Census Bureau Spends $25.5M on Deloitte Consulting for 2020 Census Program Management Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,541,971 ($25.5M)

Contractor: Deloitte Consulting LLP

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2018-02-01

End Date: 2022-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,641 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.6K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE REQUIREMENT IS TO SUPPORT THE 2020 CENSUS PROGRAM IN THE EXECUTION OF ITS MISSION, WITH ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING GOVERNANCE PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE 2020 DECENNIAL CENSUS ORGANIZATION, PARTICULARLY AS IT PERTAINS TO SYSTEM OWNERS, AND TO PROVIDE GENERAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT EXECUTION SUPPORT. IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: SUITLAND, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20746

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $25.5 million to DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP for work described as: THE REQUIREMENT IS TO SUPPORT THE 2020 CENSUS PROGRAM IN THE EXECUTION OF ITS MISSION, WITH ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING GOVERNANCE PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE 2020 DECENNIAL CENSUS ORGANIZATION, PARTICULARLY AS IT PERTAINS TO SYSTEM OWNERS, AND TO PROVIDE GENERAL PROGRAM MANAGE… Key points: 1. Deloitte Consulting LLP secured a $25.5M contract for program management and governance analysis for the 2020 Census. 2. The contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512), a common area for federal IT support. 3. Competition was conducted under SAP, suggesting a streamlined process, but the specific level of competition is unclear. 4. The contract duration is over 4 years, indicating a significant, long-term need for these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $25.5M award for over 4 years of support appears reasonable for complex program management and governance analysis. Benchmarking against similar large-scale federal IT program support contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of offers. While this can lead to efficiency, it may not always result in the most competitive pricing compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential census operations support. The efficiency of the SAP competition method impacts the overall value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures effective execution of the 2020 Census, a critical national undertaking. Supports analysis of governance processes, aiming to improve accountability and efficiency. Provides program management expertise to a large-scale, complex federal initiative. The outcome of the census directly impacts resource allocation and representation across the nation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best price.
Contract duration is lengthy, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions.

Positive Signals

Supports a vital national function (the Census).
Focuses on improving governance and processes.
Awarded to a known entity (Deloitte Consulting LLP).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting a wide range of government operations and modernization efforts.

Small Business Impact

There is no explicit indication of small business participation in this award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business goals were considered or met.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract requires support for existing governance processes and procedures, implying an oversight component. However, specific details on independent oversight mechanisms for this contract are not provided.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Commerce Contracting
U.S. Census Bureau Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to contract duration.
Risk of inadequate competition leading to suboptimal pricing.
Dependency on contractor for critical program functions.
Lack of transparency on specific deliverables and performance metrics.
Potential for scope creep given the broad nature of 'general program management execution support'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $25.5 million to DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP. THE REQUIREMENT IS TO SUPPORT THE 2020 CENSUS PROGRAM IN THE EXECUTION OF ITS MISSION, WITH ANALYSIS OF THE EXISTING GOVERNANCE PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE 2020 DECENNIAL CENSUS ORGANIZATION, PARTICULARLY AS IT PERTAINS TO SYSTEM OWNERS, AND TO PROVIDE GENERAL PROGRAM MANAGEMENT EXECUTION SUPPORT. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Census Bureau).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-02-01. End: 2022-07-31.

What specific governance processes and procedures were analyzed, and what were the key findings and recommendations?

The contract mandates analysis of existing governance processes and procedures for the 2020 Decennial Census organization, particularly concerning system owners. While the specific findings and recommendations are not detailed in this summary, the objective is to identify areas for improvement in accountability, efficiency, and risk management within the census program's structure.

How does the pricing compare to similar program management support contracts for large federal initiatives?

A direct comparison requires access to detailed pricing structures of comparable contracts. However, the $25.5M award over 1641 days (approx. 4.5 years) suggests a daily rate of roughly $15,565. This rate needs to be benchmarked against industry standards for senior program management and IT governance consulting for large-scale federal projects.

What is the potential impact on census accuracy and public trust if this program management support is ineffective?

Ineffective program management and governance support could lead to delays, cost overruns, or critical system failures during the census. This could compromise the accuracy and completeness of the data collected, impacting its utility for apportionment and resource allocation, and potentially eroding public trust in the census process.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

Address: 1725 DUKE ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,953,029

Exercised Options: $25,541,971

Current Obligation: $25,541,971

Actual Outlays: $358,457

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $2,109,714

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DOCYA132315BU0023

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline