DoD Biometric Program Task Order Exceeds $26.9M for IT Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,961,514 ($27.0M)
Contractor: Ipower LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2019-07-17
End Date: 2025-01-17
Contract Duration: 2,011 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES PROJECT LEVEL ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND CYBERSECURITY SUPPORT FOR PROGRAM MANAGER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOMETRIC.
Place of Performance
Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20194
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $27.0 million to IPOWER LLC for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES PROJECT LEVEL ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND CYBERSECURITY SUPPORT FOR PROGRAM MANAGER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOMETRIC. Key points: 1. IT services for DoD Biometric program awarded to IPOWER LLC. 2. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating defined scope and cost. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', suggesting a specific justification for limited participation. 4. Sector is IT, specifically Computer Systems Design Services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract. Without knowing the terms of the base contract and the specific services rendered, it's difficult to definitively assess value. However, the fixed-price nature suggests a defined cost for defined services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The competition was 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. This implies that while the initial solicitation was open, specific sources were later excluded, potentially limiting the competitive pool and impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized IT support. The effectiveness of the competition method in securing the best price for the government is a key consideration for taxpayer impact.
Public Impact
Supports critical Department of Defense biometric identification systems. Ensures cybersecurity and engineering integrity for sensitive data. Long-term support contract (2019-2025) indicates ongoing need for these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition raises questions about optimal pricing.
- Cybersecurity support for biometric data is a high-stakes area.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
- Long-duration contract ensures continuity of essential services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending in this area is substantial across government, supporting a wide range of digital infrastructure and operational needs.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The delivery order structure suggests oversight exists through the base contract. However, the specific justification for excluding sources in the competition warrants further review for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition methodology.
- Cybersecurity implications for sensitive biometric data.
- Potential for cost inefficiencies due to source exclusion.
- Lack of small business prime awardee.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $27.0 million to IPOWER LLC. THIS TASK ORDER PROVIDES PROJECT LEVEL ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE, AND CYBERSECURITY SUPPORT FOR PROGRAM MANAGER DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOMETRIC.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is IPOWER LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $27.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-07-17. End: 2025-01-17.
What was the specific justification for excluding sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' process, and how did this impact the final price?
The justification for excluding sources is critical. If based on unique capabilities or prior performance, it might be warranted. However, if the exclusion was arbitrary, it could have limited competition, potentially leading to a higher price than a truly open competition might have yielded. Understanding the rationale is key to assessing value for money.
What are the specific cybersecurity risks associated with the engineering and architecture support for the DoD Biometric program, and are mitigation strategies robust?
Biometric data is highly sensitive, encompassing personal identification. Risks include unauthorized access, data breaches, and manipulation. Robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring, are essential. The effectiveness of these measures directly impacts national security and individual privacy.
How effectively does the current engineering, architecture, and cybersecurity support contribute to the overall mission readiness and technological advancement of the DoD Biometric program?
The effectiveness hinges on the quality and timeliness of the support provided by IPOWER LLC. Successful delivery should enhance system reliability, security, and potentially introduce innovative solutions. Regular performance reviews and alignment with program goals are necessary to gauge the true contribution to mission readiness and modernization.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1317 GATESMEADOW WAY, RESTON, VA, 20194
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $29,623,785
Exercised Options: $27,033,718
Current Obligation: $26,961,514
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS00Q17GWD2266
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-07-17
Current End Date: 2025-01-17
Potential End Date: 2025-01-17 12:01:00
Last Modified: 2025-06-10
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