DoD's $17M Long Haul Communications Support Services contract awarded to Computer World Services, Corp. shows fair value
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,971,238 ($17.0M)
Contractor: Computer World Services, Corp.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2020-01-01
End Date: 2026-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,556 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: LONG HAUL COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: SCOTT AFB, SAINT CLAIR County, ILLINOIS, 62225
State: Illinois Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $17.0 million to COMPUTER WORLD SERVICES, CORP. for work described as: LONG HAUL COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract demonstrates a commitment to competitive sourcing, with four bidders vying for the award. 2. Pricing appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar IT support services. 3. The fixed-price contract structure shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. The duration of the contract, spanning over seven years, suggests a need for sustained support. 5. This award falls within the broader IT services sector, supporting critical communication infrastructure. 6. The contract's value is moderate within the context of large-scale federal IT procurements.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's total value of approximately $17 million over seven years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts indicates that the pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure is advantageous for the government, as it caps the total cost and incentivizes the contractor to manage expenses efficiently. While specific performance metrics are not detailed here, the overall value appears reasonable given the scope of long-haul communications support.
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 offers. The presence of four bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition within the market for these specialized services. This competitive environment is generally conducive to achieving fair market prices and innovative solutions for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces. It also provides the best opportunity to secure high-quality services at a competitive price.
Public Impact
The Department of Defense benefits from reliable and sustained long-haul communications support. This contract ensures the operational readiness of critical communication networks for military operations. The services delivered are essential for maintaining secure and efficient data transmission across various military installations. The contract supports a workforce skilled in advanced telecommunications and IT infrastructure management.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration of over seven years may limit flexibility to adopt newer technologies if not managed proactively.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical communications infrastructure warrants robust oversight.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government.
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Long contract duration indicates a stable, long-term need for these services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically supporting telecommunications and network infrastructure. The market for such services is characterized by specialized providers capable of managing complex, long-haul communication systems. Federal spending in IT services is substantial, with a significant portion dedicated to maintaining and upgrading communication networks essential for national security and government operations. This contract represents a moderate investment within this large sector.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that this contract included small business set-asides, nor is there information suggesting significant subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The nature of long-haul communications support often requires specialized capabilities that may be concentrated among larger firms. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, if any.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight mechanisms. As a firm-fixed-price contract, performance monitoring is key to ensuring service delivery meets requirements. The Department of Defense's contracting officers and program managers are responsible for oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- Defense Information Systems Network (DISN)
- Global Information Grid (GIG)
- IT Network Services
- Telecommunications Support Contracts
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to technology obsolescence.
- Cybersecurity risks inherent in critical communication infrastructure.
- Contractor performance monitoring is crucial for sustained service delivery.
Tags
it-services, department-of-defense, air-force, illinois, delivery-order, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, communications-support, long-haul-communications, computer-world-services-corp, moderate-value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $17.0 million to COMPUTER WORLD SERVICES, CORP.. LONG HAUL COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COMPUTER WORLD SERVICES, CORP..
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 $17.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.
What is the contractor's track record with similar federal contracts?
Computer World Services, Corp. has a history of performing IT services for the federal government. While specific details on past performance for similar long-haul communications contracts are not provided in this data, their award suggests they met the technical and past performance requirements set forth by the Department of the Air Force. A deeper dive into their contract history, including any past performance evaluations or awards for related services, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities and reliability in this domain.
How does the annual value of this contract compare to other federal IT support contracts?
The annual value of this contract, approximately $2.4 million ($17M / 7 years), is considered moderate within the federal IT services landscape. Large-scale IT procurements, especially those involving complex infrastructure or enterprise-wide solutions, can often reach tens or hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This contract's value suggests a focused scope, likely supporting specific communication nodes or regional networks rather than a comprehensive, agency-wide system. It is competitive when compared to similar specialized support services but is not among the largest federal IT expenditures.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Key risks include potential technological obsolescence over the seven-year period, contractor performance issues, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management, performance monitoring, and adherence to strict cybersecurity protocols mandated by the DoD. The firm-fixed-price structure mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. However, the long duration necessitates proactive management to ensure the technology remains relevant and secure throughout the contract's life.
How effective is the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type in ensuring value for money in this context?
The firm-fixed-price contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money for the government in IT support services like this, as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. This incentivizes the contractor to manage their expenses efficiently and deliver services within the agreed-upon budget. For long-haul communications support, where the scope of work can be relatively well-defined, FFP provides cost certainty. However, it requires careful initial scope definition to avoid change orders that could negate the cost-saving benefits.
What is the historical spending trend for long-haul communications support services within the Department of Defense?
Historical spending on long-haul communications support services within the Department of Defense has been substantial and consistent, reflecting the critical nature of these capabilities for military operations globally. While specific figures for this exact service category fluctuate based on technological advancements, geopolitical needs, and infrastructure upgrades, the DoD consistently invests billions annually in telecommunications and network infrastructure. This contract represents a portion of that ongoing investment, supporting the sustainment and modernization of vital communication links.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related 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
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Computer World Services Corp.
Address: 6402 ARLINGTON BLVD STE 650, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,971,238
Exercised Options: $16,971,238
Current Obligation: $16,971,238
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F0600X
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-01-01
Current End Date: 2026-12-31
Potential End Date: 2026-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-15
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