Education Dept Awards $14.36M for IES Digital Modernization Phase 2 to Accenture Federal Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,359,253 ($14.4M)
Contractor: Accenture Federal Services LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2024-09-23
End Date: 2026-09-22
Contract Duration: 729 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IES DIGITAL MODERNIZATION PHASE 2
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $14.4 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: IES DIGITAL MODERNIZATION PHASE 2 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, large vendor, indicating potential for specialized expertise. 2. The contract value is significant, suggesting a complex and critical modernization effort. 3. Focus on Computer Systems Design Services highlights the IT-centric nature of the project. 4. The project spans two years, requiring sustained effort and resource allocation.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $14.36M for a 2-year digital modernization project appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT modernization contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method typically leads to more competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is expected to yield good value for taxpayer dollars on this significant IT modernization initiative.
Public Impact
Improved digital services for the Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences. Potential for enhanced data analysis and research capabilities through modernized systems. Impact on educational research and policy development through more efficient information access.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Vendor lock-in risk if future phases are not competitively procured.
- Potential for scope creep given the complexity of digital modernization.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type helps control costs.
- Long-term contract duration allows for sustained development.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with modernization efforts being a key driver.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Accenture Federal Services LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large prime contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Education is responsible for oversight. The firm fixed price contract type provides some cost control, but ongoing monitoring of performance and deliverables is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Complexity of IT modernization projects.
- Reliance on a single large vendor.
- Scope creep risk.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-education, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $14.4 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC. IES DIGITAL MODERNIZATION PHASE 2
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $14.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-23. End: 2026-09-22.
What is the specific definition of 'digital modernization' in this context and how will it improve IES operations?
Digital modernization for the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) likely involves updating legacy IT systems, improving data management, enhancing user interfaces for researchers and the public, and potentially integrating new technologies like cloud computing or advanced analytics. The goal is to make IES's vast educational data more accessible, usable, and secure, thereby supporting more efficient research, evidence-based policymaking, and dissemination of findings.
What are the primary risks associated with a two-year, $14.36M digital modernization project, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include technical challenges in integrating new systems with existing infrastructure, potential cost overruns if requirements change (scope creep), and ensuring user adoption of new digital tools. Mitigation strategies likely involve phased implementation, rigorous testing, strong project management, clear communication channels with stakeholders, and potentially agile development methodologies to adapt to evolving needs within the firm fixed price framework.
How will the success of this digital modernization effort be measured, and what are the expected long-term benefits for educational research?
Success will likely be measured by metrics such as system uptime, user satisfaction, data accessibility improvements, reduction in manual processes, and successful completion of project milestones within budget. Long-term benefits for educational research include faster access to data, improved analytical capabilities, enhanced collaboration among researchers, and ultimately, the generation of more timely and impactful insights to inform educational practices and policies.
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 - IT MANAGEMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
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: $20,567,596
Exercised Options: $14,359,253
Current Obligation: $14,359,253
Actual Outlays: $10,166,218
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 5
Total Subaward Amount: $563,613
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCK18D0036
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-23
Current End Date: 2026-09-22
Potential End Date: 2027-09-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-17
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