Department of Education awards $24,900 modification to SRI INTERNATIONAL for computing infrastructure services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,573,453 ($23.6M)

Contractor: SRI International

Awarding Agency: Department of Education

Start Date: 2001-08-15

End Date: 2011-08-31

Contract Duration: 3,668 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THIS IS A MODICATION TO ALLOCATE FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,900 FOR SUBTASK 18.3 DELIVERABLES. $10,020 FOR 5/1/4-9/30/04, & $10,880 FOR 9/1/04-9/15/05. $4,000 IS ALLOCATED FOR QASP.

Place of Performance

Location: MENLO PARK, SAN MATEO County, CALIFORNIA, 94025

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Education obligated $23.6 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL for work described as: THIS IS A MODICATION TO ALLOCATE FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,900 FOR SUBTASK 18.3 DELIVERABLES. $10,020 FOR 5/1/4-9/30/04, & $10,880 FOR 9/1/04-9/15/05. $4,000 IS ALLOCATED FOR QASP. Key points: 1. The modification adds $24,900 to an existing contract for computing infrastructure services. 2. SRI INTERNATIONAL is the contractor, with the Department of Education as the agency. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The specific services relate to computing infrastructure, data processing, and web hosting.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The modification amount is relatively small compared to the overall contract value. Pricing for this specific modification is not detailed, but the contract type is Cost Plus Incentive, suggesting performance-based pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The modification adds a small amount to an existing contract, so the direct taxpayer impact is minimal and spread over the contract duration.

Public Impact

Ensures continued provision of essential computing and data processing services for the Department of Education. Supports the operational needs of the agency through IT infrastructure. The modification reflects ongoing adjustments to project scope or resource allocation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed justification for the modification amount.
Cost Plus Incentive contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Contract supports critical IT infrastructure for a federal agency.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under the Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services sector. Spending in this sector is substantial across the federal government, supporting a wide range of agency operations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the primary contractor is SRI INTERNATIONAL, a large business. There is no explicit mention of small business participation in this specific modification.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a structured procurement process. Oversight would focus on the proper execution of the Cost Plus Incentive contract terms and deliverables.

Related Government Programs

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
Department of Education Contracting
Department of Education Programs

Risk Flags

Modification amount is not detailed by specific service.
Contract type (CPIF) can lead to cost overruns.
No clear indication of small business involvement.
Duration of the contract is exceptionally long (over 10 years).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Education awarded $23.6 million to SRI INTERNATIONAL. THIS IS A MODICATION TO ALLOCATE FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,900 FOR SUBTASK 18.3 DELIVERABLES. $10,020 FOR 5/1/4-9/30/04, & $10,880 FOR 9/1/04-9/15/05. $4,000 IS ALLOCATED FOR QASP.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SRI INTERNATIONAL.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2001-08-15. End: 2011-08-31.

What specific deliverables or services does this $24,900 modification fund, and how do they align with the original contract's objectives?

The modification allocates funds for Subtask 18.3 deliverables, with specific amounts for different timeframes within 2004 and 2005, plus Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) costs. While the exact nature of Subtask 18.3 isn't detailed, it's understood to be part of the broader computing infrastructure and data processing services covered by the contract, ensuring continued operational support for the Department of Education.

What are the potential risks associated with the Cost Plus Incentive (CPIF) contract type in this modification, and how are they mitigated?

CPIF contracts carry a risk of cost overruns if performance targets are not met or if the incentive structure is not well-defined. Mitigation involves rigorous oversight of contractor performance, clear definition of incentive metrics tied to cost, schedule, and performance, and regular audits to ensure costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract.

How does this modification contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Department of Education's IT infrastructure and services?

This modification ensures the continued funding and delivery of essential computing infrastructure, data processing, and web hosting services. By addressing specific subtask deliverables and quality assurance, it supports the operational continuity and effectiveness of the Department's IT backbone, enabling its various programs and administrative functions to operate smoothly.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services › Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE (V)

Contractor Details

Address: 333 RAVENSWOOD AVENUE, MENLO PARK, CA, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,577,453

Exercised Options: $23,577,453

Current Obligation: $23,573,453

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline