GSA Awards $65M ICT Support Contract to Catapult Technology, Ltd. for Disaster Response

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $65,205,193 ($65.2M)

Contractor: Catapult Technology, Ltd.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2010-03-24

End Date: 2015-03-23

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $35.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THIS IS FOR END-TO-END INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SUPPORT. THIS SHALL ENCOMPASS ALL COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER RESOURCES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PLAN, STAFF, AND IMPLEMENT ALL OF OFDA S INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS BOTH FOR OFDA S OPERATIONS AT HEADQUARTERS AND FOR ITS FIELD RESPONSES TO NATURAL OR MAN-MADE DISASTERS AROUND THE WORLD.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20523

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $65.2 million to CATAPULT TECHNOLOGY, LTD. for work described as: THIS IS FOR END-TO-END INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SUPPORT. THIS SHALL ENCOMPASS ALL COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER RESOURCES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PLAN, STAFF, AND IMPLEMENT ALL OF OFDA S INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS BOTH F… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on comprehensive Information and Communications Technology (ICT) support for disaster response. 2. Catapult Technology, Ltd. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns. 4. The sector is Information Technology, specifically Computer Systems Design Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type carries inherent risk for cost control. Without detailed cost breakdowns and robust oversight, it's difficult to assess if the $65.2 million price tag represents excellent value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a limited competition. This method may not have yielded the most competitive pricing possible.

Taxpayer Impact: The CPFF structure and limited competition raise concerns about potential overspending, impacting taxpayer value.

Public Impact

Ensures critical ICT infrastructure is available during global disasters. Supports OFDA's mission to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Limited competition method
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data

Positive Signals

Supports critical disaster response operations
Long-term contract duration (5 years)

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending in this area is crucial for government operations, especially for agencies like OFDA that require robust communication and data management capabilities during crises.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'General Services Administration' (GSA) and 'Federal Acquisition Service' (FAS) are responsible for oversight. However, the CPFF structure necessitates diligent monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
Limited competition
Potential for cost overruns
Lack of transparency on specific performance metrics
No clear indication of small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $65.2 million to CATAPULT TECHNOLOGY, LTD.. THIS IS FOR END-TO-END INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SUPPORT. THIS SHALL ENCOMPASS ALL COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER RESOURCES. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PLAN, STAFF, AND IMPLEMENT ALL OF OFDA S INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS BOTH FOR OFDA S OPERATIONS AT HEADQUARTERS AND FOR ITS FIELD RESPONSES TO NATURAL OR MAN-MADE DISASTERS AROUND THE WORLD.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CATAPULT TECHNOLOGY, LTD..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $65.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-03-24. End: 2015-03-23.

What specific cost controls and reporting mechanisms are in place for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract to ensure taxpayer value?

The effectiveness of taxpayer value hinges on stringent oversight of the CPFF contract. This includes detailed cost proposals, regular audits of incurred costs, and clear justification for all expenses. The contracting officer must actively manage the fixed fee component and ensure the contractor's performance aligns with the contract's objectives to prevent unnecessary escalation of costs beyond the estimated ceiling.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method impact the risk of inflated pricing compared to unrestricted full and open competition?

Excluding sources inherently limits the competitive pool, potentially reducing price pressure on the awarded contractor. While GSA may have justified the exclusion, it increases the risk of not achieving the lowest possible price. This method requires careful justification to ensure it was necessary and that the selected contractor truly offers the best value, mitigating the risk of paying a premium.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of OFDA's ICT support during disaster response operations under this contract?

Effectiveness is measured by OFDA's ability to maintain seamless communication and data management during critical disaster events. Key indicators would likely include system uptime, response times for technical support requests, data integrity, and the successful deployment of ICT resources to affected areas. The contract's success relies on the contractor's ability to meet these performance benchmarks consistently.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: GSCTFMG0932133

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7500 OLD GEORGETOWN RD STE 1100, BETHESDA, MD, 08

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $65,737,320

Exercised Options: $65,205,193

Current Obligation: $65,205,193

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS06F0553Z

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline