DHS awarded Booz Allen Hamilton $21.9M for IT technical oversight, with a 5-year duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,905,366 ($21.9M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2014-09-10

End Date: 2019-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,846 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TECHNICAL OVERSIGHT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR TECS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM OFFICE. IGF::CL::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20536

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $21.9 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: TECHNICAL OVERSIGHT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR TECS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM OFFICE. IGF::CL::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in IT modernization oversight. 2. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and predictable costs. 3. A single award indicates a specific need or specialized capability was sought. 4. The contract duration of over 5 years points to a long-term strategic objective. 5. Geographic concentration in Washington D.C. may reflect proximity to agency headquarters.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $21.9 million over approximately five years for technical oversight services appears reasonable given the scope of supporting a modernization program office. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts within federal agencies suggests that pricing for specialized technical expertise can range significantly, but this award falls within expected parameters for a large, established contractor like Booz Allen Hamilton. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The fact that it resulted in a single award suggests that Booz Allen Hamilton likely presented the most compelling technical and price proposal among the bidders. While specific bid counts are not provided, full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and high-quality services, thereby ensuring better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through improved IT modernization efforts. Services delivered include technical oversight and support for critical modernization programs. The geographic impact is concentrated in the District of Columbia, likely supporting agency operations. Workforce implications may include the utilization of specialized IT and program management professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to long-term nature of the contract.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical oversight functions could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

Award to a well-established contractor with a proven track record in federal IT services.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design services. The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in modernization and cybersecurity. Booz Allen Hamilton is a major player in this space, often securing large contracts for complex IT support and consulting. This award aligns with broader government trends towards upgrading legacy systems and enhancing digital capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. As a large contract awarded to a major prime contractor, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, but this is not guaranteed or specified in the provided details. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight mechanisms. As a delivery order under a larger contract, it would have undergone review by the contracting agency (DHS/ICE). The firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight would apply to ensure the integrity and performance of the contract.

Related Government Programs

DHS IT Modernization Programs
ICE Technology Modernization
Federal IT Consulting Services
Program Management Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may increase risk of vendor lock-in.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical oversight functions.
Potential for scope creep if requirements are not tightly managed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $21.9 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. TECHNICAL OVERSIGHT SUPPORT SERVICES FOR TECS MODERNIZATION PROGRAM OFFICE. IGF::CL::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-09-10. End: 2019-09-30.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with DHS and similar IT oversight contracts?

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. has a long-standing and extensive history of contracting with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its various components, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They are a major federal contractor specializing in a wide array of services, including IT modernization, cybersecurity, program management, and strategic consulting. Their track record with DHS encompasses numerous large-scale contracts supporting critical missions. For IT oversight and modernization programs specifically, Booz Allen Hamilton has consistently been a prime contractor, leveraging their expertise to help agencies navigate complex technological transitions. Their performance on previous contracts, while generally rated positively for large firms, is subject to ongoing review and can vary based on specific program requirements and execution. Data from contract databases often shows them as a top performer in terms of award value within the IT services category for DHS.

How does the $21.9 million value compare to similar IT technical oversight contracts?

The $21.9 million award value for technical oversight services over approximately five years is within the expected range for large federal IT support contracts, especially those supporting significant modernization efforts. Comparable contracts for IT program management, systems integration, and technical consulting within agencies like DHS, the Department of Defense, or other large civilian agencies often fall into the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over their lifecycle. The value is influenced by factors such as the complexity of the systems being overseen, the criticality of the modernization program, the level of expertise required, and the duration of the contract. Given that this contract supports a modernization program office, the investment in oversight is crucial for ensuring successful implementation and mitigating risks, making the expenditure justifiable within the broader context of federal IT spending.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the government?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues if Booz Allen Hamilton fails to deliver the expected level of technical oversight and expertise, which could lead to delays or cost overruns in the TECS modernization program. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in, given the long-term nature of the contract and the specialized knowledge the contractor develops, potentially making it difficult to switch providers later. Another risk is the potential for scope creep if the requirements are not clearly defined and managed, leading to increased costs beyond the initial award. Finally, ensuring continued alignment with evolving technological landscapes and agency needs throughout the contract's duration presents an ongoing management challenge.

How effective is technical oversight in IT modernization programs, and how is success measured?

Technical oversight is crucial for the success of IT modernization programs as it ensures that projects stay on track, within budget, and meet their intended objectives. Its effectiveness is measured through various performance metrics, including adherence to project timelines, budget compliance, quality of deliverables, risk mitigation effectiveness, and stakeholder satisfaction. For this contract, success would likely be measured by the contractor's ability to provide timely and accurate technical guidance, identify potential issues early, facilitate effective communication between technical teams and program management, and contribute to the successful deployment of modernized systems. Key performance indicators (KPIs) would be established in the contract's performance work statement (PWS) to objectively assess the contractor's performance.

What are the historical spending patterns for IT technical oversight at DHS or ICE?

Historical spending patterns for IT technical oversight at DHS and ICE reflect a consistent and significant investment in managing complex technology initiatives. Agencies like DHS and ICE are heavily reliant on IT systems for their core missions, making modernization and effective oversight a continuous priority. Spending in this area typically increases during periods of major system upgrades, digital transformation efforts, or when addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. While specific historical figures for 'technical oversight' as a distinct category can be difficult to isolate without detailed budget breakdowns, overall IT spending for DHS and ICE runs into the billions annually. Contracts for program management, systems engineering, and technical support services, which encompass oversight functions, represent a substantial portion of this IT budget. Trends show a sustained need for these services to ensure the reliability and security of critical infrastructure.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (UEI: 964725688)

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,036,668

Exercised Options: $21,905,366

Current Obligation: $21,905,366

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0306J

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline