DHS FEMA Awards $21.6M BPA Call to Karsun Solutions for Agile Software Support Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,592,221 ($21.6M)

Contractor: Karsun Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-07-01

End Date: 2024-02-09

Contract Duration: 223 days

Daily Burn Rate: $96.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE PURPOSE FOR THIS FIRM FIXED PRICE BPA CALL IS TO ACQUIRE SOFTWARE, PLATFORMS, AND APPLICATION USING AGILE RELEASE FOR CONSOLIDATION (SPARC) SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20472

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $21.6 million to KARSUN SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE FOR THIS FIRM FIXED PRICE BPA CALL IS TO ACQUIRE SOFTWARE, PLATFORMS, AND APPLICATION USING AGILE RELEASE FOR CONSOLIDATION (SPARC) SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on agile software development and platform support, a critical area for modern government operations. 2. Karsun Solutions LLC is the awardee, indicating a specific vendor relationship for these services. 3. The award utilizes a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) structure, aiming to control costs for the government. 4. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized IT services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract is a Firm Fixed Price BPA Call, which is a common and generally effective pricing structure for IT services. The total award amount of $21.6M over approximately 7 months suggests a significant but not exorbitant investment for the scope of services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method typically leads to competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is designed to maximize taxpayer value by fostering a competitive environment among qualified vendors.

Public Impact

Enhances FEMA's ability to rapidly develop and deploy software solutions through agile methodologies. Supports critical government platforms, potentially improving disaster response and management capabilities. Leverages specialized IT services to modernize and consolidate application support. Ensures a competitive process for acquiring essential software and platform services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Short contract duration (approx. 7 months) may limit long-term strategic impact.
Reliance on a single BPA Call awardee for critical services.

Positive Signals

Use of agile methodologies for flexible and responsive development.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition ensures market engagement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Custom Computer Programming Services sector (NAICS 541511), a key area for government IT modernization. Spending in this sector is substantial as agencies seek to upgrade legacy systems and adopt new technologies like agile development.

Small Business Impact

While the award was made under full and open competition, the data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a BPA Call structure implies a pre-competed agreement, which can streamline oversight. However, ongoing monitoring of performance and adherence to agile release cycles will be crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Short contract duration.
Potential for scope creep in agile projects.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical support.
Need for robust performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $21.6 million to KARSUN SOLUTIONS LLC. THE PURPOSE FOR THIS FIRM FIXED PRICE BPA CALL IS TO ACQUIRE SOFTWARE, PLATFORMS, AND APPLICATION USING AGILE RELEASE FOR CONSOLIDATION (SPARC) SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KARSUN SOLUTIONS 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 $21.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-01. End: 2024-02-09.

What is the expected impact of these agile support services on FEMA's operational efficiency?

Agile support services are expected to enhance FEMA's operational efficiency by enabling faster software development cycles, quicker adaptation to changing requirements, and more frequent delivery of functional improvements. This can lead to more responsive IT systems that better support critical mission functions, such as disaster response and management, ultimately improving the agency's ability to serve the public.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract for agile services?

The primary risks with a firm fixed-price contract for agile services include potential scope creep if not managed tightly, and the possibility that the fixed price may not adequately cover unforeseen complexities or necessary pivots inherent in agile development. If the vendor underestimates the effort or encounters significant technical hurdles, it could lead to reduced quality or pressure to cut corners, impacting the final product's effectiveness.

How does this contract contribute to the consolidation of software platforms and applications?

This contract directly supports the consolidation of software platforms and applications by providing the necessary agile support services. By focusing on SPARC (Software, Platforms, and Application using Agile Release for Consolidation), the initiative aims to streamline IT infrastructure, reduce redundancy, and improve interoperability. The services acquired will help in migrating, integrating, and managing applications within a consolidated framework.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12825 WORLDGATE DR, HERNDON, VA, 20170

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,592,221

Exercised Options: $21,592,221

Current Obligation: $21,592,221

Actual Outlays: $15,102,026

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $1,922,911

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FA3018A00000006

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline