DHS TSA Spends $10M on IBM Application Development Services via BPA

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,992,575 ($10.0M)

Contractor: International Business Machines Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2007-09-27

End Date: 2010-07-28

Contract Duration: 1,035 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED

Sector: IT

Official Description: FUNDING FOR APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. SPEND PLAN: APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $10.0 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION for work described as: FUNDING FOR APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. SPEND PLAN: APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Significant contract awarded to a major vendor (IBM). 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Contract duration is substantial (1035 days). 4. Spending is categorized under 'Applications Development'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $9.99M over 1035 days for application development services is difficult to benchmark without specific deliverables. However, the presence of a BPA suggests potential for negotiated rates.

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 bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for application development, a necessary function for government operations. The competitive award process aims to ensure efficient use of these funds.

Public Impact

Ensures continued development and maintenance of critical government applications. Supports government IT infrastructure and operational efficiency. Potential for modernization and improvement of public-facing services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables in provided data.
  • Long contract duration could lead to scope creep or outdated technology if not managed well.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Contract supports essential government functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically application development. Benchmarks for such services vary widely based on complexity, technology stack, and vendor rates.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the primary awardee is IBM, a large corporation. There is no information provided to suggest subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration. Oversight would typically involve program managers ensuring deliverables meet requirements and managing vendor performance.

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.
  • Long contract duration.
  • Potential for technology obsolescence.
  • No indication of small business participation.

Tags

computer-and-computer-peripheral-equipme, department-of-homeland-security, va, bpa, 1m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $10.0 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. FUNDING FOR APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. SPEND PLAN: APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT

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 $10.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-27. End: 2010-07-28.

What specific applications or services were developed or maintained under this contract, and what was the impact on TSA's operational efficiency?

The provided data lacks specifics on the applications or services developed. To assess value, details on the scope of work, deliverables, and their contribution to TSA's mission, such as improved passenger screening or data management, would be necessary. Without this, it's difficult to quantify the direct impact on operational efficiency.

Given the long duration and large value, what mechanisms were in place to mitigate risks associated with technology obsolescence and vendor lock-in?

The data does not specify risk mitigation strategies. For a contract of this length and value, effective oversight would typically include phased development, regular technology reviews, clear exit strategies, and potentially clauses allowing for competitive re-competition or technology refresh to prevent obsolescence and vendor dependency.

How did the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process ensure the best possible pricing and technical solution for these application development services?

This procurement method implies that while the competition was open, certain sources were initially excluded, possibly due to specific technical requirements or existing relationships. The effectiveness in ensuring best pricing and solutions depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the number and quality of bids received from eligible competitors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Wholesale TradeProfessional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant WholesalersComputer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

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: $9,992,575

Exercised Options: $9,992,575

Current Obligation: $9,992,575

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSTS0307ACIO925

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline

Start Date: 2007-09-27

Current End Date: 2010-07-28

Potential End Date: 2010-07-28 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2013-11-15

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