DHS Spends $13.6M on BEMS Modernization Task Order with IBM (2008-2010)

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,560,248 ($13.6M)

Contractor: International Business Machines Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2008-10-01

End Date: 2010-10-31

Contract Duration: 760 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.8K/day

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: MODERNIZATION TASK ORDER BEMS (BORDER ENFORCEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS) DURING THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2010.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20229

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $13.6 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION for work described as: MODERNIZATION TASK ORDER BEMS (BORDER ENFORCEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS) DURING THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2010. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to IBM for BEMS modernization. 2. Task order duration was 760 days. 3. Spending reached $13.6 million over two years. 4. Contract type was Cost Plus Incentive Fee. 5. No specific performance or risk data provided.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure suggests an attempt to control costs while incentivizing performance. However, without detailed performance metrics or comparison data, assessing the value for money is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The competition method is not specified. If this was a sole-source or limited competition, it may have impacted price discovery and potentially led to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for this modernization effort. The ultimate impact depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of the BEMS system.

Public Impact

Modernization of border enforcement systems impacts national security and trade facilitation. The BEMS system is critical for managing border operations. Investment in technology aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness of border security.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition details
Unclear performance metrics
Cost-plus contract type can lead to cost overruns

Positive Signals

Focus on critical border enforcement systems
Task order awarded to a major technology provider

Sector Analysis

Information technology services for government agencies are a significant spending area. Benchmarks for IT modernization projects vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

No information is provided regarding the involvement of small businesses in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight mechanisms for this task order are not detailed. The effectiveness of oversight would depend on the Department of Homeland Security's internal controls and reporting requirements.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics
Unspecified competition strategy
Cost-plus contract type
Limited transparency on risk management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $13.6 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. MODERNIZATION TASK ORDER BEMS (BORDER ENFORCEMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS) DURING THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 2008, THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2010.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES 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 $13.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-10-01. End: 2010-10-31.

What was the specific scope of the BEMS modernization and how did it improve operational efficiency?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of the BEMS modernization or quantify its impact on operational efficiency. Further analysis would require access to project documentation, performance reports, and system upgrade details to assess the tangible benefits achieved.

Were there any identified risks during the contract period, and how were they mitigated?

The data does not specify any risks encountered during the contract period or the mitigation strategies employed. A comprehensive risk assessment would necessitate reviewing contract performance reports, issue logs, and any formal risk management plans associated with the task order.

How did the Cost Plus Incentive Fee structure influence IBM's performance and the final cost?

The Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) structure is designed to reward the contractor for meeting or exceeding cost and performance targets. Without knowing the specific targets and outcomes, it's impossible to definitively say how it influenced IBM's performance or the final cost. It could have driven efficiency or led to scope creep if not managed carefully.

Contractor Details

Address: 6710 ROCKLEDGE DR, BETHESDA, MD, 20817

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,560,248

Exercised Options: $13,560,248

Current Obligation: $13,560,248

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: TC2001025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline