Peace Corps Spends $15.6M on Custom Computer Programming Services with Northrop Grumman

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,666,426 ($15.7M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Awarding Agency: Peace Corps

Start Date: 2006-08-01

End Date: 2009-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,034 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.2K/day

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: OTHER (NONE OF THE ABOVE)

Sector: IT

Official Description: SEAT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20526

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Peace Corps obligated $15.7 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: SEAT Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $15.6 million for custom computer programming. 2. Sole-source award to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation raises competition concerns. 3. Contract duration of over 1000 days suggests a substantial, long-term project. 4. The 'Custom Computer Programming Services' NAICS code indicates a focus on specialized IT solutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to assess if the $15.6 million price tag represents fair market value. Benchmarking against similar custom programming contracts would be necessary for a definitive assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, indicating a lack of competition. This limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may have paid a premium due to the absence of competitive pressure to lower prices.

Public Impact

Taxpayers funded a significant IT services contract without competitive bidding. The long duration of the contract implies ongoing reliance on these specific services. Lack of transparency in sole-source awards can erode public trust in government spending.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Positive Signals

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under IT services, specifically custom computer programming. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on project complexity and agency needs. Benchmarking against other government custom programming contracts is essential.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, is a large defense contractor, suggesting that small businesses were unlikely to be involved as prime contractors on this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of sole-source contracts is crucial to ensure fair pricing and prevent potential waste. The Peace Corps should have robust internal controls and justification for non-competitive awards.

Related Government Programs

Risk Flags

Tags

custom-computer-programming-services, peace-corps, dc, do, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Peace Corps awarded $15.7 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION. SEAT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Peace Corps (Peace Corps).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-08-01. End: 2009-05-31.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves circumstances where only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services. This could be due to unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent and compelling needs. Without specific documentation from the Peace Corps, the exact reason remains unknown, but it is a critical factor in assessing the contract's legitimacy and value.

What specific custom computer programming services were provided under this contract?

The contract specifies 'Custom Computer Programming Services' under NAICS code 541511. This generally refers to the design, development, and implementation of software and IT systems tailored to an organization's unique requirements. Examples could include developing new applications, customizing existing software, integrating disparate systems, or providing specialized IT consulting. The exact nature of the services would be detailed in the contract's statement of work.

How does the $15.6 million expenditure compare to similar custom programming contracts awarded by agencies of similar size?

Benchmarking this $15.6 million expenditure against similar custom programming contracts awarded by agencies of comparable size and mission scope is essential for evaluating its value. Without access to a comprehensive database of government IT contracts and their specific deliverables, a direct comparison is difficult. However, for a contract spanning over 1000 days, this amount could be reasonable if the scope was extensive and complex, but it warrants scrutiny due to the sole-source nature.

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

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Titan II Inc. (UEI: 016435559)

Address: 15010 CONFERENCE CENTER DR, CHANTILLY, VA, 90

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,666,426

Exercised Options: $15,666,426

Current Obligation: $15,666,426

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F4506G

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline

Start Date: 2006-08-01

Current End Date: 2009-05-31

Potential End Date: 2009-05-31 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2013-08-06

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