DHS awards $13.4M IBM contract for Consolidated Screening Gateway Initiative via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,421,011 ($13.4M)

Contractor: International Business Machines Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2008-09-19

End Date: 2011-09-17

Contract Duration: 1,093 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED

Sector: IT

Official Description: WORK ORDER 12 IS ISSUED ON THE OASIS VEHICLE TO SUPPORT THE CONSOLIDATED SCREENING GATEWAY INITIATIVE.

Place of Performance

Location: ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 20701

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $13.4 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION for work described as: WORK ORDER 12 IS ISSUED ON THE OASIS VEHICLE TO SUPPORT THE CONSOLIDATED SCREENING GATEWAY INITIATIVE. Key points: 1. Significant award to IBM for a key DHS initiative. 2. Full and open competition suggests potential for competitive pricing. 3. Contract duration of nearly three years indicates a substantial project. 4. Focus on IT infrastructure for screening and security.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $13.4M over approximately three years is substantial. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. Benchmarking against similar IT infrastructure contracts would be necessary for a more precise evaluation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method is expected to yield a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is a positive indicator for taxpayer value, as it aims to secure the best possible price through market forces.

Public Impact

Enhances national security screening capabilities. Supports critical infrastructure at transportation hubs. Potential for improved efficiency in passenger and cargo screening.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Potential for cost overruns if scope expands.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical IT.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a vital national security initiative.
Long-term contract provides stability for the program.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically focusing on software and computer equipment for a government screening initiative. Spending benchmarks in this area vary widely based on complexity and scope, but $13.4M for a multi-year project is within a common range for such systems.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is IBM, a large corporation. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, suggesting established oversight processes. However, the provided data does not detail specific oversight mechanisms or accountability measures for this contract.

Related Government Programs

Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Potential for scope creep.
Long-term reliance on a single vendor.
Limited visibility into small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $13.4 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. WORK ORDER 12 IS ISSUED ON THE OASIS VEHICLE TO SUPPORT THE CONSOLIDATED SCREENING GATEWAY INITIATIVE.

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 (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-19. End: 2011-09-17.

What specific functionalities does the Consolidated Screening Gateway Initiative entail, and how does this contract contribute to its overall success?

The Consolidated Screening Gateway Initiative likely aims to centralize and streamline various screening processes, potentially including passenger, baggage, and cargo screening at ports of entry and transportation hubs. This contract with IBM would provide the necessary IT infrastructure, software, and potentially hardware to support these consolidated functions, enabling more efficient data analysis and decision-making for security personnel.

Given the $13.4M award, what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness and value of this contract?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Typically, for IT infrastructure projects supporting screening, KPIs might include system uptime, data processing speed, reduction in false positive rates, integration capabilities with other security systems, and user satisfaction among TSA personnel. Without these, assessing effectiveness is challenging.

How does the use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) in this instance impact the overall cost-effectiveness and flexibility compared to other contracting vehicles?

A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) is a simplified acquisition method that allows government agencies to fill anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services. Using a BPA here, especially with full and open competition, suggests a pre-negotiated framework that can streamline future orders and potentially offer better pricing due to anticipated volume. It provides flexibility while maintaining a competitive basis for the underlying services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale Trade › Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers › Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED (NO)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6710 ROCKLEDGE DR, BETHESDA, MD, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,500,691

Exercised Options: $14,394,153

Current Obligation: $13,421,011

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSTS0307ACIO925

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline