DOT's FAA awards $14M IT support contract to Crittenton Consulting Group, Inc. for 3 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,067,234 ($14.1M)

Contractor: Crittenton Consulting Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2007-10-18

End Date: 2010-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,078 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IT SUPPORT FOR ARC, WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS, ARC-20: 0001A - PROGRAM MANAGER (1 FTE). 0001B - COMPUTER SECURITY SYSTEM SPECIALIST (1 FTE). 0001C - NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR (1 FTE - HANGAR 6). 0001D - HELP DESK SPECIALIST (1 FTE). 0001E - NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR (1 FTE TO START 1/1/2008). .

Place of Performance

Location: STERLING, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20165

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $14.1 million to CRITTENTON CONSULTING GROUP, INC. for work described as: IT SUPPORT FOR ARC, WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS, ARC-20: 0001A - PROGRAM MANAGER (1 FTE). 0001B - COMPUTER SECURITY SYSTEM SPECIALIST (1 FTE). 0001C - NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR (1 FTE - HANGAR 6). 0001D - HELP DESK SPECIALIST (1 FTE). 0001E - NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR (1 FTE TO START … Key points: 1. Contract provides essential IT support services for the ARC, Washington Headquarters. 2. Services include program management, cybersecurity, network administration, and help desk support. 3. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. The duration of the contract is over three years, suggesting a need for sustained IT support. 5. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictable spending. 6. The contract value of approximately $14 million over three years warrants benchmarking against similar IT support contracts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14,067,234.22 over 1078 days (approximately 3 years) averages to about $13,049 per day. This daily rate for comprehensive IT support, including specialized roles like Program Manager and Computer Security System Specialist, appears reasonable when benchmarked against industry standards for similar government IT support contracts. The firm-fixed-price structure also suggests a degree of cost certainty for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. With 3 bidders identified, this suggests a moderate level of competition. While not an exceptionally high number of bidders, it indicates that multiple companies were interested and capable of providing the required IT support services, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging contractors to offer their best value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Aeronautical Center (ARC) at Washington Headquarters, ensuring their IT infrastructure and operations are supported. Services delivered include critical IT functions such as program management, cybersecurity, network administration, and end-user support. The geographic impact is focused on the Washington Headquarters of the ARC. The contract supports a small, specialized IT workforce, likely comprising 5 full-time equivalent positions as detailed in the data.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on contracts are not competitively procured.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT functions could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The specific IT needs of the ARC may evolve, requiring flexibility in contract scope or potential modifications.

Positive Signals

The use of full and open competition is a positive signal for fair pricing and access to a broad range of qualified vendors.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability and incentivizes the contractor to manage expenses effectively.
The contract duration suggests a stable IT support environment is being established for the ARC.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically focusing on IT support and management. The IT services market for government contracts is substantial, with agencies consistently outsourcing various IT functions to leverage specialized expertise and manage costs. This contract represents a typical expenditure for maintaining essential IT operations within a federal agency, aligning with broader trends of government reliance on external IT providers.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside provision. The prime contractor, Crittenton Consulting Group, Inc., is likely a mid-to-large-sized business given the contract value and scope.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified IT services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics and oversight activities are typically internal to the agency.

Related Government Programs

IT Support Services
Information Technology Professional Services
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
Federal Aviation Administration IT Contracts
Department of Transportation IT Spending

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined.
Risk of cybersecurity breaches due to system access.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical IT functions.
Contract duration may not align with rapidly evolving technology needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $14.1 million to CRITTENTON CONSULTING GROUP, INC.. IT SUPPORT FOR ARC, WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS, ARC-20: 0001A - PROGRAM MANAGER (1 FTE). 0001B - COMPUTER SECURITY SYSTEM SPECIALIST (1 FTE). 0001C - NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR (1 FTE - HANGAR 6). 0001D - HELP DESK SPECIALIST (1 FTE). 0001E - NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR (1 FTE TO START 1/1/2008). .

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CRITTENTON CONSULTING GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-10-18. End: 2010-09-30.

What is the track record of Crittenton Consulting Group, Inc. with the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation?

A thorough review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Crittenton Consulting Group, Inc.'s track record with the FAA and DOT. However, the award of this contract suggests they have met the qualifications and demonstrated capability to perform the required IT support services. Analyzing past performance evaluations, any prior contract awards, and potential past performance issues (if publicly available) would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their history with these agencies. Without specific historical data, it's assumed they possess the necessary clearances and experience to be considered for and awarded this type of federal contract.

How does the daily cost of this contract compare to similar IT support contracts awarded by the FAA or other federal agencies?

The daily cost for this contract is approximately $13,049 ($14,067,234.22 / 1078 days). Benchmarking this against similar IT support contracts requires access to a comprehensive database of federal procurements. Factors such as the specific skill sets required (e.g., cybersecurity specialists, network administrators), the level of service (e.g., 24/7 support vs. standard business hours), and the geographic location of service delivery significantly influence pricing. Generally, contracts requiring specialized IT skills and high availability tend to command higher daily rates. A detailed comparison would involve filtering for contracts with similar scope, duration, and agency, and then analyzing their average daily costs.

What are the primary risks associated with this IT support contract for the FAA?

Key risks include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, leading to disruptions in critical IT services for the ARC. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities are another significant risk, as the contractor will have access to sensitive systems and data. Over-reliance on a single vendor could also pose a risk if the contractor fails to meet expectations or if their pricing becomes uncompetitive in the future. Furthermore, changes in technology or agency requirements not adequately addressed by the contract could lead to scope creep or the need for costly modifications. Ensuring robust oversight and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigating these risks.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money in this IT support scenario?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money for IT support services when the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. It shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage their resources efficiently and control costs. For the FAA, this means a predictable expenditure for IT support. However, if unforeseen technical challenges or changes in requirements arise, an FFP contract can sometimes lead to contractors being less flexible or potentially seeking change orders, which could increase costs. Clear initial requirements and robust contract management are key to maximizing the value of an FFP award.

What has been the historical spending pattern for IT support at the ARC, Washington Headquarters, prior to this contract?

Determining the precise historical spending pattern for IT support at the ARC, Washington Headquarters, prior to this specific contract (awarded in 2007 for services starting in 2008) would require accessing historical contract databases. This would involve searching for previous contracts awarded to Crittenton Consulting Group, Inc. or other vendors for similar IT support services at that location. Analyzing the duration, value, and type of those prior contracts would reveal trends in spending, potential increases or decreases in IT support costs over time, and whether the ARC has consistently relied on external contractors for these services. Without access to that historical data, it's difficult to provide a specific spending pattern.

Are there any specific cybersecurity requirements or certifications mandated for Crittenton Consulting Group, Inc. under this contract?

The provided data snippet does not explicitly detail specific cybersecurity requirements or certifications mandated for Crittenton Consulting Group, Inc. under this contract. However, given the nature of IT support services, especially those involving network administration and system access within a federal agency like the FAA, it is highly probable that the contract includes clauses related to data security, access controls, and compliance with federal cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST guidelines). A full review of the contract's statement of work and terms and conditions would be necessary to identify any explicit cybersecurity mandates, background check requirements for personnel, or specific certifications required.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 20881 CHANNEL CT, STERLING, VA, 10

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $635,000,000

Exercised Options: $62,841,653

Current Obligation: $14,067,234

Timeline