State Department's $35M Global Support Strategy contract aims to consolidate overseas consular services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,087,694 ($35.1M)

Contractor: CGI Federal Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2017-02-01

End Date: 2025-01-31

Contract Duration: 2,921 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS IN BURKINA FASO, THE IVORY COAST , THE GAMBIA, GHANA, LIBERIA, NIGERIA, AND SIERRA LEONE TO REPLACE THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIOMETRIC COLLECTION SERVICES CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY THE POSTS.

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $35.1 million to CGI FEDERAL INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS IN BURKINA FASO, THE IVORY COAST , THE GAMBIA, GHANA, LIBERIA, NIGERIA, AND SIERRA LEONE TO REPLACE THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, … Key points: 1. Consolidates disparate user-pays services into a single performance-based contract. 2. CGI Federal Inc. is the prime contractor. 3. Potential for improved efficiency and cost savings through standardization. 4. Risk of vendor lock-in and challenges in managing a complex, multi-country service.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $35M over approximately 8 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT and support service contracts is difficult without more granular cost data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, the performance-based nature and consolidation of services may limit future competition if not structured carefully.

Taxpayer Impact: The consolidation of services aims to improve efficiency, potentially leading to cost savings for taxpayers. However, the long-term contract duration and potential for scope creep warrant monitoring.

Public Impact

Streamlines consular operations across multiple West African nations. Aims to enhance the experience for individuals seeking consular services. Potential for improved data security and management of sensitive information. Impacts citizens and residents requiring services in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Complexity of managing services across multiple countries.
Potential for vendor lock-in with a single prime contractor.
Reliance on a single IT system for critical consular functions.

Positive Signals

Consolidation of services could lead to greater efficiency.
Performance-based contract incentivizes vendor to meet objectives.
Full and open competition at award stage.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically focusing on IT facilities management and support services. Benchmarks for similar large-scale, multi-country IT support contracts are highly variable.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the prime contractor is CGI Federal Inc., and there is no explicit mention of small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The performance-based nature of the contract implies ongoing monitoring of service delivery against defined metrics. Oversight will be crucial to ensure objectives are met and taxpayer funds are used effectively.

Related Government Programs

Computer Facilities Management Services
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

Complexity of multi-country service delivery.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Reliance on a single IT platform.
Challenges in measuring and verifying performance across diverse locations.
Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence or changing requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $35.1 million to CGI FEDERAL INC.. IGF::OT::IGF GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS IN BURKINA FASO, THE IVORY COAST , THE GAMBIA, GHANA, LIBERIA, NIGERIA, AND SIERRA LEONE TO REPLACE THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIOMETRIC COLLECTION SERVICES CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY THE POSTS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CGI FEDERAL INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-02-01. End: 2025-01-31.

What specific performance metrics are in place to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the consolidated consular support services?

The contract is performance-based, suggesting specific metrics are defined to measure service delivery. These likely include response times, service availability, user satisfaction, and data accuracy. Effective oversight requires regular review of these metrics against established targets to ensure the vendor is meeting its obligations and delivering value.

How will the Department of State mitigate the risk of vendor lock-in and ensure competitive pricing in future contract renewals or modifications?

Mitigating vendor lock-in involves ensuring clear contract exit strategies and data portability. The Department should actively monitor market trends and maintain strong relationships with potential alternative vendors. Regular market research and competitive sourcing strategies will be essential to ensure future pricing remains competitive and avoids over-reliance on a single provider.

What is the anticipated return on investment or cost savings expected from consolidating these disparate services across multiple countries?

The primary anticipated benefit is improved operational efficiency and potential cost savings through standardization and economies of scale. By replacing multiple 'user-pays' systems with a unified platform, the Department aims to reduce administrative overhead, streamline processes, and potentially achieve better pricing through consolidated purchasing power. Quantifying these savings requires detailed baseline data.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12601 FAIR LAKES CIR, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,327,096

Exercised Options: $42,351,916

Current Obligation: $35,087,694

Actual Outlays: $9,762,065

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA10D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline