Air Force contract for computer systems design services awarded to Altarum Institute for over $10.3M
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,357,891 ($10.4M)
Contractor: Altarum Institute
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2005-07-19
End Date: 2011-01-19
Contract Duration: 2,010 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY)
Sector: IT
Official Description: 200510!000358!5700!FA7012!11 CONS/LGCW !GS35F4912H !C!N! !Y!FA701205FA044! !20050719!20060719!064184468!064184468!064184468!N!ALTARUM INSTITUTE !3520 GREEN CT, STE 300 !ANN ARBOR !MI!48105!50000!001!11!WASHINGTON !DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA !D.C. !+000001732138!N!N!000000000000!R499!OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !561439!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !20200930!B! ! ! ! !A! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! !Y!Z!N!N! ! ! ! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !FA7012!0001! !
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20032
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $10.4 million to ALTARUM INSTITUTE for work described as: 200510!000358!5700!FA7012!11 CONS/LGCW !GS35F4912H !C!N! !Y!FA701205FA044! !20050719!20060719!064184468!064184468!064184468!N!ALTARUM INSTITUTE !3520 GREEN CT, STE 300 !ANN ARBOR !MI!48105!50000!001!11!WASHINGTON !DIST… Key points: 1. Contract value of $10.36M for computer systems design services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration spans from July 2005 to January 2011, a period of over 5 years. 4. The contract was a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 5. Services provided fall under 'Computer Systems Design Services' (NAICS 541512). 6. The contractor, Altarum Institute, is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award amount of $10,357,890.77 for computer systems design services over a period of approximately 5.5 years appears to be within a reasonable range for such a contract. Benchmarking against similar contracts would require more detailed service descriptions and performance metrics. However, given the duration and the nature of IT services, the overall value seems plausible, though a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult without further context on the specific deliverables and outcomes.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a single award for this delivery order implies that Altarum Institute was selected as the most advantageous offer. The level of competition for the underlying contract vehicle is not detailed here, but the 'full and open' designation for this award is a positive indicator for price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and service quality.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Air Force, receiving computer systems design services. The services delivered likely supported critical Air Force IT infrastructure or operational needs. The geographic impact is centered around the District of Columbia, where the contract was administered. The contract supported a workforce involved in IT services and system design.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the services provided.
- The specific nature of the 'computer systems design services' is not fully elaborated, limiting a deep dive into technical value.
- The contract was a delivery order, meaning its scope and value could be subject to change based on evolving Air Force needs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- The contract duration of over five years indicates a stable, long-term need for these services.
- The contractor, Altarum Institute, has a track record of performing government contracts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically under Computer Systems Design Services. This is a broad category encompassing the design, development, and integration of computer systems. The market for these services is highly competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. The total federal spending on IT services is in the hundreds of billions annually, making this contract a relatively small portion of the overall IT expenditure.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses. The award to Altarum Institute, a company that may or may not qualify as a small business depending on its size standards, suggests it was competed broadly. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed in this data, but are often a component of larger IT service contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would be tied to the terms and conditions of the contract, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though detailed performance reports are often not publicly available.
Related Government Programs
- IT Services
- Computer Systems Design
- Department of Defense Contracts
- Air Force IT Procurement
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is lengthy, requiring ongoing monitoring.
- Specific performance metrics are not detailed, hindering value assessment.
- Nature of 'computer systems design services' is broad, requiring clarification.
Tags
it-services, computer-systems-design, department-of-defense, department-of-the-air-force, delivery-order, full-and-open-competition, information-technology, ann-arbor, michigan, district-of-columbia, altarum-institute, naics-541512
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $10.4 million to ALTARUM INSTITUTE. 200510!000358!5700!FA7012!11 CONS/LGCW !GS35F4912H !C!N! !Y!FA701205FA044! !20050719!20060719!064184468!064184468!064184468!N!ALTARUM INSTITUTE !3520 GREEN CT, STE 300 !ANN ARBOR !MI!48105!50000!001!11!WASHINGTON !DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA !D.C. !+000001732138!N!N!000000000000!R499!OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !561439!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !202
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ALTARUM INSTITUTE.
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 $10.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-07-19. End: 2011-01-19.
What specific computer systems design services were provided under this contract?
The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541512, 'Computer Systems Design Services.' This broad category typically includes services such as designing, developing, and integrating hardware and software systems. Without more specific contract line item details or statements of work, it's impossible to determine the exact nature of the services. These could range from network architecture design, software development lifecycle support, system integration, cybersecurity architecture, to IT infrastructure planning and implementation for the Air Force.
How does the $10.36 million award compare to similar contracts for computer systems design services?
Comparing the $10.36 million award for over five years requires context on the scope and complexity of the services. For large-scale IT system design and integration projects within the Department of Defense, this amount could be considered moderate. However, for smaller, more specialized design tasks, it could be substantial. Benchmarking would necessitate examining contracts with similar service descriptions, duration, and agency. Given the duration, the average annual value is approximately $1.88 million, which is a common range for significant IT support contracts.
What is the track record of Altarum Institute in performing federal contracts?
Altarum Institute has a history of performing federal contracts, primarily within the health and IT sectors. While this specific contract was for computer systems design, their broader portfolio often involves research, analysis, and IT support for government agencies. A comprehensive review of their past performance would involve examining contract databases for awards, performance ratings, and any past performance issues. Their continued engagement with government contracts suggests a generally satisfactory performance history, though specific details for this Air Force contract are not provided.
What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how was performance measured?
The provided data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or details on how performance was measured for this contract. Typically, IT service contracts include metrics related to system uptime, response times, project milestones, adherence to security protocols, and user satisfaction. The contracting officer's representative (COR) would usually monitor these KPIs. Without access to the contract's statement of work or performance reports, a detailed assessment of performance is not possible.
What is the historical spending trend for computer systems design services by the Department of the Air Force?
Historical spending by the Department of the Air Force on computer systems design services has been substantial and generally increasing over the years, driven by the need for modernizing IT infrastructure and supporting complex operational systems. While this specific contract from 2005-2011 represents a snapshot, overall Air Force IT spending has seen significant fluctuations based on budget allocations, modernization initiatives, and evolving technological requirements. Analyzing trends would require looking at aggregated spending data across multiple fiscal years and contract vehicles.
Were there any significant risks identified or mitigation strategies employed for this contract?
The provided data does not explicitly list identified risks or mitigation strategies for this contract. However, common risks in IT system design contracts include scope creep, technological obsolescence, integration challenges, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and contractor performance issues. Given it was awarded under full and open competition, the selection process likely aimed to mitigate risks by choosing a qualified contractor. The contract's duration and delivery order structure might also imply a phased approach to manage risks.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY) (2)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 3520 GREEN CT, STE 300, ANN ARBOR, MI, 48105
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F4912H
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-07-19
Current End Date: 2011-01-19
Potential End Date: 2011-01-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-12-07
More Contracts from Altarum Institute
- Technical Assistance for Vouchersrftop 270-07-0184 — $18.5M (Department of Health and Human Services)
- Base Period UBO Support Services&odcs — $17.4M (Department of Defense)
- TO Provide Subject Matter Expertise Services to Support Executive Management Decisions and Health Plan Policy Development/Implementation Through These Surveys, Studies and Analyses — $16.8M (Department of Defense)
- TAS::97 4930 005::TAS Senior Expert/Consultant — $13.7M (Department of Defense)
- Quality Payment Program Small Underserved and Rural Support (qpp-Surs) Award Igf::ct::igf — $12.6M (Department of Health and Human Services)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)