DoD's $24.16M ServiceNow License Purchase via BPA Call Raises Questions on Value and Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,161,435 ($24.2M)

Contractor: CACI NSS, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-06-12

End Date: 2025-12-15

Contract Duration: 186 days

Daily Burn Rate: $129.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: EITAAS WAVE 1 - SERVICENOW LICENSES

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $24.2 million to CACI NSS, LLC for work described as: EITAAS WAVE 1 - SERVICENOW LICENSES Key points: 1. Significant spending on IT licenses for a critical system. 2. Competition was limited to a BPA Call, potentially impacting price discovery. 3. Risk of overpayment exists due to Time and Materials contract type. 4. IT sector spending benchmark analysis needed for comparable contracts.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The $24.16M for ServiceNow licenses is substantial. Without a clear per-unit cost or comparison to similar government or commercial contracts, assessing value is difficult. The Time and Materials contract type introduces risk for cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP via a BPA Call, indicating limited competition. While a BPA Call allows for some competition among pre-qualified vendors, it's less competitive than an open solicitation, potentially leading to higher prices.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition and T&M contract type may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these software licenses.

Public Impact

Ensures operational continuity for Air Force systems relying on ServiceNow. Potential for cost savings if pricing is benchmarked against industry standards. Transparency in contract modifications and vendor performance is crucial.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Limited competition via BPA Call
  • Time and Materials contract type
  • Lack of clear per-unit cost benchmark

Positive Signals

  • Procurement through an existing BPA
  • Defined contract duration

Sector Analysis

This spending falls within the IT sector, specifically computer systems design services. Government spending on enterprise software licenses like ServiceNow is common, but benchmarks are essential to ensure fair pricing, especially given the trend towards cloud-based solutions.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The prime contractor, CACI NSS, LLC, is a large business, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses in this specific contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be critical to monitor expenditures under this Time and Materials contract. The Air Force should ensure rigorous review of invoices and performance to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for money.

Related Government Programs

  • Computer Systems Design Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract.
  • Limited competition may lead to non-optimal pricing.
  • Lack of detailed cost breakdown for licenses.
  • Need for robust performance monitoring.

Tags

computer-systems-design-services, department-of-defense, va, bpa-call, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $24.2 million to CACI NSS, LLC. EITAAS WAVE 1 - SERVICENOW LICENSES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CACI NSS, 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 $24.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-06-12. End: 2025-12-15.

What is the average per-unit cost for ServiceNow licenses of this type across similar government contracts?

Determining the average per-unit cost requires access to a broader dataset of government IT procurements. However, industry benchmarks for ServiceNow enterprise licenses can range significantly based on modules, user count, and support levels. A typical range might be from $50 to $300 per user per month, but this is highly variable and requires specific contract details for accurate comparison.

What are the specific risks associated with using a Time and Materials contract for software licenses?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts for software licenses carry inherent risks of cost escalation. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M allows the vendor to bill for actual labor hours and material costs incurred. This can lead to unpredictable final costs if not closely monitored, potentially exceeding initial estimates and offering less incentive for vendor efficiency.

How does the limited competition via a BPA Call impact the government's ability to secure the best possible price?

Limited competition, even within a Best Practices Agreement (BPA) Call, can reduce the government's leverage in price negotiations. While BPAs streamline procurement, competition is typically restricted to pre-qualified vendors. This can result in prices that are not as competitive as those achievable through a full and open solicitation, where a wider range of vendors can bid.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesComputer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: CACI International Inc

Address: 14370 NEWBROOK DR, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,161,435

Exercised Options: $24,161,435

Current Obligation: $24,161,435

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA872622A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline

Start Date: 2025-06-12

Current End Date: 2025-12-15

Potential End Date: 2025-12-15 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2025-08-22

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