DHS awards $18.6M IT network support contract to Visionary Integration Professionals LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,588,744 ($18.6M)

Contractor: Visionary Integration Professionals LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2008-09-24

End Date: 2014-02-28

Contract Duration: 1,983 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: FLETC ENTERPRISE IT NETWORK SUPPORT CONTRACT

Place of Performance

Location: BRUNSWICK, GLYNN County, GEORGIA, 31524

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $18.6 million to VISIONARY INTEGRATION PROFESSIONALS LLC for work described as: FLETC ENTERPRISE IT NETWORK SUPPORT CONTRACT Key points: 1. Contract awarded through a competitive process, suggesting potential for price discovery. 2. The contract duration of nearly 6 years indicates a significant, long-term need for these services. 3. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty but could limit flexibility for evolving IT needs. 4. The specific NAICS code (541513) points to a focus on computer facilities management. 5. Awarded to a single vendor, highlighting the importance of specialized capabilities in this area. 6. The contract's value is substantial, reflecting the critical nature of IT infrastructure for FLETC.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $18.6 million over approximately 5.5 years suggests an average annual spend of around $3.4 million. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale IT network support contracts for federal law enforcement or training facilities would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively assess if the pricing is optimal, but the competitive award mechanism is a positive indicator for achieving fair market value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded via a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER,' indicating it was competed under a broader contract vehicle that allowed for full and open competition. The data shows one award, suggesting that Visionary Integration Professionals LLC was the selected vendor among potentially multiple bidders. A competitive process generally allows for a wider range of vendors to propose solutions and pricing, which can lead to better price discovery and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more favorable price and a solution tailored to the government's needs, rather than being limited to a pre-selected group of contractors.

Public Impact

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) personnel benefit from reliable and robust IT network infrastructure. Ensures the continuity and effectiveness of critical training programs for federal law enforcement officers. Supports the operational readiness of various federal law enforcement agencies utilizing FLETC facilities. The contract likely supports IT professionals and technicians, contributing to the federal IT workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on contracts are not competitively procured.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure could pose risks if the vendor faces financial or operational challenges.
Scope creep could lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly within the fixed-price structure.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term partnership for essential IT services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on computer facilities management services. The IT services market for the federal government is vast, with significant spending allocated to network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and IT support. Contracts like this are crucial for maintaining the operational backbone of federal agencies, enabling them to deliver their missions effectively. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts often vary widely based on scope, duration, and specific services required, but this award represents a substantial investment in maintaining critical IT operations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if Visionary Integration Professionals LLC chooses to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans or data, it's difficult to assess the extent of small business participation, but the absence of a set-aside suggests larger, established firms were likely the primary focus of the competition.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices, specifically within the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). Accountability measures are inherent in the fixed-price contract type, requiring the vendor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

FLETC IT Services
DHS Network Infrastructure Support
Federal Law Enforcement IT Modernization
Computer Facilities Management Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep impacting fixed-price budget.
Vendor performance risk for critical IT infrastructure.
Reliance on a single vendor for essential services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $18.6 million to VISIONARY INTEGRATION PROFESSIONALS LLC. FLETC ENTERPRISE IT NETWORK SUPPORT CONTRACT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VISIONARY INTEGRATION PROFESSIONALS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-24. End: 2014-02-28.

What is the track record of Visionary Integration Professionals LLC in performing similar federal IT support contracts?

Assessing the track record of Visionary Integration Professionals LLC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving large-scale IT network support and facilities management. Information available through federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) can reveal previous awards, contract values, and performance ratings. A history of successful contract completion, positive past performance reviews, and experience with similar technical requirements would indicate a lower risk for this current contract. Conversely, a history of performance issues, contract disputes, or a lack of relevant experience might raise concerns about their ability to meet FLETC's needs effectively and on time.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated value or budget for this IT network support requirement?

The awarded amount of $18.6 million provides a concrete figure for the cost of the FLETC Enterprise IT Network Support Contract. To assess its value, this figure needs to be compared against the government's initial budget or independent cost estimates for the required services. If the awarded amount is significantly lower than estimates, it suggests successful price competition. If it aligns closely or exceeds estimates, further scrutiny of the scope and pricing might be warranted. The contract's duration (nearly 6 years) means the annual average spend is approximately $3.4 million, which can be a useful metric for comparison with other similar-sized federal IT support contracts.

What are the primary risks associated with a fixed-price contract for IT network support services?

Fixed-price contracts, like this one, offer cost certainty to the government but can introduce risks. A primary risk is that the contractor may cut corners on quality or service to maintain profitability if costs exceed expectations, potentially impacting network reliability or security. Conversely, if the scope of work is not precisely defined or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, the contractor may incur significant losses, potentially leading to disputes or a desire to renegotiate terms. For the government, the risk lies in potentially receiving suboptimal service if the contractor is unable to deliver effectively within the fixed price, or in facing change order requests if the scope needs to expand significantly beyond the original agreement.

How effective has the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) been in managing its IT infrastructure contracts historically?

Evaluating the historical effectiveness of FLETC's IT infrastructure contract management involves examining factors such as contract performance metrics, user satisfaction, system uptime, and the timeliness of technology upgrades. Data on past contracts, including any reported issues, cost overruns, or successful outcomes, would be crucial. A review of Inspector General reports or GAO audits related to FLETC IT spending could also provide insights into management effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Consistent delivery of reliable IT services and successful adoption of new technologies would indicate effective management, while recurring problems might suggest underlying issues.

What has been the trend in federal spending on computer facilities management services (NAICS 541513) over the past five years?

Federal spending on Computer Facilities Management Services (NAICS 541513) has generally seen a steady increase over the past five years, driven by the government's ongoing need to modernize IT infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity, and support digital transformation initiatives across agencies. This category encompasses a wide range of services, including network management, data center operations, IT support, and system maintenance. Agencies like the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services are typically among the largest spenders in this area. Factors influencing this trend include the increasing reliance on cloud computing, the need for robust cybersecurity measures, and the continuous evolution of technology requiring specialized management expertise.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management 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: Visionary Integration Professionals, Inc. (UEI: 806785247)

Address: 1421 PRINCE ST STE 300, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,926,631

Exercised Options: $18,588,744

Current Obligation: $18,588,744

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC06D00045

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline