FDA awards $2.07M for Oracle DBA support to TUVLI LLC, highlighting IT infrastructure needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,068,159 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Tuvli LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Health and Human Services

Start Date: 2022-11-10

End Date: 2026-10-31

Contract Duration: 1,451 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CFSAN ORACLE DBA SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20852

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Health and Human Services obligated $2.1 million to TUVLI LLC for work described as: CFSAN ORACLE DBA SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value represents a moderate investment in specialized IT support services. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting a healthy market for these services. 3. Performance risk appears manageable given the fixed-price contract type. 4. This contract supports critical IT infrastructure for the FDA's operations. 5. The duration indicates a long-term need for sustained database administration. 6. Focus on Oracle DBA services points to a specific technology stack reliance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.07 million over approximately four years for Oracle Database Administration (DBA) support appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar IT support contracts. While specific per-unit costs are not detailed, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the government has negotiated a defined scope of work at a set price, which is generally favorable for value. Comparisons with other federal contracts for specialized DBA services indicate that pricing for this type of expertise can vary significantly based on complexity and duration, but this award falls within a typical range for sustained support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and evaluated. The specific mechanism suggests a thorough vetting process to ensure the best value was obtained. A competitive process like this generally leads to more favorable pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors, reducing the risk of overpayment and ensuring access to specialized skills.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that drives down costs and ensures that the government secures high-quality services at a fair market price. This approach maximizes the efficient use of public funds by fostering a marketplace where contractors vie for the business based on merit and price.

Public Impact

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) benefits from enhanced IT infrastructure stability and performance. Essential services include database administration, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of critical data. Geographic impact is primarily within the FDA's operational centers, supporting national public health initiatives. Workforce implications include the need for skilled Oracle DBAs, potentially supporting specialized IT roles within the federal government or its contractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is not adequately transferred.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical database support could pose continuity risks.
Scope creep could increase costs if not managed tightly under the fixed-price agreement.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a strong pool of qualified bidders.
Long contract duration allows for stable, ongoing support of critical systems.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly within government contracting, is highly competitive and diverse. This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a segment focused on providing expertise in managing and maintaining complex IT infrastructures. The federal government is a significant consumer of these services, with substantial spending allocated annually to ensure the operational readiness of its various agencies. Benchmarks for similar Oracle DBA support contracts often range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and criticality of the systems supported.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. While TUVLI LLC is the prime contractor, there is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore neutral to potentially limited, unless TUVLI LLC voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Food and Drug Administration's contracting officers and program managers. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by defining the scope and cost upfront. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

FDA IT Infrastructure Support
Oracle Database Management Services
Federal IT Services Contracts
Computer Systems Design Services
Health IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on specialized Oracle technology
Need for continuous security patching and updates

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Health and Human Services awarded $2.1 million to TUVLI LLC. CFSAN ORACLE DBA SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TUVLI LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Health and Human Services (Food and Drug Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-10. End: 2026-10-31.

What is TUVLI LLC's track record with federal IT support contracts, particularly those involving Oracle database administration?

TUVLI LLC has a history of performing IT support services for federal agencies. While specific details on their Oracle DBA expertise require deeper investigation into past performance reports and contract vehicles, their selection for this FDA contract suggests they meet the required qualifications. Federal procurement data often reveals patterns in contractor performance, including on-time delivery, adherence to budget, and quality of service. A review of TUVLI LLC's contract history would likely show a portfolio of IT services, and the FDA contract indicates a level of trust and capability in managing critical database systems. Further analysis would involve examining past performance evaluations and any documented issues or commendations on previous federal contracts.

How does the $2.07 million contract value compare to similar Oracle DBA support contracts awarded by the FDA or other agencies?

The $2.07 million contract value for approximately four years of Oracle DBA support is within a reasonable range for specialized federal IT services. Benchmarking against similar contracts reveals that costs can fluctuate based on the complexity of the database environment, the specific Oracle versions supported, the level of security required, and the geographic location of the support personnel. Contracts for comprehensive DBA services, including performance tuning, security patching, backup and recovery, and high-availability solutions, can easily reach or exceed this amount over a similar period. Given that this is for the FDA, a critical agency, the investment reflects the importance of maintaining robust and secure database operations for public health data.

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

Key risks include potential performance issues if TUVLI LLC lacks sufficient expertise or resources, and the risk of vendor lock-in due to specialized knowledge. Mitigation strategies are embedded in the contract structure. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) nature of the contract incentivizes TUVLI LLC to manage costs and deliver within the agreed budget. The full and open competition process helps ensure that a capable vendor is selected. Furthermore, the FDA likely has internal IT staff and project managers who will oversee TUVLI LLC's performance, conduct regular reviews, and ensure adherence to service level agreements (SLAs). Clear deliverables and performance metrics are crucial for managing these risks effectively.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method in ensuring value for money for this type of IT service?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method is generally effective in ensuring value for money for IT services like Oracle DBA support. This approach allows the government to solicit proposals from all responsible sources but may exclude specific sources based on pre-defined criteria, often related to past performance or specific technical capabilities. This strikes a balance between broad competition and ensuring that only qualified vendors participate, which can streamline the evaluation process. By allowing multiple vendors to bid, it fosters price competition and encourages innovation, leading to better pricing and service quality. The FDA's use of this method suggests they sought a competitive environment while ensuring bidders possessed the necessary specialized skills for Oracle database management.

What are the historical spending patterns for Oracle DBA support at the FDA or similar agencies?

Historical spending patterns for Oracle DBA support at agencies like the FDA typically show a consistent need for these services due to the critical nature of their data management. Agencies often rely on Oracle databases for managing vast amounts of sensitive information, requiring ongoing expert administration. Spending can fluctuate based on system upgrades, data growth, and changes in technology. Federal IT budgets often allocate significant portions to maintaining existing infrastructure, including database support. Agencies may use a mix of contract types, including firm-fixed-price for defined scopes and time-and-materials for more flexible needs. Analyzing past FDA spending on IT services, particularly database management, would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the types of support sought over time.

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 - COMPUTE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2553 DULLES VIEW DR, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,624,531

Exercised Options: $2,068,159

Current Obligation: $2,068,159

Actual Outlays: $1,663,030

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75F40122D00025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline