DOJ's FBI Awards $18.8M for STACS Software Support to Robotech Science, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,824,372 ($18.8M)
Contractor: Robotech Science, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2017-08-02
End Date: 2025-01-02
Contract Duration: 2,710 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THE REQUISITION WILL ALLOW FOR CONTINUED TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE STACS SOFTWARE TO INCLUDE BUG FIXES AS WELL AS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE RELEASES. IGF::OT::IGF
Place of Performance
Location: LORTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22079
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $18.8 million to ROBOTECH SCIENCE, INC. for work described as: THE REQUISITION WILL ALLOW FOR CONTINUED TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE STACS SOFTWARE TO INCLUDE BUG FIXES AS WELL AS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE RELEASES. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential technical support, bug fixes, and maintenance for STACS software. 2. Sole-source award to Robotech Science, Inc. raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. The IT sector, specifically custom computer programming, is characterized by specialized skills and potential for single-vendor reliance. 4. Long contract duration (2710 days) suggests a need for sustained support but also locks in pricing.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $18.8M over approximately 7.4 years for custom computer programming services is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the scope of work and the complexity of the STACS software. The lack of competition makes a direct pricing assessment challenging.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may prevent the government from obtaining the best possible pricing through competitive bidding.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition could lead to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competed contract.
Public Impact
Continued operation and maintenance of critical STACS software ensures ongoing functionality for the FBI. Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the absence of competitive bidding. Reliance on a single vendor for essential software support could create future risks if the vendor's performance or pricing changes unfavorably.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Sole-source award
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Ensures continued support for critical software
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically custom computer programming services (NAICS 541511). Spending in this area is substantial across government, with significant variation based on project complexity and vendor rates. Benchmarking is difficult without detailed scope.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Robotech Science, Inc., and there is no indication of small business participation or subcontracting in the provided data. The sole-source nature of the award further limits opportunities for small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The lack of competition for this significant contract warrants further oversight to ensure the government is receiving fair value and that the sole-source justification is robust. Accountability for performance and cost management will be crucial over the contract's lifespan.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
- Long contract duration may not reflect current market rates.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Lack of transparency regarding the justification for sole-source procurement.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-justice, va, purchase-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $18.8 million to ROBOTECH SCIENCE, INC.. THE REQUISITION WILL ALLOW FOR CONTINUED TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE STACS SOFTWARE TO INCLUDE BUG FIXES AS WELL AS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE RELEASES. IGF::OT::IGF
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ROBOTECH SCIENCE, 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 $18.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-08-02. End: 2025-01-02.
What is the specific functionality and criticality of the STACS software to the FBI's operations?
Understanding the STACS software's role is crucial for assessing the necessity of this sole-source award and the potential impact of any service disruptions. If the software is mission-critical, the justification for a sole-source contract might be stronger, but it also increases the importance of robust oversight to ensure value for money and mitigate risks associated with vendor lock-in.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The justification for a sole-source award needs to be thoroughly reviewed. Typically, this is reserved for situations where only one vendor can provide the required service due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs. Without a clear, documented justification, the award raises concerns about potential missed opportunities for cost savings through competition.
How will the FBI ensure cost-effectiveness and performance monitoring given the lack of competition?
With a sole-source contract, robust performance metrics and regular cost reviews are essential. The FBI should establish clear deliverables, key performance indicators (KPIs), and a mechanism for independent verification of services rendered. Proactive contract management and negotiation strategies will be vital to mitigate the risks associated with limited competition and ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 9201 MAROVELLI FOREST DR, LORTON, VA, 22079
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $32,668,699
Exercised Options: $28,918,699
Current Obligation: $18,824,372
Actual Outlays: $19,600,783
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-08-02
Current End Date: 2025-01-02
Potential End Date: 2025-01-02 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-26
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