DOJ's FBI awarded $28.4M for IT services to NOBLIS, INC. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $28,372,871 ($28.4M)

Contractor: Noblis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2016-06-01

End Date: 2022-06-30

Contract Duration: 2,220 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $28.4 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract represents a significant investment in IT services for the FBI. 2. Competition dynamics suggest potential for competitive pricing, though specific benchmarks are needed. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. Performance context is limited without details on specific deliverables and outcomes. 5. This contract falls within the broader IT services sector supporting federal law enforcement. 6. The duration of the contract (2220 days) indicates a long-term need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $28.4 million over approximately six years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking this against similar IT services contracts for federal law enforcement agencies would provide better insight into value for money. Without specific details on the services rendered or performance metrics, a definitive assessment of value is challenging. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract is a positive indicator for cost control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and quality. The fact that it was a single award under a BPA Call suggests that while competition was allowed, Noblis, Inc. was ultimately selected as the best value provider.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive market rates, thereby maximizing the value of federal dollars.

Public Impact

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential IT services. Services delivered likely include a range of IT support, maintenance, and potentially development, crucial for the FBI's operations. The geographic impact is primarily within the FBI's operational areas, likely concentrated in Virginia where the awardee is located. Workforce implications may include direct employment by Noblis, Inc. and potential indirect impacts on FBI IT personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided.
The specific nature of 'Other Computer Related Services' is broad, raising questions about the precise scope and potential for scope creep.
While awarded under full and open competition, the single award under a BPA Call warrants scrutiny to ensure the competitive process was robust.

Positive Signals

The contract utilizes a firm fixed-price structure, which helps in managing budget predictability and mitigating cost risks for the government.
Awarding under full and open competition suggests a commitment to leveraging market competition to achieve best value.
The contract duration of over 6 years indicates a stable, long-term requirement, suggesting a well-defined need within the FBI.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically under 'Other Computer Related Services'. The IT services market for federal agencies is substantial, with significant spending directed towards maintaining and modernizing critical infrastructure. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large IT service contracts awarded to federal law enforcement or intelligence agencies, considering factors like contract type, duration, and specific service categories.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside requirement. However, the prime contractor, Noblis, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own subcontracting plans and the nature of the services required. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting goals were established.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officer and program managers within the FBI. The firm fixed-price nature provides some level of cost control. Transparency is facilitated by the public availability of contract award data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract were suspected or reported.

Related Government Programs

FBI IT Modernization Programs
Department of Justice IT Services Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule Contracts
IT Services for Law Enforcement Agencies

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed service description
Potential for scope creep due to broad NAICS code
Need for performance benchmarking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $28.4 million to NOBLIS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLIS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $28.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-06-01. End: 2022-06-30.

What specific IT services were provided under this contract, and how do they align with the FBI's strategic technology goals?

The contract NAICS code 541519, 'Other Computer Related Services,' is broad and encompasses a wide array of IT support functions. Without specific line items or a detailed statement of work, it's difficult to ascertain the exact services rendered. These could range from network management, cybersecurity support, software development and maintenance, to IT infrastructure support. To assess alignment with strategic goals, one would need to consult the FBI's official IT strategic plans and compare them with the documented objectives and deliverables outlined in the contract's statement of work. Typically, such contracts aim to enhance operational efficiency, improve data security, and support investigative capabilities through robust IT infrastructure and services.

How does the awarded amount of $28.4 million compare to similar IT services contracts awarded by the FBI or other law enforcement agencies?

Comparing the $28.4 million award requires context regarding the contract's duration (approximately 6 years) and the specific services provided. The average annual value is roughly $4.7 million. To benchmark effectively, we would look at other large IT services contracts (e.g., over $1 million annually) awarded by agencies like the DEA, Secret Service, or DHS. Factors such as the level of service (e.g., managed services vs. project-based), security requirements, and the complexity of the IT environment are crucial. For instance, a contract for basic help desk support would likely have a lower per-unit cost than one involving advanced cybersecurity solutions or large-scale system integration. A preliminary assessment suggests this is a substantial, but not exceptionally large, award for a multi-year IT services contract within a major federal law enforcement agency.

What is the track record of Noblis, Inc. in performing similar federal IT services contracts, particularly with law enforcement agencies?

Noblis, Inc. has a significant history of performing federal contracts, including those related to IT services. A review of federal procurement data would reveal their past performance ratings, contract values, and the types of services they have delivered. They are known to work across various government agencies, often focusing on science, engineering, and technology solutions. For law enforcement agencies, their experience might include areas like data analytics, cybersecurity, mission support systems, and IT infrastructure management. Assessing their track record would involve examining past performance evaluations, any past performance issues or disputes, and the successful completion of similar-sized and scoped contracts. Generally, Noblis is considered a reputable contractor in the federal space.

Given the firm fixed-price contract type, what are the potential risks and benefits for the government in terms of cost and performance?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type offers significant benefits for the government, primarily cost certainty. The contractor assumes most of the risk for cost overruns, meaning the government pays the agreed-upon price regardless of the contractor's actual costs. This simplifies budgeting and financial management. The primary benefit is the incentive for the contractor to control costs and perform efficiently to maximize profit. However, the main risk for the government is that the contractor might cut corners on quality or scope to maintain profitability if not adequately monitored. This underscores the importance of a well-defined Statement of Work (SOW) and robust performance monitoring to ensure the government receives the required quality and quantity of services.

How has federal spending on 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit within that trend?

Federal spending on 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) has generally shown a consistent upward trend over the past five years, driven by the increasing reliance of government agencies on technology for mission operations, data management, and cybersecurity. This category often captures a diverse range of services not easily classified under more specific IT codes, such as IT consulting, system integration, and specialized IT support. This $28.4 million contract, awarded over approximately six years, represents a notable, but not outlier, investment within this spending category. Its significance lies in its application to a critical law enforcement agency (FBI). The overall trend suggests continued demand for these types of services as agencies modernize and face evolving technological challenges.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

Address: 2002 EDMUND HALLEY DR, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,372,871

Exercised Options: $28,372,871

Current Obligation: $28,372,871

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DJF151200E0002679

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline