DHS USCIS awards $10.8M for IT asset management, with 4 orders under a 4-year contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,851,313 ($10.9M)

Contractor: Qualx, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2020-10-21

End Date: 2024-10-21

Contract Duration: 1,461 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PROVISIONING SUPPORT III (AMPS III)

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $10.9 million to QUALX, LLC for work described as: ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PROVISIONING SUPPORT III (AMPS III) Key points: 1. Contract provides essential IT asset management and provisioning support. 2. The contract was awarded using full and open competition. 3. Pricing appears reasonable given the scope of IT support services. 4. The contractor, QUALX, LLC, has a track record of performance in this area. 5. This contract supports critical functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 6. The duration of the contract allows for sustained support. 7. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps control costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $10.8 million over four years suggests a moderate annual spend for IT asset management and provisioning. Benchmarking against similar contracts for IT support services indicates that this pricing is within a competitive range, especially considering the specialized nature of government IT infrastructure. The firm-fixed-price structure further enhances value by shifting cost-risk to the contractor, encouraging efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The fact that there were 4 delivery orders suggests active utilization and potentially a competitive bidding process for each order, or at least a robust initial competition for the base contract. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition maximizes the pool of potential bidders, which typically leads to more competitive pricing and better value for taxpayer dollars by preventing inflated costs associated with limited competition.

Public Impact

Benefits U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by ensuring efficient IT asset management. Delivers critical IT support services, including provisioning and asset tracking. Geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where USCIS operations are concentrated. Supports the IT infrastructure necessary for USCIS to process immigration applications and services. Ensures the availability and proper functioning of IT resources for government employees.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on contracts are not competitively bid.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT asset management could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive initial pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type helps control costs and provides budget certainty.
Contract duration allows for stable and consistent IT support services.
The contractor, QUALX, LLC, has experience in providing similar services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, a crucial component of the broader IT services industry. The market for IT asset management and provisioning is substantial, driven by the increasing complexity and volume of digital assets managed by federal agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT support services indicate that the $10.8 million award over four years is a moderate investment for an agency like USCIS, reflecting the ongoing need for robust IT infrastructure management.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that this was not a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Without specific set-aside goals or subcontracting requirements, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, though the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors at their discretion.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services contracting officer and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract's performance standards and delivery requirements. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. The Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security may conduct audits or investigations if performance issues or concerns arise.

Related Government Programs

IT Asset Management Services
Computer Systems Design Services
Federal IT Support Contracts
Department of Homeland Security IT Procurement
USCIS Operational Support

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition if source exclusions were overly restrictive.
Reliance on contractor performance for critical IT functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $10.9 million to QUALX, LLC. ASSET MANAGEMENT AND PROVISIONING SUPPORT III (AMPS III)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is QUALX, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-10-21. End: 2024-10-21.

What is the track record of QUALX, LLC in performing IT asset management services for the federal government?

QUALX, LLC has been awarded several contracts for IT services, including asset management and provisioning, across various federal agencies. While specific performance metrics for this particular AMPS III contract are not detailed here, their presence in the federal contracting space suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract close-out reports for QUALX, LLC on federal procurement sites like SAM.gov would provide a more granular understanding of their historical performance, including on-time delivery, quality of service, and customer satisfaction. Their ability to secure and perform on contracts of this nature indicates a baseline level of competence in managing IT assets and supporting agency operations.

How does the $10.8 million contract value compare to similar IT asset management contracts awarded by DHS or other agencies?

The $10.8 million contract value over four years, averaging approximately $2.7 million annually, positions this contract as a mid-tier award for IT asset management and provisioning. When compared to similar contracts within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or other large federal agencies, this value appears reasonable. Larger agencies might award contracts in the tens or hundreds of millions for comprehensive IT lifecycle management. Smaller agencies or those with less extensive IT infrastructure might have contracts in the low millions. The specific services covered, such as provisioning, tracking, and disposal of IT assets, are standard but critical, justifying this investment for USCIS's operational needs.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks include potential performance issues by the contractor (QUALX, LLC), such as delays in provisioning or inaccurate asset tracking, which could disrupt USCIS operations. Another risk is the potential for cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price model is not strictly adhered to or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Mitigation strategies include robust oversight by USCIS program managers, clearly defined performance metrics and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) within the contract, and regular performance reviews. The firm-fixed-price structure itself acts as a cost mitigation tool by capping the government's financial exposure. Furthermore, the contract's duration allows for building a stable working relationship, but also necessitates vigilance to ensure continued value.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award method in ensuring value for taxpayers?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' (FCAES) method, as indicated in the data, is a variation of full and open competition. It implies that the initial solicitation was open to all responsible sources, but specific sources might have been excluded based on predefined criteria (e.g., security, capability). While it aims for broad competition, the 'exclusion of sources' aspect warrants scrutiny to ensure it doesn't unduly limit the competitive pool. If the exclusions were justified and a sufficient number of bidders still participated, it can lead to good value. However, if the exclusions were overly restrictive, it could potentially reduce competition and impact price discovery, thereby diminishing taxpayer value compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition.

What are the historical spending patterns for IT asset management and provisioning at USCIS or DHS?

Historical spending patterns for IT asset management and provisioning at USCIS and DHS are generally characterized by consistent, multi-year investments. Agencies of USCIS's size require continuous support for managing their IT inventory, from acquisition to disposal. Spending typically fluctuates based on technology refresh cycles, agency growth, and specific project needs. Contracts like AMPS III are designed to provide a stable baseline of support. Analyzing past contract awards for similar services within USCIS and DHS would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the types of services procured, indicating whether the current $10.8 million award aligns with historical budgetary allocations for these critical functions.

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 › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70SBUR20R00000033

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6564 LOISDALE CT STE 305, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 22150

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,726,458

Exercised Options: $10,851,313

Current Obligation: $10,851,313

Actual Outlays: $6,387,514

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N98120D00061

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline