DHS awards $93.6M for TSA Secure Flight adaptive maintenance and support, with 4 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $93,564,175 ($93.6M)

Contractor: Accenture Federal Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-05-09

End Date: 2027-02-05

Contract Duration: 1,733 days

Daily Burn Rate: $54.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: SECURE FLIGHT ADAPTIVE MAINTENANCE & TIER 3 SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 20701

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $93.6 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: SECURE FLIGHT ADAPTIVE MAINTENANCE & TIER 3 SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $93.6M over 5 years suggests a significant investment in critical aviation security infrastructure. 2. The use of 'Adaptive Maintenance' implies a need for ongoing, evolving support for a complex system. 3. Competition level indicates potential for fair pricing, but requires scrutiny of the winning bid's value. 4. The contract's duration of over 4 years allows for sustained performance but necessitates robust oversight. 5. Focus on Computer Systems Design Services highlights the IT-intensive nature of modern aviation security. 6. The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $93.6M for 5 years of support for Secure Flight adaptive maintenance and Tier 3 services appears reasonable given the critical nature of aviation security. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for large-scale government systems is necessary for a definitive value assessment. The pricing structure, likely based on labor hours, needs careful monitoring to ensure efficiency and prevent cost overruns. Without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data, a precise value-for-money judgment is challenging, but the competitive nature of the award suggests a degree of price discovery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with four bidders participating. This level of competition is generally positive, suggesting that multiple vendors were interested and capable of performing the required services. The presence of four bidders provides a reasonable basis for price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. However, the specific details of the proposals and the evaluation process would determine the extent to which this competition translated into optimal value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with multiple bidders likely resulted in a more competitive price, benefiting taxpayers by ensuring the government did not overpay for these essential aviation security services.

Public Impact

Benefits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) by ensuring the continued operation and maintenance of the Secure Flight system. Delivers critical IT support services, including adaptive maintenance and Tier 3 support, essential for national aviation security. Impacts air travel security nationwide by maintaining the integrity and functionality of passenger screening data systems. Supports a workforce skilled in computer systems design and IT support within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in adaptive maintenance if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT support could pose a risk if performance degrades.
Ensuring continued innovation and system upgrades within the adaptive maintenance framework requires proactive management.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market response.
The contract duration allows for stable support and potential for long-term performance improvements.
Focus on adaptive maintenance suggests a forward-looking approach to system evolution.

Sector Analysis

The aviation security IT sector is characterized by high stakes, stringent regulatory requirements, and continuous technological evolution. The TSA's Secure Flight system is a cornerstone of national air travel security, requiring robust and adaptive IT support. This contract fits within the broader landscape of government IT modernization efforts, where agencies seek flexible and responsive solutions to maintain and enhance critical systems. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale IT support contracts for federal agencies managing sensitive data and complex operational systems.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Accenture Federal Services LLC, is likely responsible for managing the overall effort. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The absence of a set-aside means that opportunities for small businesses would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting strategy, which is not detailed here. This could limit direct opportunities for small businesses unless they are identified as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement (PWS), including service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs). Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

TSA Secure Flight Program
Department of Homeland Security IT Modernization Efforts
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) IT Systems
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) IT Services

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in adaptive maintenance.
Reliance on contractor for critical system evolution.
Need for continuous monitoring of performance and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $93.6 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC. SECURE FLIGHT ADAPTIVE MAINTENANCE & TIER 3 SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $93.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-05-09. End: 2027-02-05.

What is the historical spending pattern for TSA Secure Flight maintenance and support services?

Analyzing historical spending for TSA Secure Flight maintenance and support is crucial for understanding the long-term investment in this critical system. While this specific contract award is for $93.6 million from May 2022 to February 2027, it represents a portion of the overall budget allocated to Secure Flight. Previous contract awards for similar services, including system development, maintenance, and operational support, would provide context. For instance, understanding if spending has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing over time can indicate system maturity, evolving security needs, or shifts in technology. Without access to historical contract data specifically for Secure Flight's maintenance and support prior to this award, a precise historical spending pattern cannot be detailed. However, the consistent need for such services suggests a sustained, significant budgetary allocation over multiple fiscal years to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the Secure Flight program.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to similar IT support contracts within DHS or other federal agencies?

Determining the per-unit cost comparison for this contract requires a detailed breakdown of the services provided and the associated pricing, which is not fully available in the provided data. The contract is awarded on a 'LABOR HOURS' (pt: LABOR HOURS) basis, meaning costs are primarily driven by the hours worked by personnel at various skill levels. To benchmark effectively, we would need to compare the average hourly rates for different labor categories (e.g., senior systems engineer, technician) against similar roles in other DHS contracts or comparable federal IT support agreements. Factors such as geographic location (Maryland - sn: MARYLAND), security clearance requirements, and the complexity of the systems being supported significantly influence labor rates. Without specific labor category rates and quantities, a direct per-unit cost comparison is not feasible. However, the 'full and open competition' (ct: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION) with four bidders suggests that pricing was subject to market forces, which generally aids in achieving competitive rates.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for a contract focused on 'Adaptive Maintenance & Tier 3 Support Services' for a critical system like TSA's Secure Flight, typical KPIs would likely revolve around system availability, response times for incidents, resolution times for issues, and the successful implementation of system updates or adaptive changes. For example, metrics such as 'system uptime percentage,' 'mean time to respond (MTTR)' to critical incidents, and 'percentage of planned maintenance completed on schedule' would be expected. The 'Adaptive Maintenance' aspect might also include KPIs related to the successful integration of new functionalities or security patches, and the efficiency of the development lifecycle for these adaptations. Robust oversight would involve regular reviews of these KPIs to ensure the contractor is meeting performance expectations and delivering value.

What is the track record of Accenture Federal Services LLC in delivering similar IT support services to the government?

Accenture Federal Services LLC has a substantial track record of delivering a wide range of IT and professional services to various U.S. federal agencies. They are a major player in the government contracting space, often handling large, complex IT modernization, system integration, and support contracts. Their experience spans across multiple departments, including Defense, Homeland Security, and civilian agencies. For TSA and DHS specifically, Accenture has likely been involved in various IT projects, given their expertise in areas like data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and system maintenance. While specific performance details for past contracts are not provided here, their continued success in winning competitive bids for significant government programs suggests a generally positive performance history and capability to meet demanding requirements. However, a thorough assessment would involve reviewing past performance evaluations and any documented issues or successes on similar contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'adaptive maintenance' aspect of this contract?

The 'adaptive maintenance' component of this contract introduces specific risks that require careful management. Primarily, there's a risk of scope creep if the definition of 'adaptive' is too broad or if new requirements are continuously added without proper change control and funding adjustments. This can lead to cost overruns and schedule delays. Another risk is ensuring that the adaptations made to the Secure Flight system enhance, rather than degrade, its overall security and performance. Rapid changes without thorough testing could introduce vulnerabilities or instability. Furthermore, the contractor's ability to keep pace with evolving technological threats and requirements is critical; failure to adapt effectively could render the system outdated or less secure. Clear definition of 'adaptive,' robust change management processes, rigorous testing protocols, and continuous monitoring of system performance are essential to mitigate these risks.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70T02021R7503N046

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Novetta Solutions, LLC

Address: 800 N GLEBE RD STE 300, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $182,401,689

Exercised Options: $93,564,175

Current Obligation: $93,564,175

Actual Outlays: $66,187,596

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 126

Total Subaward Amount: $49,380,072

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCK18D0036

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline