DoD's $28.5M IT Infrastructure Contract with Zurka Interactive LLC: Research & Development Focus
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,499,315 ($28.5M)
Contractor: Zurka Interactive LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-12-28
End Date: 2023-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,372 days
Daily Burn Rate: $20.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20375
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $28.5 million to ZURKA INTERACTIVE LLC for work described as: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for IT infrastructure development and support, primarily for R&D. 2. Zurka Interactive LLC secured the contract under full and open competition. 3. The contract spans nearly four years, indicating a significant, long-term project. 4. The primary NAICS code (541712) points to research and development activities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but the award amount suggests a substantial investment in R&D IT infrastructure.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for IT infrastructure development and support within the Department of Defense, specifically for research and development initiatives.
Public Impact
Supports critical research and development efforts within the Department of the Navy. Ensures the availability of necessary IT infrastructure for advanced scientific and engineering projects. Potential for technological advancements stemming from the R&D supported by this contract.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
- Long duration could lead to scope creep or outdated technology if not managed.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports vital research and development activities.
- Long-term commitment suggests strategic importance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically supporting R&D. IT spending in the defense sector is substantial, with a significant portion allocated to infrastructure and research.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there is no direct benefit to small businesses from this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts to ensure costs remain reasonable and deliverables are met. The Department of the Navy is responsible for monitoring performance and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Navy Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for scope creep over the long duration.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- No small business participation indicated.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $28.5 million to ZURKA INTERACTIVE LLC. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ZURKA INTERACTIVE LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $28.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-12-28. End: 2023-09-30.
What specific R&D projects are being supported by this IT infrastructure contract, and how does the infrastructure directly contribute to their success?
The contract supports the Department of the Navy's research and development initiatives. The IT infrastructure is essential for data processing, simulation, collaboration, and secure communication required for advanced physical, engineering, and life sciences research. Without specific project details, it's difficult to quantify the direct contribution, but robust IT is a foundational requirement for modern R&D.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds?
Effective oversight by the Department of the Navy is paramount. This includes regular audits, performance reviews, and strict adherence to the fixed fee component. Clear milestones and deliverables tied to the fee, along with robust cost tracking and reporting requirements, are essential to prevent excessive spending and ensure the contractor remains incentivized to manage costs efficiently.
How will the effectiveness of the IT infrastructure development and support be measured throughout the contract's duration and upon completion?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) related to system uptime, performance, security, and user satisfaction. The Department of the Navy should establish clear metrics for infrastructure reliability, speed, and responsiveness. Post-completion, the success will be evaluated by its ability to support the intended R&D objectives and its long-term operational efficiency and maintainability.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 415 CHURCH STREET NE SUITE 203, VIENNA, VA, 22180
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,555,617
Exercised Options: $30,555,617
Current Obligation: $28,499,315
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: N0017316D2008
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-12-28
Current End Date: 2023-09-30
Potential End Date: 2023-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-16
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