DoD's $49.4M RAVEN contract with Booz Allen Hamilton faces scrutiny over custom programming services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $49,355,061 ($49.4M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2015-09-30
End Date: 2020-09-29
Contract Duration: 1,826 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF REAL-TIME ANALYTICAL VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN)
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $49.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF REAL-TIME ANALYTICAL VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for custom computer programming services is substantial at $49.4M. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of 1826 days (5 years) indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The 'VA' status and Virginia location are noted. 5. The 'COST PLUS FIXED FEE' contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can be less predictable in final cost compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar custom computer programming services is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the specific pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) requires careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is positive for taxpayer value. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates robust oversight to prevent potential cost escalations.
Public Impact
Taxpayers are funding advanced analytical virtual environment services for the Department of Defense. The contract supports critical defense operations through custom software development. The duration suggests a sustained investment in this technological capability. Potential for cost efficiencies or overruns exists depending on contract management.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type
- Long contract duration
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Awarded to a known entity
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services. Spending in this area for defense is significant, driven by the need for advanced analytical capabilities and software solutions.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the contract was awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding small business participation or subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Defense Contract Management Agency, suggesting a level of oversight. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires diligent monitoring to ensure cost control and accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs if not managed properly.
- Long contract duration may not adapt well to rapidly changing technological landscapes.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess value for money.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $49.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. IGF::OT::IGF REAL-TIME ANALYTICAL VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $49.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-09-30. End: 2020-09-29.
What specific analytical capabilities does the RAVEN system provide, and how do these capabilities directly contribute to the DoD's mission effectiveness?
The RAVEN system likely provides advanced data analysis, visualization, and predictive modeling capabilities to support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, threat assessment, and strategic planning. Its effectiveness is measured by its contribution to improved decision-making speed and accuracy, enhanced situational awareness, and ultimately, mission success in complex operational environments.
Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of cost overruns and ensure the government receives fair value?
Mitigation strategies for Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts typically include robust government oversight of all incurred costs, detailed performance metrics, regular audits, and clear definition of the fixed fee. The contracting officer must actively manage the scope of work and ensure that all expenditures are reasonable, allocable, and directly benefit the contract's objectives to prevent unnecessary cost escalation.
How does the custom programming provided by Booz Allen Hamilton compare in terms of innovation and efficiency to commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions for similar analytical tasks?
Custom programming is typically pursued when COTS solutions cannot meet highly specific or unique operational requirements. The innovation lies in tailoring the software precisely to the DoD's needs, potentially offering superior performance or integration capabilities. Efficiency is assessed by comparing development and long-term maintenance costs against the benefits derived from specialized functionality, which may outweigh the initial investment compared to adapting COTS products.
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
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: FA875015R0274
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $49,946,168
Exercised Options: $49,946,168
Current Obligation: $49,355,061
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 26
Total Subaward Amount: $38,239,368
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA873215D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-09-30
Current End Date: 2020-09-29
Potential End Date: 2020-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-05-20
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