Interior's $37.9M IGF ODS Contract Awarded to Halfaker and Associates for Custom Computer Programming

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,906,979 ($37.9M)

Contractor: Halfaker and Associates, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2017-09-25

End Date: 2019-03-24

Contract Duration: 545 days

Daily Burn Rate: $69.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF OUTREACH AND DIGITAL SUPPORT (ODS) - SUSTAINMENT

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22206

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $37.9 million to HALFAKER AND ASSOCIATES, LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF OUTREACH AND DIGITAL SUPPORT (ODS) - SUSTAINMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Halfaker and Associates, LLC for $37.9M. 2. Service category is Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511). 3. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price. 4. Awarded under a BPA Call. 5. Duration of 545 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $37.9M for a 545-day period appears high for custom computer programming services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for this service category and duration would be necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. However, the specific details of the price discovery mechanism within the BPA Call are not provided, which could impact the final negotiated price.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition suggests an effort to achieve fair market value, but the overall cost-effectiveness needs further analysis.

Public Impact

Supports the Department of the Interior's outreach and digital support initiatives. Ensures continued operation and maintenance of critical digital systems. Impacts government efficiency through sustained IT services. Potential for improved citizen engagement via digital platforms.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • High contract value for the duration.
  • Lack of detailed pricing benchmarks.
  • Potential for cost overruns if scope expands.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Firm Fixed Price contract type mitigates cost risk.
  • Supports essential government digital functions.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly custom computer programming, is a significant area of federal spending. Benchmarks for similar contracts often vary widely based on complexity, duration, and specific technical requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business set-asides were considered or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would focus on performance metrics, adherence to the firm fixed price, and any modifications or change orders. The Department of the Interior's IG would be responsible for auditing and ensuring accountability.

Related Government Programs

  • Custom Computer Programming Services
  • Department of the Interior Contracting
  • Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

  • High contract value relative to duration.
  • Limited transparency on specific performance metrics.
  • Potential for contractor profit margin to be high if services are routine.
  • Lack of small business participation.

Tags

custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-the-interior, va, bpa-call, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $37.9 million to HALFAKER AND ASSOCIATES, LLC. IGF::CT::IGF OUTREACH AND DIGITAL SUPPORT (ODS) - SUSTAINMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HALFAKER AND ASSOCIATES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $37.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-25. End: 2019-03-24.

What specific deliverables and performance standards were established to ensure the value for money in this $37.9M contract?

The contract specifies 'IGF OUTREACH AND DIGITAL SUPPORT (ODS) - SUSTAINMENT,' implying ongoing operational support. Detailed deliverables would likely include system uptime, response times for support requests, and maintenance of specific digital platforms. Performance standards would be tied to these, with potential penalties or incentives based on meeting or exceeding them. Without the full contract details, the precise metrics remain unspecified.

Given the firm fixed price, what mechanisms are in place to manage scope creep and prevent cost overruns if unforeseen technical challenges arise?

A firm fixed price contract generally places the risk of cost overruns on the contractor. However, mechanisms to manage scope creep include strict change control processes, requiring formal modification requests for any new requirements. Unforeseen technical challenges are typically the contractor's responsibility to absorb within the fixed price, unless they constitute a constructive change to the contract's scope or terms.

How effectively does this contract contribute to the Department of the Interior's broader digital transformation goals and citizen service improvements?

The contract's effectiveness hinges on the 'outreach and digital support' it provides. If these services directly enhance citizen-facing platforms, improve internal digital workflows, or facilitate communication, then it contributes positively. Measuring this requires tracking user satisfaction, system performance improvements, and alignment with the Department's strategic digital objectives. The sustainment nature suggests it's maintaining existing capabilities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesComputer Systems Design and Related ServicesCustom Computer Programming Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2900 S QUINCY ST STE 410, ARLINGTON, VA, 22206

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $41,423,965

Exercised Options: $37,906,979

Current Obligation: $37,906,979

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 7

Total Subaward Amount: $33,361,392

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: IND15PA00048

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline

Start Date: 2017-09-25

Current End Date: 2019-03-24

Potential End Date: 2019-03-24 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2023-02-18

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