DoD's $14.2M TIS Bridge Contract Awarded to Future Research Corp for Custom Computer Programming

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,211,911 ($14.2M)

Contractor: Future Research Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2007-06-26

End Date: 2008-10-31

Contract Duration: 493 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY)

Sector: IT

Official Description: U434IMO TIS BRIDGE CONTRACT

Place of Performance

Location: SPRINGFIELD, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22153

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $14.2 million to FUTURE RESEARCH CORP for work described as: U434IMO TIS BRIDGE CONTRACT Key points: 1. Contract value of $14.2 million over approximately 1.3 years indicates a significant investment in IT services. 2. Awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a specific justification for limiting initial bidders. 3. The contract's duration of 493 days points to a need for sustained, specialized services. 4. Future Research Corp, the sole awardee, highlights the importance of specialized capabilities in this niche. 5. The 'Custom Computer Programming Services' NAICS code (541511) signifies a focus on tailored software development. 6. This contract represents a portion of the Department of the Army's broader IT spending, requiring context within overall IT budgets. 7. The 'Delivery Order' award type suggests this was part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or similar vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $14.2 million for a period of roughly 1.3 years averages to approximately $10.9 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar custom computer programming services contracts is challenging without more specific details on the scope of work. However, the award amount itself does not immediately suggest overpricing or underpricing without a detailed understanding of the services rendered. The 'Delivery Order' nature implies it might be a task order under a larger contract, making direct value assessment difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This specific procurement method indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded, likely due to specific requirements or prior relationships. The presence of only one awardee (Future Research Corp) suggests that either the exclusion criteria significantly narrowed the field, or only one offeror met the stringent requirements. This limited competition may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a broader, unrestricted competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have received less competitive pricing due to the exclusion of certain sources. The limited number of bidders suggests a potential missed opportunity for achieving the lowest possible price through broader market engagement.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from specialized custom computer programming services to support its operational needs. This contract likely supports critical IT infrastructure and software development for military operations. The services delivered are expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Army's digital systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of the Army's operational areas, potentially worldwide. Workforce implications may include the need for highly skilled software developers and IT professionals employed by Future Research Corp.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may have resulted in a higher price than a fully open bid.
The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause requires careful justification to ensure fairness and prevent anti-competitive practices.
Lack of transparency regarding the specific reasons for source exclusion hinders public scrutiny.
The contract's duration and value could indicate a reliance on a single vendor for critical services, posing a potential risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, even if limited, suggests some level of market vetting.
The specific NAICS code indicates a focus on specialized, high-demand IT skills.
Future Research Corp's selection implies they possess the necessary technical expertise for the required custom programming.
The contract's existence points to the Department of the Army's commitment to modernizing its IT capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The custom computer programming services sector is a vital component of the IT industry, supporting government and commercial entities with tailored software solutions. This contract falls within the broader IT services market, which is characterized by rapid innovation and specialized skill requirements. Government spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need for secure, efficient, and advanced technological capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other custom software development contracts awarded by defense agencies, considering factors like scope, duration, and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the 'sb' field is false. Future Research Corp's size is not specified, but the contract value suggests it could be a medium to large enterprise. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Without specific set-aside provisions or mandated subcontracting goals, the direct impact on the small business IT ecosystem is likely minimal unless Future Research Corp voluntarily engages small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery order terms and conditions, performance metrics, and payment schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which provide basic award information. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected related to the contract's execution.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense IT Services Contracts
Custom Software Development Services
Information Technology Professional Services
Army IT Modernization Programs
Federal IT Acquisition Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Higher Costs
Vendor Lock-in Risk
Justification for Source Exclusion Required

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $14.2 million to FUTURE RESEARCH CORP. U434IMO TIS BRIDGE CONTRACT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FUTURE RESEARCH CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-06-26. End: 2008-10-31.

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

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'Custom Computer Programming Services' under NAICS code 541511. However, the specific nature of these services is not detailed. Typically, this involves designing, developing, and implementing software tailored to unique client requirements. This could range from developing new applications, modifying existing software, integrating disparate systems, or creating specialized databases. Without access to the full contract statement of work (SOW), it's impossible to ascertain the precise technical tasks performed, the technologies used, or the specific military or administrative functions the software was intended to support. The 'Delivery Order' nature suggests these services were likely part of a larger framework agreement.

How does the $14.2 million contract value compare to similar custom programming contracts awarded by the Department of Defense?

Benchmarking the $14.2 million value requires comparing it to contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity within the custom computer programming services sector for the Department of Defense. The contract duration of approximately 1.3 years (493 days) suggests an average annual value of roughly $10.9 million. This figure is substantial but not extraordinary for specialized IT development within a large federal agency. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze a portfolio of similar contracts, looking at the average cost per developer hour, the total contract value for projects of comparable technical difficulty and duration, and the specific functional areas supported. Without this granular data, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent, fair, or concerning value.

What were the specific reasons for excluding other sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?

The designation 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' implies that the agency initially intended to compete the requirement broadly but subsequently identified specific reasons to exclude certain potential offerors. Common justifications for such exclusions include proprietary data rights, unique capabilities possessed by only one or a few sources, urgent and compelling needs where only specific contractors can respond in time, or specific government-furnished information or equipment that only certain contractors can utilize. The precise rationale for excluding sources in this particular U434IMO contract would be documented in the contract file, likely in a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) or a similar determination. Understanding this rationale is crucial for assessing the fairness and necessity of the limited competition.

What is the track record of Future Research Corp in performing federal IT contracts, particularly custom programming services?

Future Research Corp was the sole awardee of this $14.2 million contract for custom computer programming services. To assess their track record, one would need to examine their past performance on federal contracts, specifically those involving similar NAICS codes (541511) and service types. This would involve reviewing contract databases for previous awards to Future Research Corp, looking at contract values, durations, agencies served, and any available performance ratings or past performance questionnaires. A positive track record would include successful completion of similar projects, adherence to schedules and budgets, and positive feedback from government clients. Conversely, a history of performance issues, contract disputes, or terminations would raise concerns about their capability to deliver on this current award.

How does the spending on this specific contract fit into the broader historical IT spending patterns of the Department of the Army?

This $14.2 million contract represents a single award for custom computer programming services within the Department of the Army's vast IT budget. To understand its place in historical spending patterns, one would need to analyze the Army's total IT expenditures over several fiscal years, breaking down spending by service category (e.g., software development, hardware, cybersecurity, cloud services) and by agency component (e.g., Department of the Army). This specific contract's value should be compared against the annual budgets allocated for custom programming or software development. If the Army's overall IT spending has been increasing, this contract might be part of a larger modernization effort. Conversely, if IT budgets are shrinking, a $14.2 million award could represent a significant portion of a specific program's funding.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a significant custom programming contract to a single vendor after excluding other sources?

Awarding a contract like this, valued at $14.2 million, to a single vendor after excluding other sources presents several potential risks. Firstly, there's the risk of reduced price competition, potentially leading to higher costs for the government compared to a more open bidding process. Secondly, there's vendor lock-in; the government may become overly reliant on Future Research Corp's specific expertise and systems, making it difficult and costly to switch vendors in the future. Thirdly, if the excluded sources possessed unique or complementary capabilities, the government might miss out on innovative solutions or more robust technical approaches. Finally, the justification for excluding sources must be robust; if the exclusion was not adequately justified, it could lead to protests and potential legal challenges, causing program delays and uncertainty.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY) (2)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 305 CHURCH ST SW STE 810, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35801

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,211,911

Exercised Options: $14,211,911

Current Obligation: $14,211,911

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS06F0074Z

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline