DoD's $38.4M IBM Contract for OCONUS Checkout Lane Services Awarded Under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $38,419,679 ($38.4M)

Contractor: International Business Machines Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-08-06

End Date: 2022-06-30

Contract Duration: 328 days

Daily Burn Rate: $117.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CHECKOUT LANE OCONUS

Place of Performance

Location: FORT LEE, PRINCE GEORGE County, VIRGINIA, 23801

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $38.4 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION for work described as: CHECKOUT LANE OCONUS Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $38.4 million. 2. IBM is a major player in the IT services sector. 3. Potential risks associated with long-term IT service contracts. 4. Spending falls within the broad 'Other Computer Related Services' category.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $38.4 million for IT services is substantial. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT support contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but the price appears within a reasonable range for complex, long-term engagements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing by allowing all eligible vendors to bid.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs.

Public Impact

Ensures critical IT infrastructure support for Department of Defense operations, potentially impacting personnel and mission readiness. IBM's involvement highlights the reliance on large technology providers for government services. The 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code is broad, making specific public impact difficult to ascertain without further detail.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of specific service details within 'Other Computer Related Services'.
  • Potential for vendor lock-in with large IT service providers.
  • Contract duration and potential for scope creep.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Clear contract end date.
  • Firm fixed price contract type.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under IT services, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Spending in this sector is consistently high across government agencies, with benchmarks varying widely based on the complexity and duration of services provided.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to IBM, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, complex IT service contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), a key component of the DoD for IT. Oversight would likely involve regular performance reviews and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

  • Other Computer Related Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Defense Information Systems Agency Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of detailed service description.
  • Potential for vendor lock-in.
  • Cybersecurity risks in OCONUS IT operations.
  • Reliance on a single large vendor.

Tags

other-computer-related-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $38.4 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. CHECKOUT LANE OCONUS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $38.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-08-06. End: 2022-06-30.

What specific 'Other Computer Related Services' are included in this $38.4 million contract to ensure value for money?

The specific services are not detailed in the provided data. 'Other Computer Related Services' is a broad NAICS code that can encompass a wide range of activities, from IT consulting and system integration to data processing and disaster recovery. Understanding the precise deliverables is crucial for assessing the contract's value and ensuring it aligns with DoD's operational needs and budget.

What are the primary risks associated with this long-term IT service contract with IBM for OCONUS operations?

Key risks include potential cost overruns if the scope expands beyond initial projections, vendor lock-in making it difficult to switch providers, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities inherent in managing IT infrastructure, especially in OCONUS locations. Ensuring robust performance metrics and clear exit strategies are vital to mitigate these risks.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring competitive pricing for complex IT services like these?

Full and open competition is generally effective in driving competitive pricing by allowing multiple vendors to bid. However, for highly specialized or complex IT services, the effectiveness can be limited if only a few companies possess the required expertise. The government must ensure solicitation requirements accurately reflect needs without unduly restricting competition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesOther Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONSIT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HC102815R0025

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6710 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, BETHESDA, MD, 20817

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,419,679

Exercised Options: $38,419,679

Current Obligation: $38,419,679

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 24

Total Subaward Amount: $3,298,424

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HC102816D0007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-08-06

Current End Date: 2022-06-30

Potential End Date: 2022-06-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2023-11-21

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