DoD's $24.8M IT contract with TRIUNE SOFTWARE, INC. for computer systems design services awarded in 2004

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,871,702 ($24.9M)

Contractor: Triune Software, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2004-07-30

End Date: 2010-05-29

Contract Duration: 2,129 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Place of Performance

Location: DAYTON, GREENE County, OHIO, 45431

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $24.9 million to TRIUNE SOFTWARE, INC. for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges if not managed closely. 3. The duration of the contract (2129 days) indicates a long-term engagement for IT services. 4. The award was made by the Department of the Air Force, a significant component of the DoD. 5. The NAICS code 541512 points to a focus on computer systems design and related services. 6. The contract was awarded as an Other Direct Cost (ODC) type, which typically covers specific expenses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns and performance metrics. The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, while flexible, can lead to higher costs if not carefully managed and monitored for scope creep. Comparing it to similar computer systems design services contracts awarded around the same period would provide better context on pricing and overall value.

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 number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which should theoretically lead to better pricing and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, driving down prices through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best possible value.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, receiving computer systems design services. The services delivered likely support the Air Force's IT infrastructure, operational systems, or specific technology development needs. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within the areas served by the Department of the Air Force, potentially globally. Workforce implications could include IT professionals and engineers employed by TRIUNE SOFTWARE, INC. and potentially government personnel overseeing the contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not strictly managed.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the services provided.
The long duration of the contract (over 5 years) might indicate a lack of flexibility to adapt to evolving technological needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust and fair bidding process.
The contract supports critical IT functions for the Department of the Air Force.
The contractor, TRIUNE SOFTWARE, INC., has a history of performing government contracts.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design services. The IT services market is vast and highly competitive, with government contracts often representing a significant portion of revenue for many firms. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other IT services contracts awarded by the DoD and other federal agencies for similar system design and integration work.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The focus was on full and open competition, which typically involves larger, established firms.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work and performance requirements. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance data may be limited.

Related Government Programs

DoD IT Services Contracts
Computer Systems Design Services
Air Force IT Procurement
Time and Materials Contracts
Federal IT Modernization Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type may lead to cost overruns.
Long contract duration increases risk of technological obsolescence.
Lack of specific performance metrics hinders value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $24.9 million to TRIUNE SOFTWARE, INC.. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIUNE SOFTWARE, INC..

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 $24.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-07-30. End: 2010-05-29.

What was the specific nature of the computer systems design services provided under this contract?

The contract, identified by NAICS code 541512, pertains to Computer Systems Design Services. While the specific details of the services are not fully elaborated in the provided data, such contracts typically involve designing, developing, integrating, and implementing computer systems. This could encompass software development, hardware integration, network design, system architecture, and IT consulting to meet the unique operational requirements of the Department of the Air Force. The 'Other Direct Cost' (ODC) component suggests that specific, identifiable costs beyond labor and overhead were also covered, potentially including specialized software licenses, hardware components, or third-party services necessary for the system design.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type impact cost control and value for this $24.8M award?

The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, used for this $24.8M award, allows the government to pay the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. While offering flexibility, T&M contracts carry inherent risks for cost control. Without a fixed ceiling or detailed performance metrics tied to specific deliverables, there's a potential for scope creep and cost overruns if not rigorously managed. The government must actively monitor labor hours, material costs, and the overall progress to ensure value. For this contract, the long duration (2129 days) amplifies these concerns, necessitating diligent oversight from the contracting officer's representative (COR) to ensure the funds expended align with the delivered system design services and achieve the intended operational benefits for the Air Force.

What is the significance of the contract being awarded under 'Full and Open Competition'?

Awarding this contract under 'Full and Open Competition' signifies that the Department of the Air Force allowed all responsible sources to submit proposals. This is generally considered the preferred method of government procurement as it maximizes the potential for competition, theoretically leading to the best value for the government through competitive pricing, innovation, and quality. It implies that the agency did not restrict the bidding pool through set-asides or other limitations. While the number of bidders isn't specified, the process itself suggests that TRIUNE SOFTWARE, INC. was selected from a pool of potentially multiple qualified offerors, indicating a market-driven selection rather than a sole-source or limited competition scenario.

How does the contract's duration of 2129 days (approx. 5.8 years) affect its relevance and potential risks?

A contract duration of 2129 days, approximately 5.8 years, for computer systems design services is substantial. This long timeframe suggests a significant, potentially foundational, IT project for the Department of the Air Force. While it allows for in-depth development and integration, it also introduces risks related to technological obsolescence, changing requirements, and contractor performance over an extended period. The Air Force would need robust program management and oversight to ensure the system design remains relevant and effective throughout its development lifecycle. Furthermore, the T&M nature of the contract over such a long period necessitates continuous vigilance regarding cost escalation and scope management to ensure the final delivered system represents good value.

What does the NAICS code 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) imply about the contractor's role and the services rendered?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541512 designates TRIUNE SOFTWARE, INC. as a provider of Computer Systems Design Services. This classification indicates that the company's primary role under this contract was to plan and design computer systems that integrate hardware, software, and communication technologies. Their services likely involved analyzing the user's needs, designing system architecture, developing software specifications, and potentially overseeing the implementation or integration of these systems. This is a core IT service function, crucial for modernizing or establishing complex technological infrastructures within government agencies like the Department of the Air Force.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Contractor Details

Address: 4027 COLONEL GLENN HIGHWAY, BEAVERCREEK, OH, 10

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0346K

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline