DoD's $32.4M IT contract to Bowhead Total Enterprise Solutions, LLC for computer facilities management

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,407,651 ($32.4M)

Contractor: Bowhead Total Enterprise Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2025-10-16

Contract Duration: 381 days

Daily Burn Rate: $85.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: MATERIALS & ODCS

Place of Performance

Location: SPRINGFIELD, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22150

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.4 million to BOWHEAD TOTAL ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: MATERIALS & ODCS Key points: 1. Contract value of $32.4 million over its period of performance. 2. Awarded under full and open competition. 3. Services include computer facilities management. 4. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee. 5. Performance period extends from September 30, 2024, to October 16, 2025. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 7. The contractor is Bowhead Total Enterprise Solutions, LLC. 8. The awarding agency is the Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $32.4 million for approximately 13 months of service appears reasonable for complex IT facilities management. Benchmarking against similar contracts for computer facilities management services within the Department of Defense would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of costs to ensure efficiency and prevent overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific details of the bidding process, such as the number of proposals received and the evaluation criteria, are not provided. However, full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive bidding process, which is expected to drive down costs and ensure the government receives the best value for its investment in computer facilities management services.

Public Impact

The Department of the Army benefits from enhanced computer facilities management, ensuring the smooth operation of critical IT infrastructure. The services delivered are essential for maintaining the functionality and security of the Army's computing environments. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around the Army facilities where these services are rendered. The contract supports a workforce skilled in IT infrastructure management and operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractors to increase costs if not properly managed, potentially leading to higher overall spending.
The duration of the contract (approx. 13 months) is relatively short, which might limit long-term strategic planning for IT infrastructure improvements.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's performance history and potential risks.
The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, which can sometimes obscure the full scope and cost of services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process and potential for competitive pricing.
The contractor, Bowhead Total Enterprise Solutions, LLC, is likely experienced in providing IT services to the federal government.
The contract addresses a critical need for computer facilities management within the Department of the Army.
The fixed fee component of the CPFF contract provides some cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly computer facilities management, is a significant area of federal spending. This contract falls within the broader category of IT support services, which are crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of government agencies. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous established providers. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar IT management contracts within the Department of Defense can range widely based on scope, duration, and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) is false for this specific contract. This suggests that small businesses were not specifically targeted through set-asides for this particular delivery order. While this contract may not directly benefit small businesses through set-asides, the prime contractor, Bowhead Total Enterprise Solutions, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on the subcontracting plan requirements associated with the parent IDIQ contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring the contractor to justify costs and adhere to the fixed fee. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics and detailed cost breakdowns may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

IT Support Services
Computer Systems Design Services
Information Technology Professional Services
Cloud Computing Services
Cybersecurity Services

Risk Flags

Cost Overruns Risk (CPFF)
Performance Monitoring Challenges
Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.4 million to BOWHEAD TOTAL ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS, LLC. MATERIALS & ODCS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOWHEAD TOTAL ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS, 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 $32.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2025-10-16.

What is the track record of Bowhead Total Enterprise Solutions, LLC in providing computer facilities management services to the federal government?

Bowhead Total Enterprise Solutions, LLC has a history of performing IT and professional services for various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. While specific details on their computer facilities management performance for this particular contract are not publicly available in this data snippet, their presence as a prime contractor suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. A deeper dive into their contract history, past performance evaluations, and any reported issues or successes would be required for a comprehensive assessment of their track record in this specific service area. Federal procurement databases and agency performance reports would be the primary sources for this information.

How does the $32.4 million contract value compare to similar IT facilities management contracts awarded by the Department of Defense?

The $32.4 million value for approximately 13 months of computer facilities management services is within a typical range for IT support contracts within large federal agencies like the Department of Defense. However, without specific details on the scope of services, geographic locations, and the complexity of the facilities managed, a direct comparison is challenging. Similar contracts can vary significantly in price based on factors such as the number of users supported, the criticality of the systems, the level of security required, and the specific technologies involved. Benchmarking against contracts with similar North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes (e.g., 541513) and contract types (CPFF) awarded by the DoD in the past 1-2 years would provide a more accurate assessment of value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for IT facilities management?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for IT facilities management revolve around cost control and contractor incentives. While the fixed fee provides some predictability, the 'cost plus' element means the government reimburses the contractor for allowable costs incurred. If not rigorously monitored, this can lead to cost overruns if the contractor's spending is inefficient or if scope creep occurs without proper change order management. There's also a potential risk that the contractor may not be as motivated to control costs as they would be under a fixed-price contract, as their profit (the fixed fee) is guaranteed regardless of the actual costs incurred, provided they stay within the contract's scope and terms.

What is the expected program effectiveness and impact of these computer facilities management services for the Department of the Army?

The expected program effectiveness hinges on the contractor's ability to maintain and manage the Army's computer facilities efficiently and securely. Successful execution should lead to high system availability, minimal downtime, robust data security, and timely resolution of IT issues. This directly supports the operational readiness and mission accomplishment of the Department of the Army by ensuring that its critical IT infrastructure functions without interruption. The impact includes enabling seamless communication, data processing, and command and control capabilities, which are fundamental to modern military operations. The effectiveness will be measured by performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as uptime percentages, response times, and security compliance.

How has the Department of Defense's spending on computer facilities management services evolved over the past five years?

The Department of Defense's spending on computer facilities management services has generally remained substantial over the past five years, reflecting the increasing reliance on robust IT infrastructure for military operations and administrative functions. While specific figures for 'computer facilities management' as a distinct category can fluctuate due to reclassification and shifts in procurement strategies, overall IT spending by the DoD has been in the tens of billions annually. Trends indicate a continued investment in modernizing infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and supporting cloud migration efforts. Spending patterns are influenced by evolving technological landscapes, geopolitical demands, and budget allocations, often showing a steady demand for services that ensure the operational integrity of complex IT environments.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - COMPUTE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation

Address: 6564 LOISDALE CT STE 900, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 22150

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,005,771

Exercised Options: $33,005,771

Current Obligation: $32,407,651

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 36

Total Subaward Amount: $15,489,393

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912DY22D0040

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline