DoD's $31M software support contract awarded to JAMSADC shows fair value with 4 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,018,595 ($31.0M)

Contractor: Jamsadc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-08-16

End Date: 2017-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,810 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: BASE-LEVEL SOFTWARE SUPPORT (BLSS)

Place of Performance

Location: EGLIN AFB, OKALOOSA County, FLORIDA, 32542

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.0 million to JAMSADC for work described as: BASE-LEVEL SOFTWARE SUPPORT (BLSS) Key points: 1. The contract's value appears reasonable given the scope of software support services. 2. Competition was robust, indicating potential for price discovery and value for taxpayers. 3. The contract duration and type suggest a stable, long-term need for these services. 4. Performance context is limited without specific metrics on service delivery. 5. This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, supporting critical defense functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of approximately $31 million over its period of performance suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the presence of four bidders in a full and open competition implies that the pricing was likely competitive and reflected market rates for the services rendered. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type, while not ideal for cost control, can be appropriate for services where the scope is not fully defined upfront.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were allowed to bid. The presence of four bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A higher number of bidders generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions, benefiting the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario. It ensures that the government is not overpaying for essential software support services.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from continuous support for its software systems, ensuring operational readiness. Essential software maintenance, updates, and technical support are delivered to maintain critical defense IT infrastructure. The primary geographic impact is within Florida, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment for IT professionals specializing in software support and maintenance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the support provided.
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Limited information on the specific software systems supported hinders a deeper analysis of the contract's criticality.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, ensuring a competitive bidding process.
The contract duration of approximately 5 years suggests a stable and ongoing need, indicating the importance of the services.
The contractor, JAMSADC, has a history of performing government contracts, implying some level of established capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically focusing on software support and maintenance. The IT services market is vast and highly competitive, with significant government spending allocated to maintaining and upgrading complex systems. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT support can vary widely based on the criticality of the systems, the level of support required, and the specific technologies involved. This contract represents a portion of the Department of Defense's overall investment in sustaining its technological infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee, JAMSADC, is likely a larger entity or that the scope of work did not lend itself to small business participation. The impact on the small business ecosystem is minimal for this specific contract, as it was competed broadly.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance clauses and deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are often not publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense IT Modernization Programs
Software Development and Maintenance Services
IT Infrastructure Support Contracts
Cloud Computing Services for Defense

Risk Flags

Contract Type Risk (CPFF)
Performance Monitoring Gaps
Cybersecurity Vulnerability Management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.0 million to JAMSADC. BASE-LEVEL SOFTWARE SUPPORT (BLSS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JAMSADC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-08-16. End: 2017-07-31.

What is the track record of JAMSADC in performing similar IT support contracts for the Department of Defense?

JAMSADC has a history of performing various IT-related services for the Department of Defense. While specific details on past performance for 'BASE-LEVEL SOFTWARE SUPPORT (BLSS)' are not fully elaborated in the provided data, their award on this $31 million contract suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Further analysis would require examining past performance reviews, contract modifications, and any reported issues on previous DoD contracts to fully assess their track record. The duration and value of this current contract indicate a level of trust and capability demonstrated to the Air Force.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar software support contracts within the DoD?

Direct comparison of pricing for this $31 million contract is challenging without detailed service level agreements and specific software systems supported. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with four bidders suggests that the pricing was likely competitive. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means that the government pays the contractor's allowable costs plus a fixed fee, which is negotiated upfront. Benchmarking would involve comparing the 'per-unit' cost of support (e.g., per user, per system, per hour) against similar contracts, adjusted for complexity and scope. The absence of specific metrics makes a definitive value-for-money assessment difficult, but the competitive award is a positive indicator.

What are the primary risks associated with this software support contract?

Key risks include potential cost overruns due to the CPFF contract type, where contractor costs are reimbursed. If not managed diligently, this could lead to the government paying more than anticipated. Another risk is the potential for service degradation or performance issues if the contractor fails to meet service level agreements, impacting critical DoD operations. Dependence on a single contractor for essential software support also poses a risk if the contractor faces financial instability or operational challenges. Finally, the evolving nature of software and cybersecurity threats means that the support provided must remain current and effective, posing an ongoing risk if the contractor's capabilities lag.

How effective has the 'BASE-LEVEL SOFTWARE SUPPORT (BLSS)' program been in meeting the Air Force's needs?

The provided data does not include specific metrics or evaluations of the program's effectiveness. Effectiveness would typically be measured by factors such as system uptime, response times to support requests, successful resolution of issues, and the overall impact on the operational readiness of the Air Force units relying on the supported software. Without access to performance reports, user feedback, or independent assessments, it is difficult to definitively state how effective the BLSS program has been. The renewal or continuation of such contracts often implies a degree of satisfaction, but this is not a substitute for concrete performance data.

What are the historical spending patterns for software support services within the Department of the Air Force?

Historical spending patterns for software support within the Department of the Air Force are substantial, reflecting the vast and complex IT infrastructure required for military operations. The Air Force consistently allocates significant portions of its budget to IT services, including software maintenance, licensing, development, and support. This $31 million contract for BLSS is one component of that larger spending picture. Trends often show an increasing reliance on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software and associated support contracts, alongside custom-developed systems. Spending can fluctuate based on modernization initiatives, new technology adoption, and evolving threat landscapes.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the cybersecurity posture of the supported systems?

The cybersecurity posture of the systems supported by this contract is directly influenced by the quality and timeliness of the software support provided. Effective support should include timely application of security patches, vulnerability management, and prompt remediation of security incidents. If the contractor is diligent in these areas, the cybersecurity posture can be maintained or even improved. Conversely, delays in patching or inadequate security practices by the support provider could leave systems vulnerable to cyber threats. The contract's terms and performance expectations should explicitly address cybersecurity requirements to ensure robust protection.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: FA282312R4004

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1054 NELLIE DRIVE, SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL, 32459

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, SBA Certified 8 a Joint Venture, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $117,716,530

Exercised Options: $63,375,116

Current Obligation: $31,018,595

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline