DHS USCIS Awards $53.7M for SATS FC#3, Utilizing Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $53,660,451 ($53.7M)

Contractor: NTT Data Federal Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2012-04-27

End Date: 2015-09-24

Contract Duration: 1,245 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: SYSTEM ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SERVICES (SATS) FC#3 COMPETITION. UNRESTRICTED BIG AND SMALL

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $53.7 million to NTT DATA FEDERAL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: SYSTEM ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SERVICES (SATS) FC#3 COMPETITION. UNRESTRICTED BIG AND SMALL Key points: 1. Contract awarded to NTT DATA FEDERAL SERVICES, INC. for Computer Systems Design Services. 2. Significant award value of $53.7 million over its period of performance. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a robust price discovery process. 4. The contract falls under the IT sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $53.7 million for a 3-year period appears reasonable for complex IT systems design services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT service contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating multiple bidders participated. This method generally leads to competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it fosters a competitive environment, driving down costs and improving service quality.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and enhancement of critical systems for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Supports the agency's mission by providing essential technical services. Potential for innovation and improved efficiency through contracted IT expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Awarded to a known entity in the federal IT space.
Supports a critical government function.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending in this area is substantial across federal agencies, supporting a wide range of digital infrastructure and services.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded through full and open competition, it's unclear from the data if small businesses were prime contractors or significant subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Oversight would typically involve contract officers, CORs, and program managers to ensure performance and adherence to terms.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type.
Potential for cost overruns.
Limited visibility into specific deliverables.
Dependency on a single prime contractor for critical services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $53.7 million to NTT DATA FEDERAL SERVICES, INC.. SYSTEM ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SERVICES (SATS) FC#3 COMPETITION. UNRESTRICTED BIG AND SMALL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NTT DATA FEDERAL SERVICES, 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 $53.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-04-27. End: 2015-09-24.

What specific systems or services are covered under the SATS FC#3 contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Computer Systems Design Services' under the 'SYSTEM ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SERVICES (SATS) FC#3 COMPETITION'. While the exact systems are not detailed, it implies services related to the design, development, integration, and maintenance of IT systems crucial for the operational assurance and technical functions of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials contract for IT services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts carry inherent risks of cost escalation if not meticulously managed. The government pays for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. Without strict oversight, controls, and defined ceilings, there's a risk of inefficient labor utilization or inflated material costs, potentially exceeding the initially anticipated budget.

How does the full and open competition impact the effectiveness of this contract?

Full and open competition generally enhances contract effectiveness by fostering a competitive environment. This encourages multiple vendors to offer their best solutions and pricing, increasing the likelihood of selecting a highly capable contractor at a fair market price. It also promotes innovation as companies vie to provide superior services, ultimately benefiting the agency's mission.

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

Solicitation ID: HSSCCG-12-R-00007

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (UEI: 690626718)

Address: 1660 INTERNATIONAL DR STE 300, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $63,287,995

Exercised Options: $53,660,451

Current Obligation: $53,660,451

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC06D00025

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline