USCIS Spends $7.8M on IT Hardware via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,786,725 ($7.8M)

Contractor: Panamerica Computers, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-28

End Date: 2023-06-27

Contract Duration: 272 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.6K/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: CONSOLIDATED IT PURCHASE FY22 #5 (CITP FY22-05) - TO PURCHASE CRITICAL IT HARDWARE FOR USCIS (WORKSTATIONS, MONITORS, NOTEBOOKS, DOCKING STATIONS, SCANNERS, AND PRINTERS).

Place of Performance

Location: LURAY, PAGE County, VIRGINIA, 22835

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $7.8 million to PANAMERICA COMPUTERS, INC. for work described as: CONSOLIDATED IT PURCHASE FY22 #5 (CITP FY22-05) - TO PURCHASE CRITICAL IT HARDWARE FOR USCIS (WORKSTATIONS, MONITORS, NOTEBOOKS, DOCKING STATIONS, SCANNERS, AND PRINTERS). Key points: 1. Significant IT hardware purchase for USCIS operations. 2. Procurement utilized full and open competition, suggesting market responsiveness. 3. Potential for cost savings due to competitive bidding. 4. IT hardware sector is crucial for agency efficiency and service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $7.8M contract value for IT hardware appears reasonable given the scope of workstations, monitors, and other peripherals. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT procurements would provide further validation.

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, indicating a robust bidding process. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.

Taxpayer Impact: Competitive bidding likely resulted in favorable pricing, maximizing taxpayer value for essential IT equipment.

Public Impact

Ensures USCIS has necessary technology to process applications and serve the public. Supports agency's digital transformation and operational efficiency. Modern hardware can improve employee productivity and reduce downtime.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 78 / 10

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Clear need for critical IT hardware
Defined delivery period

Sector Analysis

This purchase falls within the broader IT hardware and services sector, which is essential for government operations. Spending benchmarks for similar IT hardware procurements can vary widely based on quantity, specifications, and market conditions.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to compete or if set-asides were considered.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security for USCIS, suggesting established oversight mechanisms. The 'full and open competition' method implies a degree of transparency in the award process.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of small business participation noted
Potential for hardware obsolescence over time
Need for detailed unit cost benchmarking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $7.8 million to PANAMERICA COMPUTERS, INC.. CONSOLIDATED IT PURCHASE FY22 #5 (CITP FY22-05) - TO PURCHASE CRITICAL IT HARDWARE FOR USCIS (WORKSTATIONS, MONITORS, NOTEBOOKS, DOCKING STATIONS, SCANNERS, AND PRINTERS).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PANAMERICA COMPUTERS, INC..

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 $7.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-28. End: 2023-06-27.

What is the average unit cost for the workstations and notebooks compared to market averages?

Without specific model numbers and configurations, a precise unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the total contract value of $7.8M for numerous devices suggests a competitive average unit price, especially given the full and open competition. Further detailed analysis of the awarded line items against GSA schedules or other government-wide contracts would be necessary for a definitive benchmark.

What are the potential risks associated with the chosen IT hardware, such as compatibility or obsolescence?

Potential risks include compatibility issues with existing USCIS infrastructure and the rapid obsolescence of technology. The agency likely mitigated these by specifying requirements and potentially selecting hardware with known reliability and support lifecycles. However, ongoing monitoring and refresh cycles are crucial to manage obsolescence risk effectively.

How effectively does this IT hardware purchase contribute to USCIS's mission-critical functions?

This purchase is directly tied to USCIS's mission by providing the essential tools for its workforce to process applications, manage data, and interact with the public. Reliable and up-to-date hardware is fundamental for operational efficiency, reducing processing times, and maintaining service delivery standards, thereby directly supporting the agency's core functions.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70SBUR22Q00000225

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1386 BIG OAK RD, LURAY, VA, 22835

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Labor Surplus Area Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,786,725

Exercised Options: $7,786,725

Current Obligation: $7,786,725

Actual Outlays: $7,786,725

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC12D00013

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline