Air Force awards $30.6M contract for network support, aiming to ensure war-fighter mission readiness

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,656,360 ($30.7M)

Contractor: Computer World Services, Corp.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-03

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $84.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PROVIDES SUPPORT SERVICES TO OPERATE AND ASSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF THE AIR FORCE INFORMATION NETWORK (AFIN) TO ENABLE WAR-FIGHTER MISSION EXECUTION.

Place of Performance

Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78226

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.7 million to COMPUTER WORLD SERVICES, CORP. for work described as: PROVIDES SUPPORT SERVICES TO OPERATE AND ASSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF THE AIR FORCE INFORMATION NETWORK (AFIN) TO ENABLE WAR-FIGHTER MISSION EXECUTION. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on maintaining the Air Force Information Network (AFIN) to support critical mission execution. 2. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating ongoing program support. 3. The fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and potential for cost control. 4. The geographic location of performance is Texas. 5. The contractor, Computer World Services, Corp., will provide essential operational support services. 6. This contract contributes to the broader defense IT infrastructure, ensuring network availability.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $30.6 million over one year appears reasonable for specialized IT support services critical to national defense. Benchmarking against similar large-scale network operations and maintenance contracts within the DoD would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for predictable cost outcomes, assuming the scope is well-defined and managed.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which suggests a competitive process but with specific limitations or exclusions. While not a purely open competition, it implies multiple potential bidders were considered before the final award. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the 'limited' nature suggests a focused competition rather than a broad solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: This limited competition structure may offer some price discovery but could potentially limit the range of innovative solutions and the most competitive pricing compared to a truly open bid.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Air Force war-fighters who rely on a secure and available information network. Services delivered include operational support and assurance for the Air Force Information Network (AFIN). The geographic impact is primarily within Texas, where the contractor will perform the services. This contract supports a critical segment of the defense IT workforce and specialized technical roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial requirements are not precisely defined.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical network availability could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring continuous alignment with evolving cyber threats and Air Force operational needs.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The award is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of an established, potentially successful, contracting vehicle.
Focus on network assurance directly supports war-fighter mission execution, a key performance indicator.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on network operations and telecommunications support for a major government agency. The market for defense IT services is substantial, characterized by long-term contracts, stringent security requirements, and a mix of large prime contractors and specialized subcontractors. The $30.6 million value is significant for a one-year delivery order, reflecting the complexity and criticality of maintaining a military network.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions for this contract. As a delivery order under a potentially larger contract, subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may exist, depending on the prime contractor's strategy and the nature of the services required. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant Air Force program management office. Performance metrics and delivery schedules will be key to monitoring contractor performance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific operational details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Air Force Information Network (AFIN) Operations
Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) Support
Cybersecurity and Network Assurance Services
IT Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues impacting critical operations.
Cybersecurity risks inherent in network support.
Limited competition may impact optimal price discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.7 million to COMPUTER WORLD SERVICES, CORP.. PROVIDES SUPPORT SERVICES TO OPERATE AND ASSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF THE AIR FORCE INFORMATION NETWORK (AFIN) TO ENABLE WAR-FIGHTER MISSION EXECUTION.

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 $30.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-03. End: 2026-04-03.

What is the track record of Computer World Services, Corp. with the Department of Defense, particularly in network operations?

Computer World Services, Corp. has a history of performing IT and support services for various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Their experience often includes network management, system integration, and operational support. Specific to network operations for the Air Force, their past performance on similar contracts would be a key indicator of their capability to meet the requirements of this $30.6 million award. A review of their contract history would reveal the types of services rendered, contract values, performance ratings, and any significant issues encountered. This information is crucial for assessing their reliability and expertise in ensuring the availability of the Air Force Information Network (AFIN).

How does the $30.6 million value compare to similar network support contracts for the Air Force or other branches of the military?

The $30.6 million value for a one-year delivery order for network support services is substantial, reflecting the critical nature and scale of maintaining the Air Force Information Network (AFIN). To benchmark this value, one would compare it to other contracts for similar services, such as network operations and maintenance (O&M), cybersecurity, or telecommunications support, awarded to other branches of the military or even within the Air Force itself. Factors like contract duration, scope of services (e.g., number of users supported, geographic coverage, specific technologies), and the level of security required significantly influence pricing. If comparable contracts for similar scope and duration are in the $25-$35 million range, this award would be considered within the expected market parameters. Deviations outside this range might warrant further investigation into the specific requirements or market conditions.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential performance failures leading to network downtime, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and cost overruns if the scope is not tightly managed. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust performance monitoring, clearly defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs), stringent cybersecurity protocols mandated by the contract, and the firm-fixed-price (FFP) structure which shifts some cost risk to the contractor. The 'limited' competition aspect might also introduce a risk if it prevents the government from securing the absolute best value or most innovative solution available in the broader market. Regular performance reviews, audits, and contingency planning by the Air Force are essential to address these risks proactively.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring value for taxpayers?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach aims to balance competitive principles with specific operational needs or existing contract vehicles. While it allows for multiple bidders to compete, the exclusion of certain sources or the use of a pre-existing contract vehicle (like a GSA schedule or IDIQ) means the competition is not as broad as a purely open solicitation. This can lead to a reasonably competitive environment, potentially yielding good value for taxpayers, especially if the excluded sources are not critical to the market. However, it may not always achieve the maximum price reduction or the widest array of innovative solutions that a truly open competition could foster. The effectiveness hinges on the justification for the exclusion and the competitiveness among the remaining eligible bidders.

What are the historical spending patterns for AFIN support services, and how does this award fit within them?

Historical spending on Air Force Information Network (AFIN) support services typically involves significant, multi-year investments due to the critical and complex nature of military networks. Annual spending can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope of modernization, sustainment efforts, and cybersecurity enhancements. This $30.6 million delivery order for a one-year period appears to be a component of the overall sustainment and operational assurance budget for AFIN. It fits within the pattern of ongoing, substantial federal investment required to maintain a secure and functional military network infrastructure, likely representing a portion of the total annual expenditure for AFIN operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) › Wired Telecommunications Carriers

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

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, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $30,656,360

Exercised Options: $30,656,360

Current Obligation: $30,656,360

Actual Outlays: $8,295,354

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA877323D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline