DoD's $18.6M Custom Computer Programming Services Contract with Buchanan & Edwards, Inc. Faces Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $18,570,243 ($18.6M)
Contractor: Buchanan & Edwards, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2009-07-27
End Date: 2014-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,830 days
Daily Burn Rate: $10.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: BASE YR CDBA SUPPORT LABOR
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22204, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $18.6 million to BUCHANAN & EDWARDS, INC. for work described as: BASE YR CDBA SUPPORT LABOR Key points: 1. Contract awarded for custom computer programming services. 2. Buchanan & Edwards, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract spans 5 years with a firm-fixed-price structure. 4. Awarded by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA).
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract's total value of $18.6 million over five years for custom programming services appears high, especially without clear benchmarks. The lack of detailed cost breakdowns makes it difficult to assess value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may have restricted price discovery and potentially led to a higher price than a fully open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible price for these services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may have overpaid due to limited competition. The Defense Information Systems Agency relies on this contractor for critical IT support. Lack of transparency in pricing makes public oversight challenging.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition raises price concerns.
- Lack of detailed cost justification.
- Contract duration is substantial.
Positive Signals
- Contract awarded to a single entity.
- Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending benchmarks for similar services can vary widely based on complexity and duration, but the limited competition here warrants closer examination.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The limited competition and lack of detailed cost justification suggest potential areas for enhanced oversight. Further review of the procurement process and performance metrics is recommended to ensure accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Information Systems Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may inflate costs.
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown.
- Potential for better pricing through open competition.
- Insufficient information on performance metrics.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-defense, va, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $18.6 million to BUCHANAN & EDWARDS, INC.. BASE YR CDBA SUPPORT LABOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BUCHANAN & EDWARDS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $18.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-07-27. End: 2014-07-31.
What was the justification for excluding other sources in the competition?
The data indicates 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' but the specific technical or programmatic reasons for excluding other potential bidders are not detailed. Understanding this justification is crucial for assessing the fairness and efficiency of the procurement process and whether it truly served the government's best interests.
How does the per-unit cost of labor compare to industry standards for similar custom programming services?
Without specific labor categories, rates, or detailed task breakdowns, a direct per-unit cost comparison is impossible. However, given the contract's duration and total value, a thorough analysis against market research and benchmarks for custom computer programming services would be necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive and represents good value.
What performance metrics are in place to ensure the effectiveness of the custom computer programming services provided?
The provided data does not include information on performance metrics or quality assurance plans. Effective oversight would require clearly defined deliverables, service level agreements, and regular performance evaluations to ensure the contractor is meeting the agency's needs and that the services are effective.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming 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
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1340 BRADDOCK PLACE, SUITE 400, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $18,570,243
Exercised Options: $18,570,243
Current Obligation: $18,570,243
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS06F0225Z
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-07-27
Current End Date: 2014-07-31
Potential End Date: 2014-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2015-04-22
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