DHS awarded $17.1M for OPSTAR web initiative, with Dynamics Research Corp. as contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,135,706 ($17.1M)

Contractor: Dynamics Research Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2009-01-01

End Date: 2014-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,098 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: OPSTAR WEB-BASED INITIATIVE AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73101

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $17.1 million to DYNAMICS RESEARCH CORPORATION for work described as: OPSTAR WEB-BASED INITIATIVE AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for a multi-year IT support and infrastructure initiative. 2. Competition dynamics for this delivery order were not fully detailed, impacting price discovery assessment. 3. Performance context is limited, but the contract was awarded under a 'good' status. 4. Sector positioning is within IT services, supporting critical border protection functions. 5. Risk indicators are low, with a 'good' status and no reported issues.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.1 million over approximately six years for IT infrastructure and web-based initiative support seems within a reasonable range for similar federal IT contracts. Benchmarking against comparable projects would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that cost risks were largely borne by the contractor, which can be favorable for the government if performance is met.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The competition level for this specific delivery order is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. It was awarded under a competitive contract, but the number of bidders or the specific solicitation process for this order is not specified. A competitive delivery order implies that multiple vendors were considered, which generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of specific competition details for this order makes it difficult to definitively assess the impact on taxpayer value. However, the fact that it originated from a competitive vehicle suggests a baseline level of price scrutiny.

Public Impact

Benefits U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by providing essential IT infrastructure and web-based initiative support. Enhances operational capabilities for border security and management through improved web services. Supports federal IT modernization efforts within a critical national security agency. Impacts the federal IT workforce through the services provided by Dynamics Research Corporation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Positive Signals

Contract awarded under a 'good' status, indicating satisfactory performance.
Firm-fixed-price contract type generally aligns costs with performance expectations.
Long-term nature of the contract (over 6 years) suggests a stable need for these services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically focusing on infrastructure support and web-based initiatives. The IT services market for federal agencies is substantial, with significant spending allocated to maintaining and upgrading systems that support critical government functions. This contract supports a key component of national security infrastructure, aligning with broader government objectives for technological advancement and operational efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business set-asides were not utilized for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses, and the prime contractor, Dynamics Research Corporation, is likely a larger entity. There is no direct information on subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of cost control. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal contract databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed oversight reports are not publicly available in this dataset. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security IT Modernization Programs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Technology Services
Federal Civilian IT Infrastructure Support Contracts
Web-Based Application Development and Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $17.1 million to DYNAMICS RESEARCH CORPORATION. OPSTAR WEB-BASED INITIATIVE AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DYNAMICS RESEARCH CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-01-01. End: 2014-09-30.

What is the track record of Dynamics Research Corporation with the Department of Homeland Security?

Dynamics Research Corporation (DRC) has a history of working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This specific contract, OPSTAR WEB-BASED INITIATIVE AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT, valued at approximately $17.1 million, represents a significant engagement. While the provided data indicates a 'good' status ('st': 'OK'), a comprehensive assessment of DRC's track record would require examining past performance reviews, any documented issues or commendations on other DHS contracts, and their overall performance trends across federal agencies. Their ability to successfully deliver on complex IT infrastructure and web initiatives is crucial for CBP's operational effectiveness.

How does the $17.1 million contract value compare to similar IT infrastructure support contracts within DHS?

The $17.1 million contract value for the OPSTAR initiative over its duration (approximately 2098 days, or ~5.7 years) places it as a mid-sized IT support contract within the federal government. Comparable contracts within DHS for similar services, such as network infrastructure, system maintenance, and web application support, can range from a few million to tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on scope and duration. Without specific details on the exact services rendered and the level of complexity, a precise comparison is challenging. However, the value appears reasonable for a multi-year, comprehensive IT support and development effort for a critical agency like CBP.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how were they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with IT infrastructure and web-based initiative support contracts typically include technical obsolescence, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, contractor performance issues, and cost overruns (though mitigated by firm-fixed-price). For this contract, the data indicates a 'good' status ('st': 'OK'), suggesting that major performance risks were likely managed effectively. The firm-fixed-price (pt: 'FIRM FIXED PRICE') structure shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor. Cybersecurity risks are inherent in web-based initiatives and would be managed through contractual security requirements and ongoing monitoring by CBP. The long duration (dur: 2098) could introduce risks related to technology changes, requiring adaptability from the contractor.

How effective has this contract been in supporting CBP's mission objectives?

The provided data offers limited insight into the specific effectiveness of the OPSTAR WEB-BASED INITIATIVE AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT contract in achieving CBP's mission objectives. The contract status is 'OK', which suggests satisfactory performance. However, 'effectiveness' implies a direct link to mission outcomes, such as improved border security, enhanced data processing, or streamlined operational workflows. To assess effectiveness, one would need to analyze performance metrics, user feedback from CBP personnel, and any documented improvements in operational efficiency or capability directly attributable to the systems and infrastructure supported by this contract. The long duration suggests a sustained need, implying some level of ongoing value.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar IT support services at U.S. Customs and Border Protection?

Historical spending patterns for IT support services at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are substantial, reflecting the agency's critical role in national security and trade. CBP consistently invests heavily in technology to manage vast amounts of data, secure borders, and facilitate lawful trade. Spending on IT infrastructure, software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics forms a significant portion of their budget. Contracts like OPSTAR are part of this broader investment strategy. Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in contract types (e.g., competitive vs. sole-source), average contract values, and key service areas receiving the most funding, indicating CBP's evolving technological needs and priorities over time.

What is the significance of the 'Engineering Services' NAICS code (541330) for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330, 'Engineering Services,' is assigned to this contract. While the contract's description focuses on IT infrastructure and web-based initiatives, the 'Engineering Services' classification might encompass the systems engineering, integration, and technical support aspects involved in developing and maintaining complex IT systems. Federal agencies often use broad NAICS codes that can cover a range of related professional services. In this context, it likely signifies the engineering expertise required to design, implement, and manage the underlying infrastructure and web services that support CBP's operational requirements, going beyond simple IT maintenance to include architectural and design considerations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Engility Corporation (UEI: 783837672)

Address: 2 TECH DR, ANDOVER, MA, 01810

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,192,640

Exercised Options: $17,135,706

Current Obligation: $17,135,706

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F0040K

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline