Air Force awards $4.8M IT support contract to Dark Horse Technologies LLC under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,828,811 ($4.8M)

Contractor: Dark Horse Technologies LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-08-06

End Date: 2025-08-09

Contract Duration: 1,829 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PKH-MCCRAY-IVALDI - A1 CIO SUPPORT SERVICES (SETA)

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $4.8 million to DARK HORSE TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: PKH-MCCRAY-IVALDI - A1 CIO SUPPORT SERVICES (SETA) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for IT support services, indicating a need for specialized technical assistance. 2. The contract duration of 1829 days suggests a long-term requirement for these services. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to provide cost certainty for the government. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 5. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The contractor, Dark Horse Technologies LLC, is a relatively new entity in federal contracting. 7. The service category is Computer Systems Design Services, a common IT support function.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.8 million over approximately five years for IT support services appears to be within a reasonable range for the scope of work. However, without specific details on the services provided, it is difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs, but the ultimate value for money will depend on the quality and efficiency of the services delivered by Dark Horse Technologies LLC.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The fact that it is a delivery order suggests it was likely competed as part of a larger IDIQ vehicle. The number of bidders is not specified, but full and open competition generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive bids and potentially lower prices.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force benefits from specialized IT support services to maintain its operational capabilities. The contract supports the delivery of computer systems design and related services. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the contract is registered. The contract may have implications for the IT workforce, potentially creating or sustaining jobs within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited public information on Dark Horse Technologies LLC's past performance and capacity to handle this scope of work.
The contract is a delivery order, meaning its specific deliverables and performance metrics are not fully detailed in this summary.
The duration of the contract (over 5 years) necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure continued value and performance.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that should yield fair pricing.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The contract addresses a clear need for IT support services within the Department of Defense.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector within federal contracting is highly competitive and diverse. This contract for computer systems design services falls under the broader IT services category, which includes a wide range of support, development, and maintenance activities. Spending in this sector is substantial, with agencies consistently seeking external expertise to manage complex IT infrastructures and digital transformation initiatives. Benchmarks for similar contracts vary widely based on the specific services, duration, and contractor experience.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside. The awardee, Dark Horse Technologies LLC, is listed as a small business, but the contract itself was not specifically set aside for small businesses. This means it was competed broadly. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific delivery order, though larger IDIQ vehicles often have such requirements.

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. As a delivery order under a potential IDIQ, the overarching contract vehicle would have its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated by contract award databases, but detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are generally not publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

IT Support Services
Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Defense IT Contracts
Air Force IT Services
Delivery Orders

Risk Flags

Contractor experience unknown
Potential for scope creep
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $4.8 million to DARK HORSE TECHNOLOGIES LLC. PKH-MCCRAY-IVALDI - A1 CIO SUPPORT SERVICES (SETA)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DARK HORSE TECHNOLOGIES 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 $4.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-06. End: 2025-08-09.

What is the track record of Dark Horse Technologies LLC in performing federal IT support contracts?

Information regarding Dark Horse Technologies LLC's track record in federal IT support contracts is limited based on the provided data. As a relatively new entity, its history of performance may not be extensive. Further investigation into federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS would be necessary to ascertain the full scope of their past performance, including contract values, agencies served, and performance ratings, if available. Understanding their experience with similar IT support services and contract types (like firm-fixed-price delivery orders) is crucial for assessing their capability to meet the Air Force's requirements effectively.

How does the $4.8 million contract value compare to similar IT support services contracts awarded by the Air Force or DoD?

The $4.8 million contract value for approximately five years of IT support services is moderate within the context of large federal IT procurements. The Department of the Air Force and the broader Department of Defense award numerous IT contracts, many of which are significantly larger, often in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, especially for major system integrations or enterprise-wide solutions. However, for specific IT support services, particularly those delivered as a delivery order under an IDIQ, this value is not unusual. A precise comparison would require analyzing contracts with similar scopes of work (e.g., computer systems design, CIO support), contract types (firm-fixed-price), and durations, while accounting for inflation and specific service level agreements.

What are the key risks associated with this contract award, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks associated with this contract include potential underperformance by the contractor, especially if Dark Horse Technologies LLC has limited experience with contracts of this scale or complexity. Another risk is scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, potentially leading to cost overruns if not managed properly, although the firm-fixed-price structure aims to mitigate this. Contractor viability and financial stability over the five-year period are also considerations. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by the Air Force, clear performance metrics and deliverables defined in the contract, regular performance reviews, and contingency planning for contractor failure. The full and open competition process itself serves as a risk mitigation by selecting a contractor deemed capable through a competitive evaluation.

What is the expected effectiveness of these IT support services in achieving the Air Force's mission objectives?

The effectiveness of these IT support services in achieving the Air Force's mission objectives hinges on the specific nature of the 'CIO Support Services (SETA)' and 'Computer Systems Design Services' provided. If these services are critical for maintaining essential IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, network operations, or enabling new technological capabilities, their effective delivery is paramount. SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) contracts often provide specialized expertise that government personnel may lack. The success will depend on the contractor's ability to provide timely, accurate, and relevant technical guidance and support, directly contributing to the operational readiness and modernization goals of the Air Force. Clear performance standards and alignment with strategic IT goals are essential for maximizing effectiveness.

How has federal spending on IT support services like this evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on IT support services has generally seen a consistent increase over the past five years, driven by the ongoing digital transformation across government agencies, the need to modernize legacy systems, and the escalating cybersecurity threats. Agencies like the Department of Defense, including the Air Force, are significant spenders in this category, seeking services ranging from system design and integration to maintenance, help desk support, and cloud migration. The trend reflects a growing reliance on external expertise to manage complex IT environments and implement advanced technologies. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and strategic priorities, the overall trajectory indicates sustained and often growing investment in IT support services to maintain and enhance government operations and national security.

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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7330 DUDIE RD, MARSHALL, VA, 20115

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,828,811

Exercised Options: $4,828,811

Current Obligation: $4,828,811

Actual Outlays: $1,143,741

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA18D00GM

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline