Army Intelligence Awards $21.4M IT Services Contract to Empower AI, Inc. for Fort Meade Operations
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,383,340 ($21.4M)
Contractor: Empower AI, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2023-09-18
End Date: 2026-03-10
Contract Duration: 904 days
Daily Burn Rate: $23.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IT SERVICES FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY COMMAND AND THE U.S. ARMY COUNTER INTELLIGENCE COMMAND IN BUILDINGS 4552, AND 4554 LOCATED AT PIKE PLACE, AND BUILDING 2600, FORT MEADE, MARYLAND.
Place of Performance
Location: FORT GEORGE G MEADE, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 20755
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.4 million to EMPOWER AI, INC. for work described as: IT SERVICES FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY COMMAND AND THE U.S. ARMY COUNTER INTELLIGENCE COMMAND IN BUILDINGS 4552, AND 4554 LOCATED AT PIKE PLACE, AND BUILDING 2600, FORT MEADE, MARYLAND. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Empower AI, Inc. for IT services supporting Army Intelligence and Counter Intelligence commands. 2. The contract value is $21.4 million, with a duration of 904 days. 3. Services include computer systems design, crucial for intelligence operations. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $21.4 million for 904 days of IT services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of intelligence support. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT service contracts for government agencies would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently, with pricing determined through market forces rather than sole-source negotiation.
Public Impact
Enhances critical intelligence and counter-intelligence capabilities for the U.S. Army. Supports operations at Fort Meade, a key hub for national security. Ensures continuity of essential IT services for sensitive government functions. Potential for technology advancements in military intelligence through AI integration.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep in complex IT projects.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical infrastructure.
- Cybersecurity risks associated with sensitive data.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical national security missions.
- Utilizes a firm-fixed-price contract type, providing cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT Services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending in this area is substantial across government agencies, with significant investment in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics to support modern defense operations.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Empower AI, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this specific award, which is common for large, complex IT service contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of the Army, under the Department of Defense, is responsible for oversight. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides a degree of cost control, but ongoing monitoring of performance and deliverables is essential for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Dependency on a single contractor for critical IT infrastructure.
- Risk of cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed.
- Cybersecurity vulnerabilities inherent in IT systems.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-defense, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.4 million to EMPOWER AI, INC.. IT SERVICES FOR THE UNITED STATES ARMY INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY COMMAND AND THE U.S. ARMY COUNTER INTELLIGENCE COMMAND IN BUILDINGS 4552, AND 4554 LOCATED AT PIKE PLACE, AND BUILDING 2600, FORT MEADE, MARYLAND.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EMPOWER AI, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-18. End: 2026-03-10.
What specific IT systems and services are included in this contract, and how do they directly support the missions of the Army Intelligence and Counter Intelligence commands?
The contract covers computer systems design services for buildings at Fort Meade. While specific systems aren't detailed, these services likely encompass network infrastructure, data management, software development, and cybersecurity solutions tailored to the unique operational requirements of intelligence and counter-intelligence units. The goal is to ensure seamless information flow, secure data handling, and advanced analytical capabilities essential for national security missions.
Given the sensitive nature of intelligence data, what cybersecurity measures and protocols are mandated by this contract to protect against breaches and ensure data integrity?
The contract likely mandates adherence to stringent government cybersecurity standards such as NIST guidelines and DoD-specific security requirements. This would include measures like access controls, encryption, regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and incident response plans. The firm-fixed-price nature implies the contractor is responsible for implementing and maintaining these security measures within the agreed budget.
How will the effectiveness of Empower AI, Inc.'s IT services be measured, and what performance metrics are in place to ensure the contract meets its objectives?
Effectiveness is typically measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS). These metrics could include system uptime, response times for technical support, successful implementation of new systems or upgrades, and adherence to security protocols. Regular performance reviews and acceptance of deliverables by the government contracting officer are key to ensuring objectives are met.
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
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11730 PLAZA AMERICA DR, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,383,340
Exercised Options: $21,383,340
Current Obligation: $21,383,340
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 13
Total Subaward Amount: $15,390,053
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W9128Z22D0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-18
Current End Date: 2026-03-10
Potential End Date: 2026-03-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-31
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