DoD's $16.7M Computer Systems Design Services Contract Awarded to Iron Bow Technologies

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,692,326 ($16.7M)

Contractor: Iron BOW Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-09-30

End Date: 2006-09-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $45.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.7 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded for computer systems design services, a critical component of IT infrastructure. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The award to Iron Bow Technologies, LLC indicates a specific capability alignment with the contractor. 4. The contract duration of 364 days suggests a focused, short-term project or service period. 5. The Time and Materials pricing structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs. 6. The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy, a major component of the DoD. 7. Virginia is the primary state associated with this contract's performance or administration.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without more detailed service descriptions and performance metrics. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed rigorously compared to fixed-price contracts. Without comparable contract data for similar 'Computer Systems Design Services' within the DoD or Navy, it's difficult to definitively assess if the $16.7 million represents excellent value. However, the full and open competition suggests an attempt to achieve competitive pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a 'full and open competition' solicitation, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a robust competition was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting a level playing field, which can drive down prices and improve the quality of services received through competitive pressure.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Navy, receiving essential computer systems design services. This contract supports the modernization and operational efficiency of naval IT infrastructure. The services delivered likely enhance the capabilities and readiness of naval forces. Geographic impact is concentrated in Virginia, where the contract is administered or performed. Workforce implications include potential employment opportunities for IT professionals within Iron Bow Technologies and its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) pricing can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value for money.
The contract's relatively short duration might indicate a need for follow-on contracts, potentially increasing overall program costs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Contractor (Iron Bow Technologies, LLC) has experience in government contracting.
Services are crucial for maintaining and upgrading critical IT systems.

Sector Analysis

Computer Systems Design Services fall under the broader Information Technology (IT) sector. This sector is characterized by rapid innovation and a constant need for system upgrades and maintenance. The market size for IT services within the federal government is substantial, with agencies continually seeking solutions for cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management, and network infrastructure. This contract represents a specific instance of the DoD procuring specialized IT expertise to support its complex operational requirements.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (sb: false) and the awardee is not explicitly identified as a small business. Therefore, the direct impact on small business set-asides is minimal. However, Iron Bow Technologies, LLC may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill portions of the contract, which would then have a positive impact on the small business ecosystem. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to confirm this.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of the Navy. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which provide public access to award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

DoD IT Modernization Programs
Navy Information Technology Support Contracts
Computer Systems Design Services Federal Procurement
Time and Materials IT Contracts
Federal IT Services Acquisition

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
Limited information on the number of bidders in the full and open competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.7 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $16.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2006-09-29.

What is the track record of Iron Bow Technologies, LLC with the Department of Defense?

Iron Bow Technologies, LLC has a significant history of contracting with the U.S. federal government, particularly the Department of Defense. Analyzing their past performance data reveals numerous awards across various agencies, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, for a range of IT services and solutions. These contracts often involve network infrastructure, cybersecurity, unified communications, and cloud services. While specific performance ratings for individual contracts are not always publicly detailed, their consistent receipt of awards suggests a generally positive track record and ability to meet government requirements. However, a deeper dive into contract close-out data and any past performance reviews or disputes would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and effectiveness in delivering services to the DoD.

How does the $16.7 million value compare to similar Computer Systems Design Services contracts?

Comparing the $16.7 million value of this specific contract requires access to a broader dataset of similar 'Computer Systems Design Services' awards within the Department of Defense or across federal agencies. Without this comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state whether this amount is high, low, or average. Factors influencing contract value include the scope of work, duration, complexity of systems involved, specific technologies required, and the level of expertise needed. Contracts for large-scale system integration or the design of highly specialized, mission-critical systems would naturally command higher values than those for routine design or support. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure also introduces variability, meaning the final cost could differ from the initial award value.

What are the primary risks associated with Time and Materials (T&M) contracts for IT services?

The primary risk associated with Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like the one awarded to Iron Bow Technologies, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts do not have a ceiling on the total amount that can be spent, as payment is based on the actual hours worked by contractor personnel and the cost of materials used. This lack of a defined ceiling can make budget forecasting difficult for the government. To mitigate this risk, robust oversight is crucial. Contracting Officers' Representatives (CORs) must diligently monitor labor hours, material costs, and task progress to ensure efficiency and prevent scope creep. Establishing a ceiling price or a level-of-effort limitation within the T&M contract can also serve as a control mechanism.

How effective is 'full and open competition' in ensuring value for taxpayer money in IT procurements?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for taxpayer money in IT procurements. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, thereby increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and innovative solutions. This competitive pressure incentivizes contractors to offer their best value propositions to win the contract. Furthermore, a wide range of bidders can lead to a more diverse set of technical approaches, potentially resulting in better-suited and more cost-effective solutions. While it requires more effort in terms of solicitation and evaluation, the potential for cost savings and improved service quality typically outweighs these administrative costs, making it a cornerstone of sound public procurement.

What is the historical spending trend for Computer Systems Design Services within the Department of the Navy?

Analyzing historical spending trends for 'Computer Systems Design Services' within the Department of the Navy requires access to comprehensive federal procurement data over several fiscal years. Generally, spending in this category within large military branches like the Navy tends to be substantial and relatively consistent, reflecting the ongoing need to design, implement, and upgrade complex IT systems that support naval operations, logistics, and personnel management. Spending can fluctuate based on major modernization initiatives, shifts in technology (e.g., cloud migration, cybersecurity enhancements), and budgetary allocations. Periods of increased spending might coincide with the launch of new platforms or significant overhauls of existing infrastructure, while periods of lower spending could indicate a focus on maintenance or a pause in major upgrades. Understanding these trends helps in contextualizing individual contract awards like the one to Iron Bow Technologies.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD, CHANTILLY, VA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F4460G

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline