DoD's $26.5M IT services contract to MANTECH awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,528,897 ($26.5M)

Contractor: Mantech Information Systems & Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2003-09-29

End Date: 2008-11-17

Contract Duration: 1,876 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.5 million to MANTECH INFORMATION SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded for IT services, indicating a need for specialized technical support within the Defense sector. 2. The contract duration of 1876 days suggests a long-term requirement for sustained IT services. 3. Awarded as a Delivery Order, this contract likely represents a specific task within a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. 4. The 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code points to a broad range of potential IT support functions. 5. The use of Time and Materials pricing suggests that the scope of work may have been difficult to define precisely upfront. 6. The contract was awarded by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), a key IT provider for the DoD.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $26.5 million contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed closely, as it incentivizes labor hours over defined deliverables. Comparing it to similar IT services contracts within the DoD would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing aligns with market rates for the services rendered. The absence of detailed performance data makes a definitive value assessment difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The fact that it was competed broadly suggests that the agency sought a wide range of potential providers, which can lead to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically drives down prices through market forces. This method ensures that the government is not limited to a select few contractors, increasing the likelihood of securing services at a fair and reasonable cost.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense (DoD) and its various branches, which receive essential IT support services. Services delivered likely include a range of computer-related functions, potentially encompassing system administration, network support, software development, or IT consulting. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and its supported entities, likely across the United States and potentially overseas. Workforce implications include the creation or sustainment of jobs for IT professionals employed by MANTECH Information Systems & Technology Corporation and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored, as it directly reimburses labor hours.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the services provided.
The broad NAICS code (541519) could encompass a wide variety of services, making it hard to pinpoint the exact nature and cost-efficiency of the work performed.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process that likely yielded competitive pricing.
The contract was awarded to MANTECH Information Systems & Technology Corporation, a known entity in the IT services sector.
The long duration (1876 days) indicates a sustained need and potentially a successful, ongoing relationship for IT support.

Sector Analysis

The Information Technology (IT) sector within the federal government is vast, encompassing a wide array of services from hardware procurement to complex software development and cybersecurity. This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services,' a broad category that can include IT consulting, system integration, and technical support. Spending in this area is critical for maintaining and modernizing government IT infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other IT services contracts awarded by agencies like DISA or other DoD components, looking at contract values, durations, and service types to gauge relative cost-effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. The prime contractor, MANTECH Information Systems & Technology Corporation, is likely a large business. While there's no direct set-aside, the prime contractor may still engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities to fulfill specific aspects of the contract, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem. However, without specific subcontracting plans or reports, the direct impact on small businesses remains unclear.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contract administration office within the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). Performance monitoring, invoicing review, and compliance checks are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected or reported.

Related Government Programs

DoD IT Modernization Programs
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) IT Support Contracts
Federal Civilian IT Services Contracts
IT Services for National Security Agencies

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Scope creep risk inherent in broad 'Other Computer Related Services' category.
Need for continuous oversight to ensure performance and value over the contract's long duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.5 million to MANTECH INFORMATION SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH INFORMATION SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-09-29. End: 2008-11-17.

What is the track record of MANTECH Information Systems & Technology Corporation with the federal government, particularly in IT services?

MANTECH Information Systems & Technology Corporation has a history of federal contracting, primarily within the IT services domain. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, especially those with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), would provide insight into their reliability, technical capabilities, and adherence to contract terms. Federal procurement data often reveals patterns in contract awards, value, and types of services rendered. A review of their contract history might highlight successful project completions, any past performance issues, or areas where they have consistently provided value. Understanding their broader federal footprint is crucial for assessing their suitability and performance on this specific $26.5 million contract.

How does the $26.5 million value of this contract compare to other similar IT services contracts awarded by DISA or the DoD?

The $26.5 million value for this IT services contract needs to be benchmarked against similar procurements by DISA and the broader DoD. Federal procurement databases can be queried for contracts with comparable NAICS codes (e.g., 541519) and service descriptions awarded within a similar timeframe. Factors such as contract duration, pricing structure (Time and Materials vs. Firm-Fixed-Price), and specific deliverables influence cost. If this contract's value falls within the typical range for similar services and durations, it suggests fair market pricing. Conversely, if it appears significantly higher or lower, it warrants further investigation into the scope of work, performance requirements, and competitive landscape.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for IT services, and how might they have been mitigated?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like the one awarded to MANTECH, carry inherent risks, primarily the potential for cost overruns. Because T&M contracts reimburse contractors for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the cost of materials, there's less incentive for the contractor to control costs or expedite delivery compared to fixed-price contracts. This can lead to scope creep and increased expenditures if not managed diligently. Mitigation strategies employed by the government typically include establishing labor hour ceilings, setting fixed labor rates, requiring detailed progress reports, and implementing robust oversight by contracting officers and technical monitors. Clear definition of the 'level of effort' and regular performance reviews are critical to managing T&M risks effectively.

What specific IT services were likely delivered under this contract, given the NAICS code 541519?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519, 'Other Computer Related Services,' is quite broad and encompasses a wide spectrum of IT support functions beyond core software development or hardware maintenance. Under this contract, MANTECH Information Systems & Technology Corporation could have provided services such as IT consulting, system integration, network design and implementation, cybersecurity assessments, data management, IT project management, or specialized technical support for complex systems. The 'Delivery Order' nature suggests these services were specific tasks ordered against a broader contract vehicle. Without more granular details on the specific delivery orders issued, the exact nature of services remains generalized, but it points to a need for expert IT assistance beyond standard off-the-shelf solutions.

How does the duration of 1876 days (approximately 5.1 years) impact the assessment of this contract's value and risk?

A contract duration of 1876 days (over five years) signifies a long-term, sustained requirement for the IT services provided by MANTECH. This extended period can be advantageous for both the government and the contractor. For the government, it ensures continuity of essential IT support and allows for deeper integration of services. For the contractor, it provides a stable revenue stream. However, a longer duration also increases the risk of cost escalation due to inflation, changes in technology, or evolving requirements. It also necessitates ongoing, diligent oversight to ensure performance remains high and costs are controlled throughout the contract's life. The extended timeline suggests the services are critical and likely complex, requiring a stable provider.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 14280 PARK MEADOW DRIVE, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0161K

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline