Air Force Reserve Command awards $7.1M contract for DevSecOps services to Inserso Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,143,701 ($7.1M)

Contractor: Inserso Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-01-02

End Date: 2027-01-01

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND DATA AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SECURITY AND OPERATIONS (DEVSECOPS),

Place of Performance

Location: WARNER ROBINS, HOUSTON County, GEORGIA, 31098

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.1 million to INSERSO CORPORATION for work described as: AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND DATA AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SECURITY AND OPERATIONS (DEVSECOPS), Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical software development, security, and operations for the Air Force Reserve. 2. Inserso Corporation, the selected vendor, has a track record in IT services. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating a defined cost for services. 4. Competition was open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a specific justification for the approach. 5. The contract duration is three years, aligning with typical IT service lifecycles. 6. This award represents a portion of the broader Department of Defense IT spending. 7. The contract is a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.14 million over three years for custom computer programming services appears reasonable given the scope of DevSecOps. Benchmarking against similar custom computer programming contracts within the Department of Defense, this award falls within a typical range for specialized IT support. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost certainty for the government. Further analysis would require detailed task orders to assess the value of specific services delivered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources were excluded, likely due to pre-existing contract vehicles, specialized capabilities, or other justifications. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated but the 'exclusion of sources' suggests a potentially narrowed field compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: This procurement approach may limit the potential for the lowest possible price if a wider range of vendors could have offered competitive bids. However, it could also ensure that the selected vendor possesses highly specific expertise required for the DevSecOps mission.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Air Force Reserve Command, which will receive enhanced software development, security, and operational capabilities. Services delivered include custom computer programming, security integration, and operational support for critical systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the Air Force Reserve Command's operational footprint, likely supporting units nationwide. Workforce implications include the potential for Inserso Corporation to utilize its skilled IT professionals, including software developers, cybersecurity experts, and operations specialists.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method warrants scrutiny to ensure fair opportunity and optimal pricing.
Lack of specific details on performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the services delivered.
The contract value, while appearing reasonable, needs to be evaluated against detailed task orders for true value for money.

Positive Signals

The contract is firm fixed-price, providing cost certainty for the government.
Inserso Corporation is a known entity in the IT services sector, suggesting a degree of established capability.
The focus on DevSecOps aligns with modernizing military IT infrastructure and improving cybersecurity posture.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on custom computer programming and DevSecOps. The IT services market is vast and highly competitive, with significant government spending allocated to software development, cloud services, and cybersecurity. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar custom programming and IT operations support contracts within the Department of Defense can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars, depending on complexity and duration. This $7.14 million award is a moderate-sized contract within this sector.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss=false, sb=false). There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this contract are likely limited to subcontracting directly with Inserso Corporation, should they choose to engage them. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore indirect, relying on the prime contractor's subcontracting practices.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Air Force Reserve Command. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse, with the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General having oversight.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Reserve Command IT Modernization Programs
Department of Defense DevSecOps Initiatives
Custom Computer Programming Services Contracts
Software Development and Security Operations Contracts
Air Force IT Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Competition Method Justification
Performance Metrics Clarity
Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.1 million to INSERSO CORPORATION. AIR FORCE RESERVE COMMAND DATA AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT SECURITY AND OPERATIONS (DEVSECOPS),

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INSERSO CORPORATION.

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 $7.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-01-02. End: 2027-01-01.

What is Inserso Corporation's track record with the federal government, particularly in DevSecOps or similar IT services?

Inserso Corporation has a history of performing IT services for the federal government. While specific details on their DevSecOps expertise require deeper investigation into past performance reports and contract vehicles, their classification under NAICS code 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) indicates a core competency in this area. Federal procurement databases would show their award history, including contract values, agencies served, and performance ratings, which are crucial for assessing their suitability for this Air Force Reserve Command requirement. A review of their past performance on similar contracts would reveal their ability to deliver on complex IT projects, manage security protocols, and ensure operational continuity.

How does the $7.14 million contract value compare to similar DevSecOps or custom programming contracts awarded by the Air Force or DoD?

The $7.14 million contract value for three years of DevSecOps services appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized IT support within the Department of Defense. Benchmarking against similar contracts for custom computer programming and IT operations support, awards can vary significantly based on scope, duration, and complexity. For instance, larger, more complex DevSecOps initiatives supporting major weapon systems or enterprise-wide IT infrastructure could easily exceed tens of millions of dollars. Conversely, smaller, more focused projects might be in the low millions. This specific award's value suggests a targeted scope, likely supporting specific applications or operational units within the Air Force Reserve Command, rather than a broad, enterprise-level transformation.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential performance issues if Inserso Corporation fails to meet the stringent requirements of DevSecOps, leading to delays in software delivery or security vulnerabilities. Another risk is cost overruns, although mitigated by the firm fixed-price structure, scope creep could still emerge if not managed tightly. The 'exclusion of sources' competition method also presents a risk of suboptimal pricing if a wider pool of vendors could have offered better value. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight, clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and strong change control processes. The government will need to actively manage the vendor relationship and ensure adherence to security protocols and delivery schedules.

How effective is the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' approach in ensuring value for taxpayers?

The effectiveness of 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' in ensuring value for taxpayers is nuanced. On one hand, it allows for competition among a defined set of qualified vendors, potentially leading to competitive pricing within that group. It can also ensure that vendors possess highly specialized capabilities deemed necessary for the requirement. However, by excluding certain sources, it inherently limits the breadth of competition. If the excluded sources could have offered superior value or lower prices, taxpayers might not be receiving the absolute best deal. The justification for exclusion is critical; if based on legitimate technical requirements or existing contract vehicles, it can be efficient. If arbitrary, it risks reducing competition and potentially increasing costs.

What are the historical spending patterns for custom computer programming services within the Air Force Reserve Command?

Historical spending patterns for custom computer programming services within the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) would likely show a consistent need for IT support to maintain and modernize its operational systems. This includes software development for mission-critical applications, data management solutions, and cybersecurity enhancements. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on specific modernization initiatives, upgrades to existing platforms, or the introduction of new technologies. Analyzing past AFRC contracts under NAICS code 541511 would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the types of services procured. This $7.14 million award represents a specific investment in DevSecOps, fitting within the broader context of the AFRC's ongoing efforts to ensure its IT infrastructure is secure, agile, and capable of supporting its mission.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1900 GALLOWS RD STE 750, VIENNA, VA, 22182

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,084,215

Exercised Options: $7,143,701

Current Obligation: $7,143,701

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA877120D0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline