DHS Awards $25.3M for Data Center IT Transformation, Lacking Small Business Participation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,300,041 ($25.3M)
Contractor: MA Federal, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2010-07-23
End Date: 2012-12-30
Contract Duration: 891 days
Daily Burn Rate: $28.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: HW AND SW FOR THE TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM OFFICE FOR TWO DHS DATA CENTERS, DC-1 (DATA CENTER 1) AND DC2 (DATA CENTER 2).
Place of Performance
Location: STENNIS SPACE CENTER, HANCOCK County, MISSISSIPPI, 39529
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $25.3 million to MA FEDERAL, INC. for work described as: HW AND SW FOR THE TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM OFFICE FOR TWO DHS DATA CENTERS, DC-1 (DATA CENTER 1) AND DC2 (DATA CENTER 2). Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical data center infrastructure for USCIS. 2. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 3. No small business participation noted, potentially missing economic opportunity. 4. Fixed-price contract aims to control costs for IT hardware and software.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The $25.3M award for IT hardware and software appears reasonable given the scope of transforming two major data centers. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT infrastructure projects would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating a competitive process was intended. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of a competitive process is positive for taxpayer value. However, the lack of small business set-asides might mean missed opportunities for cost savings or innovation from smaller firms.
Public Impact
Enhances critical IT infrastructure for USCIS, impacting immigration processing. Supports the operational stability and modernization of two key data centers. Potential for improved efficiency and service delivery through technology upgrades.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of small business participation.
- Contract duration extends over two years, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm fixed-price contract type.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer hardware and software for data center operations. Spending in this area is substantial across government agencies for modernization and maintenance.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no small business participation in this contract. This is a missed opportunity to leverage the capabilities of small businesses and potentially achieve cost efficiencies or specialized solutions.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by USCIS under DHS. Oversight would involve monitoring performance, adherence to the fixed-price terms, and ensuring delivery of the specified hardware and software.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Programs
Risk Flags
- No small business participation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with specific hardware/software.
- Complexity of transforming two data centers concurrently.
- Reliance on a single awardee for a critical infrastructure project.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-homeland-security, ms, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $25.3 million to MA FEDERAL, INC.. HW AND SW FOR THE TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM OFFICE FOR TWO DHS DATA CENTERS, DC-1 (DATA CENTER 1) AND DC2 (DATA CENTER 2).
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is MA FEDERAL, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-07-23. End: 2012-12-30.
What specific IT hardware and software were procured, and how do their costs compare to market rates?
The provided data does not detail the specific hardware and software components. A thorough analysis would require a breakdown of the procured items to compare their costs against industry benchmarks and identify any potential overpricing or cost savings.
What risks are associated with the transformation of two major data centers simultaneously?
Transforming two data centers concurrently presents significant risks, including potential service disruptions, integration challenges between systems, cybersecurity vulnerabilities during the transition, and the possibility of cost overruns if unforeseen technical issues arise. Effective project management and contingency planning are crucial.
How will the success of this IT transformation be measured in terms of operational effectiveness?
Success will likely be measured by metrics such as improved system uptime, reduced latency, enhanced data security, successful migration of services, and the achievement of projected cost savings or operational efficiencies. User satisfaction and the ability to support USCIS's mission objectives are also key indicators.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: HSSCCG10R00020
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8200 GREENSBORO DR STE 1200, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $26,569,941
Exercised Options: $25,300,041
Current Obligation: $25,300,041
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC07D00026
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-07-23
Current End Date: 2012-12-30
Potential End Date: 2012-12-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-01-18
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