 million to KARTHIK CONSULTING LLC. HELPDESK SERVICES TO SUPPORT THE GRANTS TECHNOLOGY DIVISION, GMM PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KARTHIK CONSULTING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2025-11-16.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the performance and value of Karthik Consulting LLC's helpdesk services?

Performance evaluation likely relies on Service Level Agreements (SLAs) tied to response times, resolution rates, and user satisfaction surveys. Value is assessed through adherence to the firm fixed price, comparison with market rates for similar services, and the overall impact on the Grants Technology Division's efficiency and mission accomplishment.

What are the primary risks associated with this sole-source IT helpdesk contract for FEMA?

While listed as 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' the long duration and specific nature of the support could lead to vendor dependency. Risks include potential price increases upon renewal, difficulty transitioning to a new vendor if performance issues arise, and the possibility of service quality degradation if vendor incentives are misaligned with agency needs.

How effectively does this contract support FEMA's broader mission objectives related to grant management?

The contract is crucial for ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the IT systems that underpin FEMA's grant programs. Effective helpdesk support directly impacts the efficiency and accessibility of these systems for both internal users and potentially external grant applicants, thereby supporting the timely and accurate disbursement of critical aid.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 13

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11490 COMMERCE PARK DR SUITE 530, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,774,661

Exercised Options: $7,774,661

Current Obligation: $7,774,661

Actual Outlays: $4,370,129

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N98119D00062

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline