DoD Awards $26.5M for Forensic Toxicology LIMS and IT Support to Federal Information Systems, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $26,480,703 ($26.5M)

Contractor: Federal Information Systems, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2021-09-29

End Date: 2026-07-28

Contract Duration: 1,763 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY DRUG TESTING LABORATORY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND IT SUPPORT IN THE DOD DRUG TESTING LABORATORIES

Place of Performance

Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78205

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $26.5 million to FEDERAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC for work described as: FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY DRUG TESTING LABORATORY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND IT SUPPORT IN THE DOD DRUG TESTING LABORATORIES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Federal Information Systems, Inc. for $26.5M. 2. Services include LIMS and IT support for DoD drug testing labs. 3. Competition method was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The sector is IT services, specifically custom computer programming. 5. Risk assessment is pending further analysis of specific deliverables and performance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $26.5M over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for specialized IT support and a Laboratory Information Management System. Benchmarking against similar custom programming contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows a broad range of qualified vendors to bid. This method is generally favorable for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayers by encouraging multiple bids and potentially driving down costs.

Public Impact

Ensures critical forensic toxicology data integrity and management for the DoD. Supports drug testing operations vital for military readiness and personnel safety. Potential for improved efficiency and accuracy in laboratory processes. IT infrastructure modernization for sensitive biological and chemical data.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized LIMS.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Firm Fixed Price contract type can control costs.
Long-term contract provides stability for essential services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Custom Computer Programming Services sector (NAICS 541511), which is a significant area of federal IT spending. Benchmarks for similar contracts vary widely based on complexity and scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is Federal Information Systems, Inc., and it does not specify any small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Defense Health Agency, a component of the Department of Defense. Oversight would involve monitoring performance against contract requirements and ensuring adherence to IT security protocols.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Health Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in IT projects.
Reliance on vendor for critical system maintenance.
Cybersecurity risks associated with sensitive data.
Ensuring adequate training and user adoption of the LIMS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $26.5 million to FEDERAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY DRUG TESTING LABORATORY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND IT SUPPORT IN THE DOD DRUG TESTING LABORATORIES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FEDERAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Health Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $26.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-29. End: 2026-07-28.

What is the specific scope of the LIMS functionality required, and how does it compare to industry standards for forensic toxicology labs?

The provided data lacks specifics on the LIMS functionality. A detailed review of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) is necessary to understand the required features, such as sample tracking, data analysis, reporting capabilities, and integration with other systems. Comparing these requirements to established LIMS standards in forensic science will reveal if the scope is comprehensive and aligned with best practices.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and what are the remedies for underperformance?

The provided data does not detail the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or remedies for underperformance. A thorough review of the contract's PWS and terms is required to identify these critical elements. Understanding KPIs related to system uptime, data accuracy, turnaround times, and user satisfaction is crucial for assessing contract effectiveness and accountability.

How does the pricing structure compare to similar LIMS and IT support contracts within the federal government or comparable private sector organizations?

While the contract is Firm Fixed Price, a direct comparison of the total $26.5M value requires detailed analysis of the scope, duration, and specific services rendered. Benchmarking against similar contracts for LIMS implementation and ongoing IT support in government or large private sector labs, considering factors like user base and data volume, is essential for a robust pricing assessment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HT001121R0025

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1811 S LAREDO ST BLDG 1811 STE 107, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78207

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $29,454,165

Exercised Options: $26,569,397

Current Obligation: $26,480,703

Actual Outlays: $2,175,211

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 5

Total Subaward Amount: $3,450,074

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA18D00K2

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline