DoD Awards $6.4M Contract for Computer Services to Copperhead Technologies LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $6,421,139 ($6.4M)
Contractor: Copperhead Technologies LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-01-10
End Date: 2027-01-10
Contract Duration: 730 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SOCRATES TECHSPT LABOR
Place of Performance
Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33621
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $6.4 million to COPPERHEAD TECHNOLOGIES LLC for work described as: SOCRATES TECHSPT LABOR Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition. 2. The contract is for 'Other Computer Related Services' with a significant value. 3. Potential risk associated with a sole-source award and lack of price discovery. 4. The IT sector often sees high demand for specialized computer services.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $6.4M price is optimal.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
The contract was not available for competition, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in a higher cost to taxpayers compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for this $6.4M contract means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these computer services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be overpaying due to the absence of competitive bidding. Special Operations Command relies on these services, highlighting potential operational impact if costs are inflated. The long-term implications of sole-source contracts on market innovation and pricing are a concern.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Lack of competitive bidding
Positive Signals
- Contract supports U.S. Special Operations Command needs
- Definitive contract with a clear end date
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on specialization and duration, but competitive pricing is generally expected.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were excluded from a competitive opportunity.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts to ensure costs are reasonable and taxpayers receive value. The sole-source nature necessitates rigorous monitoring by the Department of Defense.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- U.S. Special Operations Command Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits price discovery.
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type increases risk of cost overruns.
- No indication of small business participation.
- Lack of transparency in service specifics.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-defense, fl, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $6.4 million to COPPERHEAD TECHNOLOGIES LLC. SOCRATES TECHSPT LABOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is COPPERHEAD TECHNOLOGIES LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $6.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-01-10. End: 2027-01-10.
What specific services are included under 'Other Computer Related Services' to justify a sole-source award?
The specific services are not detailed in the provided data. However, 'Other Computer Related Services' can encompass a broad range of IT support, including system integration, IT consulting, and custom software development. A sole-source justification would typically require demonstrating unique capabilities or an urgent need that only this specific vendor can meet, which warrants further investigation.
What is the potential cost overrun risk with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts carry inherent risk of cost overruns if the fixed fee is not adequately calculated or if the contractor's costs exceed projections significantly. Without competitive bids to establish a baseline, the government has less leverage to control costs. Robust oversight and detailed cost tracking are essential to mitigate this risk.
How does the lack of competition impact the effectiveness of the services provided?
While a sole-source award can ensure continuity and specialized expertise, it can also reduce the incentive for the contractor to innovate or improve efficiency, as there is no competitive pressure. The effectiveness hinges on the contractor's internal quality controls and the government's contract management. Without competition, there's a risk of complacency.
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 › IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2 MATTS PATH, MASHANTUCKET, CT, 06338
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, 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: $18,979,597
Exercised Options: $6,550,520
Current Obligation: $6,421,139
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-01-10
Current End Date: 2027-01-10
Potential End Date: 2030-07-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-07
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