DoD's $5.6M Spectrum Sharing Coordination Portals contract awarded to Bluestone Logic, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,657,145 ($5.7M)

Contractor: Bluestone Logic, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-02-14

End Date: 2026-02-13

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/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: N4114 DISA DEFENSE SPECTRUM ORGANIZATION (DSO) SPECTRUM SHARING COORDINATION PORTALS (SSCP) SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20005

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.7 million to BLUESTONE LOGIC, LLC for work described as: N4114 DISA DEFENSE SPECTRUM ORGANIZATION (DSO) SPECTRUM SHARING COORDINATION PORTALS (SSCP) SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 3. The duration of 1460 days (4 years) indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The contract is for Computer Systems Design Services, a critical area for defense operations. 5. The awardee, Bluestone Logic, LLC, is a relatively new entity in federal contracting. 6. The contract is a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $5.66 million over four years for computer systems design services appears moderate. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging without more specific details on the scope of 'Spectrum Sharing Coordination Portals Support.' The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type introduces some risk, as costs can escalate beyond initial estimates if not tightly controlled. However, the fixed fee component provides a degree of predictability for the contractor's profit.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which is a specific type of full and open competition. While the exact number of bidders is not provided, this designation implies that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This approach generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive bids and potentially lower prices.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from enhanced spectrum sharing coordination, crucial for efficient radio frequency management. Services delivered include support for the Spectrum Sharing Coordination Portals (SSCP), likely involving software development, maintenance, and operational support. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO) is located. Workforce implications may include specialized IT and systems engineering roles within Bluestone Logic, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize higher spending if not rigorously overseen.
Limited public information on Bluestone Logic, LLC's track record in large federal contracts.
The specific nature of 'Spectrum Sharing Coordination Portals Support' is not fully detailed, making independent value assessment difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
The contract addresses a critical defense need for spectrum management.
The fixed fee component of the CPFF contract provides some cost certainty.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) and Defense sectors, specifically focusing on systems design and support for critical defense infrastructure. The market for IT services supporting government agencies is substantial, with significant spending allocated to maintaining and modernizing complex systems. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve IT support and system integration contracts within the Department of Defense, often ranging from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by this award. The focus appears to be on securing specialized capabilities from the most capable offeror identified through a competitive process.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the Department of Defense. Accountability measures are inherent in the CPFF structure, requiring detailed cost reporting and justification. Transparency is facilitated by the contract's full and open competition status, with award details publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO) Operations
Spectrum Management Systems
DoD IT Modernization Programs
Federal IT Services Contracts
Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Vehicles

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Limited public information on contractor's prior performance.
Potential for scope creep in CPFF contracts if not managed tightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.7 million to BLUESTONE LOGIC, LLC. N4114 DISA DEFENSE SPECTRUM ORGANIZATION (DSO) SPECTRUM SHARING COORDINATION PORTALS (SSCP) SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLUESTONE LOGIC, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-02-14. End: 2026-02-13.

What is the specific nature of the 'Spectrum Sharing Coordination Portals (SSCP)' and the support Bluestone Logic, LLC is providing?

The Spectrum Sharing Coordination Portals (SSCP) are likely digital platforms designed to facilitate the efficient and coordinated use of radio frequency spectrum by various Department of Defense (DoD) entities and potentially other government agencies. Support provided by Bluestone Logic, LLC under this contract could encompass a range of services including software development, system maintenance, user support, data analysis, and ensuring the portals comply with evolving spectrum management policies and technical standards. The goal is to prevent interference, optimize spectrum utilization, and support the DoD's vast communication and electronic warfare requirements. Without more detailed documentation, the precise functionalities and technical architecture of the SSCP remain unspecified.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type compare to other contract types for similar IT support services?

The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset or involves research and development, making it difficult to estimate costs accurately. In such cases, the government agrees to pay the contractor's actual allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. Compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility for the government if requirements change but carries a higher risk of cost overruns. It differs from Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contracts, where the fee is adjusted based on performance against targets. For well-defined IT support services, FFP contracts are generally preferred by the government for cost predictability. However, for complex system design and integration where innovation or adaptation is key, CPFF can be appropriate if managed with stringent oversight.

What is Bluestone Logic, LLC's experience and track record with similar federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Publicly available data indicates that Bluestone Logic, LLC was incorporated relatively recently and has secured this contract with the Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO) as a significant award. Information regarding their prior experience with large-scale federal contracts, especially within the Department of Defense or for complex IT systems design and support, is limited in the public domain. While the award signifies their capability to win a competitive bid, a deeper dive into their past performance, client testimonials, and project history would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record. The nature of this contract suggests a need for specialized expertise in spectrum management systems, and their ability to deliver successfully will be a key indicator of their capabilities.

What are the potential risks associated with the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award type, while still a form of full and open competition, implies that certain sources were initially excluded from consideration before the final solicitation. This exclusion could be based on specific criteria, such as requiring unique capabilities or prior experience with a particular system. The primary risk is that by excluding certain potential bidders upfront, the government might inadvertently limit the competitive pool, potentially leading to less aggressive pricing than if all possible sources were considered. However, if the exclusion criteria are well-justified and directly related to essential requirements, it can ensure that only highly qualified contractors participate, potentially leading to better technical solutions. The key is ensuring the exclusion is necessary and does not unduly restrict competition.

How does spending on spectrum management IT support compare to other IT spending within the Department of Defense?

Spending on spectrum management IT support, such as the contract awarded to Bluestone Logic, LLC, represents a specialized segment within the Department of Defense's (DoD) vast IT budget. The DoD's overall IT spending encompasses a wide array of areas including network infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise resource planning systems, intelligence systems, and end-user devices, often totaling billions of dollars annually. Spectrum management is critical for ensuring the effective operation of all radio-based communications, sensing, and electronic warfare capabilities, making it a vital, albeit niche, component. While specific figures for spectrum management IT support are not readily available, it is likely a fraction of the total DoD IT expenditure, but its strategic importance is high due to its foundational role in enabling other critical defense functions.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HC104717R0001

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1100 VERMONT AVE NW STE 350, WASHINGTON, DC, 20005

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,992,290

Exercised Options: $7,240,902

Current Obligation: $5,657,145

Actual Outlays: $2,643,701

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HC104719D2024

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline