DoD's $14M Computing Infrastructure Contract with TCOOMBS & ASSOCIATES LLC Raises Questions on Value and Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,093,137 ($14.1M)
Contractor: Tcoombs & Associates LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2006-08-10
End Date: 2012-02-29
Contract Duration: 2,029 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Place of Performance
Location: HONOLULU, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96818
State: Hawaii Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $14.1 million to TCOOMBS & ASSOCIATES LLC for work described as: Key points: 1. The contract awarded to TCOOMBS & ASSOCIATES LLC for computing infrastructure services represents a significant expenditure. 2. The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' suggests a competitive bidding process, but the duration and value warrant scrutiny. 3. Potential risks include long-term vendor lock-in and the need to ensure continued cost-effectiveness over the contract's life. 4. The sector is critical for defense operations, highlighting the importance of efficient and secure IT services.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $14,093,137.36 over its extended period needs careful comparison with similar computing infrastructure contracts. Without detailed performance metrics and pricing breakdowns, it's difficult to ascertain if this represents excellent value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION,' indicating multiple bidders were considered. However, the long duration (2006-2012 with extensions) might have limited the scope for re-competition and potentially impacted price discovery over time.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential IT services. Ensuring competitive pricing throughout the contract's lifecycle is crucial for maximizing the value of this investment.
Public Impact
Ensures critical computing infrastructure and data processing capabilities for the Department of the Air Force. Supports ongoing military operations and administrative functions through reliable IT services. The long-term nature of the contract may impact the adoption of newer, potentially more cost-effective technologies. Potential for job creation within the IT services sector, though specific numbers are not provided.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 69 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration potentially limiting competitive re-evaluation.
- Lack of specific performance metrics to assess value.
- Potential for technology obsolescence over the contract's extended period.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Addresses critical computing infrastructure needs.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically focusing on computing infrastructure, data processing, and web hosting. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with benchmarks often focusing on cost per user, data storage, or processing power.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Therefore, there is no direct benefit to small businesses from this specific award, and opportunities for subcontracting are not detailed.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would involve monitoring contract performance against established Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and ensuring adherence to the firm fixed price. Regular reviews by the Department of the Air Force are necessary to confirm ongoing necessity and value.
Related Government Programs
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Air Force Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term contract duration potentially limiting competitive re-evaluation.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics for value assessment.
- Potential for technology obsolescence over the contract's extended period.
- No indication of small business subcontracting opportunities.
Tags
computing-infrastructure-providers-data-, department-of-defense, hi, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $14.1 million to TCOOMBS & ASSOCIATES LLC. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TCOOMBS & ASSOCIATES LLC.
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 $14.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-08-10. End: 2012-02-29.
What specific computing infrastructure services were provided, and how did their performance align with the initial requirements and evolving needs of the Air Force?
The contract covered computing infrastructure, data processing, and web hosting. Performance alignment would be assessed through Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and user feedback. Without access to these details, it's challenging to definitively state how well the services met evolving needs, though the contract's extensions suggest a degree of satisfaction or necessity.
Given the contract's long duration, what measures were in place to ensure the government received competitive pricing and avoided technology obsolescence?
While awarded under full and open competition, the extended duration (2006-2012 with potential further extensions) raises concerns about sustained competitiveness. Measures like periodic price reviews, market research, or contract modifications for technology refreshes would be crucial. The firm fixed price offers cost certainty but might not incentivize cost reductions if market prices fall.
How does the total contract value of approximately $14 million compare to industry benchmarks for similar computing infrastructure services, considering the scope and duration?
Comparing this $14 million contract value requires detailed analysis of the specific services rendered, the volume of data processed, and the level of uptime guaranteed. Benchmarking against similar government or commercial contracts for computing infrastructure, data processing, and hosting services is essential. Without granular data, a precise comparison is difficult, but the value suggests a significant scale of operation.
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: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
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: 6551 LOISDALE CT STE 500, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 11
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Contract Characteristics
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-08-10
Current End Date: 2012-02-29
Potential End Date: 2012-02-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2012-04-11
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