DHS awarded $15.8M for IT support, with AERIENT, LLC managing facilities and computer services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,801,861 ($15.8M)

Contractor: Aerient, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2008-09-23

End Date: 2012-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,285 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SUPPORT FOR SECURITY TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATED PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $15.8 million to AERIENT, LLC for work described as: SUPPORT FOR SECURITY TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATED PROGRAM Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the duration and scope of services. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a fixed-price contract type mitigating cost overruns. 4. Performance context shows a multi-year commitment to IT infrastructure support. 5. Sector positioning is within IT services, a critical area for government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of $15.8 million over approximately 3.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for federal agencies indicates that this pricing is within a reasonable range, especially considering the specialized nature of security technology integration. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs, but detailed performance metrics would be needed for a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. While the exact number of bidders is not specified, this procurement method generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages a wider range of solutions. The agency sought to ensure it received the best value by allowing broad participation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure services at the most advantageous price point, reducing the risk of overpayment for essential IT support.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are the primary beneficiaries, receiving critical IT support. Services delivered include computer facilities management and support for security technology integration. The geographic impact is primarily within the agency's operational locations, likely nationwide. Workforce implications include the potential for direct and indirect employment within the IT services sector supporting the government.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if follow-on contracts are not competitively bid.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT infrastructure could pose a risk if performance degrades.
Scope creep could increase costs if not managed tightly under the fixed-price structure.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Long-term contract duration indicates a stable need for these services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer facilities management and the integration of security technologies. The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in maintaining and upgrading their technological infrastructure. This contract represents a portion of the government's ongoing expenditure to ensure operational efficiency and security in its IT systems, aligning with broader trends of digital transformation in public administration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to AERIENT, LLC, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. The contract type and duration suggest a significant scope that may not typically be broken down into smaller subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, though this would depend on the specific task orders issued. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Homeland Security. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance reports are generally internal.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security IT Modernization Programs
Transportation Security Administration Technology Investments
Federal IT Services Contracts
Computer Facilities Management Services
Security Technology Integration

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 3 years
Firm Fixed Price contract type
Full and Open Competition procurement method

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $15.8 million to AERIENT, LLC. SUPPORT FOR SECURITY TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATED PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AERIENT, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-23. End: 2012-03-31.

What is AERIENT, LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly with DHS?

AERIENT, LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts, including with the Department of Homeland Security. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, especially those involving IT support and security technology, is crucial. Their success rate, any past performance issues or disputes, and the types of services previously rendered provide insight into their capabilities and reliability. For this specific contract, the agency's evaluation of AERIENT's past performance would have been a key factor in the award decision. A review of contract close-out data and any contractor performance assessment reporting system (CPARS) entries would offer a more detailed picture of their execution on this and other government engagements.

How does the $15.8 million total contract value compare to similar IT support contracts within DHS?

The $15.8 million total contract value for support of security technology integrated programs over approximately 3.5 years represents an average annual expenditure of roughly $4.5 million. To benchmark this effectively, it needs to be compared against other DHS contracts for similar IT facilities management and security technology integration services. Factors such as the specific technologies supported, the level of support required (e.g., 24/7 operations, specialized expertise), and the geographic scope of services are critical. If comparable contracts for similar scope and duration fall within a similar price range, it suggests fair market value. Conversely, significant deviations could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing, warranting further investigation into the contract's specifics and performance.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance failures by the contractor, cost overruns (though mitigated by the fixed-price structure), and vendor lock-in. Performance failures could disrupt critical security technology operations within DHS. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is a key mitigation strategy, as it places the responsibility for cost control on the contractor. However, FFP contracts can sometimes lead to reduced quality if the contractor seeks to cut corners to maintain profit margins. Mitigation for vendor lock-in would involve ensuring robust competition for any future contract renewals or replacements. Clear performance standards, regular oversight, and defined deliverables are essential to manage performance risks.

How effective has this contract been in ensuring the integration and support of security technologies for DHS?

Assessing the effectiveness of this contract requires examining performance metrics and outcomes related to the security technologies supported. Key indicators would include system uptime, response times to incidents, successful integration of new technologies, and the overall security posture improvement attributed to the contractor's services. Without access to detailed performance reports and specific program outcomes, a definitive judgment on effectiveness is challenging. However, the renewal or continuation of such a contract over several years often implies a degree of satisfaction with the contractor's performance and the services' contribution to the agency's mission. A thorough evaluation would involve reviewing CPARS data and interviewing program managers.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar IT support services at DHS over the past decade?

Historical spending patterns for IT support services at DHS over the past decade reveal a consistent and significant investment in maintaining and upgrading its technological infrastructure. Agencies like DHS face evolving threats and operational demands, necessitating continuous spending on IT. This spending typically includes contracts for network management, cybersecurity, software development, hardware maintenance, and specialized technology integration, such as security systems. While specific figures fluctuate based on agency priorities and budget allocations, the overall trend has been an increasing reliance on IT solutions and, consequently, substantial contract spending. Analyzing trends in contract types (e.g., FFP vs. cost-plus) and competition levels can also provide insights into how DHS has adapted its procurement strategies over time.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14420 ALBEMARLE POINT PL STE 200, CHANTILLY, VA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,512,981

Exercised Options: $20,260,729

Current Obligation: $15,801,861

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC06D00063

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline