DHS TSA Awards $15M Task Order to DataCure for Support Services via GSA Schedule

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,034,090 ($15.0M)

Contractor: Datacure, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2008-08-28

End Date: 2014-03-17

Contract Duration: 2,027 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: PR TO ESTABLISH TASK ORDER UNDER GSA SCHEDULE VEHICLE FOR SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE TSA SEC. REQUIRES BASELINE SUPPORT PLUS SURGE CAPABILITY,. PLEASE SEE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DOCUMENT FOR JUSTIFICATION FOR NOT USING DHS EAGLE

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $15.0 million to DATACURE, INC. for work described as: PR TO ESTABLISH TASK ORDER UNDER GSA SCHEDULE VEHICLE FOR SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE TSA SEC. REQUIRES BASELINE SUPPORT PLUS SURGE CAPABILITY,. PLEASE SEE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DOCUMENT FOR JUSTIFICATION FOR NOT USING DHS EAGLE Key points: 1. The task order, valued at $15.03 million, was awarded to DataCure, Inc. for support services. 2. This award was made under a GSA Schedule vehicle, indicating a pre-competed contract. 3. The requirement includes baseline support and surge capability for the TSA. 4. A conflict of interest document justifies not using the DHS EAGLE program. 5. The contract duration is 2027 days, with an estimated end date in March 2014.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract was awarded under a GSA Schedule, which implies some level of pre-negotiated pricing. However, without specific benchmarks for similar support services under GSA, a precise value assessment is difficult. The total value of $15.03 million over its duration suggests a moderate annual spend.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The award was made as a competitive delivery order under a GSA Schedule. While competitive, the specific competition method within the GSA schedule framework is not detailed. This approach generally leverages existing competition on the schedule, but may not be as broad as a full and open competition for a new requirement.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential TSA support services. The use of a GSA schedule aims for efficiency, but the specific cost-effectiveness compared to other procurement methods warrants scrutiny.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational support for the Transportation Security Administration. Provides necessary surge capacity to meet fluctuating demands. Supports the TSA's mission to ensure security in transportation. Leverages existing GSA contract vehicles for potentially faster service delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential conflict of interest justification requires further review.
Limited details on the specific competitive process within the GSA schedule.
The exclusion of DHS EAGLE program needs clear rationale.

Positive Signals

Utilizes established GSA Schedule for efficient procurement.
Addresses both baseline and surge support needs.
Awarded to a single vendor, DataCure, Inc.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically IT and support services for a government agency. Spending benchmarks for similar support services under GSA schedules vary widely based on scope and duration, but $15 million over approximately 5.5 years represents a significant investment.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific task order, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is provided by the Department of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration. The use of a GSA schedule implies adherence to federal procurement regulations, but specific oversight mechanisms for this task order are not detailed.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential conflict of interest.
Limited transparency on competition within GSA schedule.
Exclusion of a potentially beneficial program (DHS EAGLE).
Lack of detailed cost-benefit analysis for procurement method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $15.0 million to DATACURE, INC.. PR TO ESTABLISH TASK ORDER UNDER GSA SCHEDULE VEHICLE FOR SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE TSA SEC. REQUIRES BASELINE SUPPORT PLUS SURGE CAPABILITY,. PLEASE SEE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DOCUMENT FOR JUSTIFICATION FOR NOT USING DHS EAGLE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DATACURE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-08-28. End: 2014-03-17.

What was the specific justification for not utilizing the DHS EAGLE program for this requirement, and what are the cost implications of this decision?

The justification for not using the DHS EAGLE program is cited as a conflict of interest, as detailed in a separate document. Without access to this document, the precise nature of the conflict and its implications for procurement strategy remain unclear. This decision could impact cost-effectiveness if EAGLE offered more competitive pricing or broader scope.

How does the pricing of this task order compare to similar support services procured through other GSA Schedule vehicles or direct procurements?

A direct comparison of pricing is challenging without specific benchmarks for comparable support services under GSA schedules or other procurement methods. The $15.03 million award over its duration suggests a moderate annual expenditure. Further analysis would require identifying similar contracts and their associated costs per labor hour or service.

What is the expected impact of the 'surge capability' requirement on the overall cost and performance of this contract?

The 'surge capability' requirement is designed to provide flexibility in meeting fluctuating demands for support services. This can be cost-effective by avoiding the need for permanent staff increases. However, it may also lead to higher per-unit costs during surge periods and requires careful management to ensure efficient resource allocation and prevent unnecessary expenditure.

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4041 UNIVERSITY DR STE 201, FAIRFAX, VA, 11

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,034,090

Exercised Options: $15,034,090

Current Obligation: $15,034,090

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0393M

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline