DoD's $19.2M Custom Programming Contract with Information Delivery Systems Inc. Awarded via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,212,785 ($19.2M)

Contractor: Information Delivery Systems Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-09-11

End Date: 2014-03-10

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: 33-3108-08 CUSTOM COMPUTER PROGRAMMING SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20375

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.2 million to INFORMATION DELIVERY SYSTEMS INC for work described as: 33-3108-08 CUSTOM COMPUTER PROGRAMMING SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for custom computer programming services. 2. Significant value of $19.2 million over its duration. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee. 5. The contract spanned from 2008 to 2014.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar custom programming services is difficult without more detailed scope information.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract utilized 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', indicating an attempt to broaden the competitive pool. However, the specific reasons for exclusion and the impact on price discovery require further investigation.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, but the CPFF structure necessitates careful oversight to prevent excessive costs.

Public Impact

Ensures the Department of the Navy has access to specialized custom programming capabilities. Supports critical IT infrastructure and operations within the Department of Defense. The contract's duration and value suggest a substantial, long-term need for these services. Potential for innovation and tailored solutions to meet specific defense requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
Competition method 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' needs clarification on exclusion rationale.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes assessing value for money challenging.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a full and open competition framework.
Contract addresses a specific need for custom computer programming.
Long contract duration suggests sustained requirement and potential for relationship building.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending benchmarks for such services vary widely based on complexity, duration, and specific technologies involved. The $19.2M value over six years is substantial but needs comparison to similar large-scale defense IT projects.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss=false, sb=false). Analysis of the procurement process would be needed to determine if small business set-aside opportunities were considered or if the nature of the requirement precluded them.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'no' field indicates 8 contract actions, suggesting multiple modifications or task orders. Oversight would focus on the management of these actions, adherence to the CPFF terms, and ensuring the delivered services met the Navy's requirements effectively.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
Potential for cost overruns.
Ambiguity in 'Exclusion of Sources' rationale.
Lack of detailed performance data.
No small business participation indicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.2 million to INFORMATION DELIVERY SYSTEMS INC. 33-3108-08 CUSTOM COMPUTER PROGRAMMING SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INFORMATION DELIVERY SYSTEMS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-11. End: 2014-03-10.

What was the specific nature of the custom computer programming services provided, and how did they align with the Department of the Navy's strategic IT goals?

The provided data lacks specifics on the exact programming services rendered. To assess alignment, a review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and subsequent performance reports would be necessary. Understanding the project's objectives, deliverables, and their contribution to the Navy's broader IT modernization or operational needs is crucial for evaluating its strategic value.

What were the primary risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract structure for this custom programming service, and how were they mitigated?

The primary risk with CPFF is the potential for cost escalation, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This can disincentivize cost control. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust oversight, detailed cost tracking, clear performance metrics, and defined ceilings or incentives within the contract to manage expenditures and ensure value.

How effectively did the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method ensure fair pricing and access to the best available solutions for this programming contract?

This competition method aims for broad participation but allows for specific exclusions. Its effectiveness hinges on the justification for exclusions; if well-reasoned and documented, it can still yield competitive pricing. However, if exclusions were arbitrary, it could limit competition, potentially leading to higher prices or suboptimal solutions. Analyzing the pre-award justifications and post-award pricing is key.

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 › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7305 QUETZAL DR, BOWIE, MD, 20720

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,246,168

Exercised Options: $19,246,168

Current Obligation: $19,212,785

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline