DHS Awards $3.1M for C4IT Polar Icebreaker Support to Chugach Information Technology LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,139,520 ($3.1M)

Contractor: Chugach Information Technology LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2019-07-01

End Date: 2024-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: C4IT POLAR ICEBREAKER (WAGB) SUPPORT FOR US COAST GUARD BASE SEATTLE

Place of Performance

Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98134

State: Washington Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $3.1 million to CHUGACH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LLC for work described as: C4IT POLAR ICEBREAKER (WAGB) SUPPORT FOR US COAST GUARD BASE SEATTLE Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential C4IT support for a Coast Guard icebreaker. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a structured procurement. 3. The contract value is moderate, but the specific services are critical for operational readiness. 4. IT services for specialized maritime assets represent a niche but vital sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.1M over five years appears reasonable for specialized C4IT support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for maritime IT services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The procurement method was 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES'. This indicates that while some sources may have been initially excluded, the final award was made through a competitive process, which generally supports fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the services rendered, avoiding potential overpricing associated with sole-source contracts.

Public Impact

Ensures operational readiness of a critical Coast Guard asset. Supports national security interests in polar regions. Provides specialized IT services for a unique maritime platform.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is not transferable.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical C4IT systems.

Positive Signals

Supports a vital national security mission.
Competitive award process likely ensures reasonable pricing.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically supporting specialized government maritime operations. Spending benchmarks for similar IT support contracts for federal agencies can vary widely based on complexity and system requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Chugach Information Technology LLC. Information regarding small business participation or subcontracting is not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard). Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts would apply, including performance monitoring and financial accountability.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Dependence on specialized IT support
Criticality of C4IT systems for mission success
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $3.1 million to CHUGACH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LLC. C4IT POLAR ICEBREAKER (WAGB) SUPPORT FOR US COAST GUARD BASE SEATTLE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHUGACH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-07-01. End: 2024-06-30.

What is the specific nature of the C4IT systems supported and their criticality to the icebreaker's mission?

The C4IT systems likely encompass command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence infrastructure essential for the Polar Icebreaker's operations. This includes navigation, communication links, data processing, and potentially sensor integration. Their criticality stems from enabling mission execution, ensuring crew safety, and maintaining situational awareness in remote and challenging environments.

Are there any identified risks associated with the vendor's ability to provide continuous support throughout the contract duration?

Risks could include vendor financial stability, key personnel retention, or the ability to adapt to evolving technological requirements. Given the five-year duration, ongoing monitoring of the vendor's performance and capacity is crucial. The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition might warrant a review to ensure no critical capabilities were overlooked.

How does the performance of these C4IT services directly contribute to the effectiveness of the US Coast Guard's polar missions?

Effective C4IT services are fundamental to the icebreaker's mission success. They enable seamless communication with command centers, facilitate data sharing for navigation and ice analysis, support operational planning, and ensure the crew can effectively manage the vessel and its assets. Without robust C4IT, the icebreaker's ability to conduct search and rescue, enforce maritime law, and conduct scientific research would be severely hampered.

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

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3800 CENTERPOINT DR STE 1200, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,139,520

Exercised Options: $3,139,520

Current Obligation: $3,139,520

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q17GWD2309

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline