DoD's $21M RAMPOD IT Services contract awarded to S&K Mission Support, LLC, with 1429 days duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,055,740 ($21.1M)

Contractor: S&K Mission Support, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-04-01

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,429 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: RAMPOD IT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT IGNATIUS, LAKE County, MONTANA, 59865

State: Montana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.1 million to S&K MISSION SUPPORT, LLC for work described as: RAMPOD IT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract's value of $21 million over nearly four years suggests a significant investment in IT services for the Department of Defense. 2. Awarded as a definitive contract, the pricing structure is firm fixed price, which typically offers cost certainty for the government. 3. The contract was not competed, raising questions about potential cost efficiencies and the breadth of available solutions. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541511 indicates a focus on custom computer programming services. 5. The duration of 1429 days (approximately 3.9 years) allows for sustained support but also necessitates careful performance monitoring. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags indicates this was not specifically targeted to boost small business participation. 7. The contract's primary location is Montana, suggesting a specific operational need within that geographic area.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $21 million contract is challenging without specific deliverables or performance metrics. However, for custom computer programming services, this represents a substantial investment. The firm fixed price structure provides some cost predictability. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to definitively assess if this price represents optimal value for money compared to market alternatives or if a more competitive process could have yielded better pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded under a sole-source justification, meaning it was not openly competed. This approach is typically used when only one source is capable of meeting the requirement, or in specific circumstances like follow-on work to a previous contract. The lack of competition means potential bidders were not given an opportunity to propose their services, which can limit price discovery and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as the government does not benefit from the price reductions typically driven by competitive bidding processes.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely Department of Defense personnel and systems requiring custom computer programming and IT support. The services delivered are expected to enhance or maintain critical IT infrastructure and operational capabilities for the Air Force. The geographic impact is centered in Montana, indicating a localized operational requirement or base of operations for the contractor. Workforce implications may include the employment of skilled IT professionals by S&K Mission Support, LLC, to fulfill the contract's technical requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may result in higher costs than a competed contract.
Sole-source awards can limit visibility into alternative technological solutions.
Performance risks are heightened without the pressure of competitive market forces.
Contract duration requires sustained government oversight to ensure continued value.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to an established entity (S&K Mission Support, LLC) may indicate prior successful performance.
Definitive contract structure allows for flexibility within defined parameters.
Specific NAICS code suggests a focused IT service requirement.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is a vast and critical component of federal spending, encompassing custom software development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT support. This contract falls under custom computer programming services, a segment focused on creating tailored software solutions. Federal spending in this area is consistently high, driven by the need for specialized capabilities to support complex government operations. Comparable spending benchmarks for custom programming services vary widely based on complexity, duration, and contractor expertise, but a $21 million contract over nearly four years for a specific IT function is a significant allocation within this sector.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by the 'ss' flag being false. Furthermore, the 'sb' flag is also false, suggesting no specific subcontracting goals for small businesses were mandated within this award. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors, were not explicitly prioritized through this specific procurement vehicle. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral to negative, as this large contract did not contribute to set-aside goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Air Force, within the Department of Defense. As a definitive contract with a firm fixed price, the government's oversight would focus on ensuring the contractor meets the defined scope of work, adheres to performance standards, and delivers services within the agreed-upon timeline and budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense IT Services
Custom Computer Programming Services
Air Force IT Support Contracts
Sole-Source IT Procurements
Federal IT Infrastructure Support

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive pricing pressure.
Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence or requirement changes.
Potential for reduced innovation due to lack of competition.
Need for robust government oversight to ensure performance and value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.1 million to S&K MISSION SUPPORT, LLC. RAMPOD IT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is S&K MISSION SUPPORT, 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 $21.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-01. End: 2026-02-28.

What is the specific nature of the 'RAMPOD IT Services' and why was this contract sole-sourced?

The 'RAMPOD IT Services' likely refers to a specific IT system or program within the Department of Defense, possibly related to readiness, operations, or mission support, given the name. The sole-source award suggests that either S&K Mission Support, LLC was the only contractor capable of providing the required specialized services, perhaps due to unique expertise, proprietary technology, or a prior relationship established through a previous contract. Alternatively, it could be justified under specific federal acquisition regulations for reasons such as urgency or national security. Without further details on the justification for other than full and open competition (J&A), the precise reasons remain speculative but typically involve a high degree of specificity in the requirement that only one entity can meet.

How does the $21 million contract value compare to similar custom computer programming services contracts awarded by the DoD?

Comparing the $21 million value requires context on the scope and duration. For custom computer programming services, federal contracts can range from thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. A $21 million contract awarded over approximately 3.9 years (1429 days) suggests a substantial, ongoing requirement for specialized IT development or support. While not exceptionally large in the context of major defense IT programs, it represents a significant investment for a specific service. Benchmarking against similar sole-source contracts for custom programming within the DoD would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment, but this figure indicates a mid-to-large scale engagement.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and deliverables are not detailed in the provided data. However, for a contract focused on 'Custom Computer Programming Services' (NAICS 541511) with a firm fixed price structure, typical deliverables would include functional software, system enhancements, bug fixes, technical documentation, and potentially ongoing maintenance and support. KPIs would likely revolve around software functionality, performance metrics (e.g., uptime, response time), adherence to development timelines, and successful integration with existing systems. The government's contracting officer and technical representatives would be responsible for monitoring these aspects throughout the contract's life.

What is the track record of S&K Mission Support, LLC in performing similar federal IT contracts?

S&K Mission Support, LLC has a track record of performing federal contracts, including those within the IT services domain. As a contractor that has received a $21 million definitive contract, it implies a level of established capability and past performance that met the government's requirements for this award. Further analysis of their contract history, including past performance reviews, contract values, and types of services rendered, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in delivering custom computer programming and related IT services to federal agencies, particularly the Department of Defense.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract of this duration?

The primary risks associated with this contract stem from its sole-source nature and long duration. Sole-sourcing eliminates competitive pressure, potentially leading to inflated prices or less innovative solutions than might be available through open competition. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) structure, while offering cost certainty, can incentivize the contractor to cut corners on quality or scope if not rigorously managed, especially over a long period. The 1429-day duration increases the risk of scope creep, technological obsolescence, or changes in government requirements that may not be easily accommodated without contract modifications, potentially leading to cost overruns or reduced value if not managed proactively.

How has federal spending on custom computer programming services (NAICS 541511) trended in recent years, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending on custom computer programming services (NAICS 541511) has generally trended upwards over the past decade, reflecting the increasing reliance of government agencies on specialized IT solutions to modernize operations, enhance cybersecurity, and improve service delivery. This category represents a significant portion of the overall federal IT budget. The $21 million RAMPOD IT Services contract awarded to S&K Mission Support, LLC fits within this trend as a substantial, albeit sole-sourced, investment in tailored software development and IT support. It aligns with the broader government push for digital transformation and enhanced technological capabilities.

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 - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 63066 OLD HIGHWAY 93 STE M, SAINT IGNATIUS, MT, 59865

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,086,968

Exercised Options: $21,086,968

Current Obligation: $21,055,740

Actual Outlays: $5,557,412

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline