SSA awards $16.5M Microsoft Software BPA to ASAP Software Express for licensing, maintenance, and support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,500,000 ($16.5M)
Contractor: Asap Software Express, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration
Start Date: 2008-12-23
End Date: 2013-10-22
Contract Duration: 1,764 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day
Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED
Sector: IT
Official Description: MICROSOFT SOFTWARE BPA FOR LICENSING, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: WINDSOR MILL, BALTIMORE County, MARYLAND, 21244
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Social Security Administration obligated $16.5 million to ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC. for work described as: MICROSOFT SOFTWARE BPA FOR LICENSING, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value is $16.5 million over its 5-year duration. 2. ASAP Software Express, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. The contract covers licensing, maintenance, and support services for Microsoft software. 4. The sector is IT, specifically computer and software stores.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $16.5 million over five years suggests a significant investment in Microsoft software. Without specific per-unit pricing or comparison data, it's difficult to definitively assess value, but the duration implies ongoing needs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This appears to be a sole-source award, which limits competitive pricing discovery. The agency likely determined this was the most efficient method for acquiring necessary Microsoft software.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used to procure essential software licenses and support, ensuring agency operations. The lack of competition may lead to higher costs than a competitive bid.
Public Impact
Ensures continued access to critical Microsoft software for the Social Security Administration. Supports agency operations through software licensing, maintenance, and technical support. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source nature, impacting taxpayer value.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings.
- Lack of detailed pricing information makes value assessment difficult.
Positive Signals
- Provides essential software and support for a critical government agency.
- Long-term contract ensures continuity of operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on software licensing, maintenance, and support. Spending benchmarks for similar software agreements vary widely based on agency size and specific software suites.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not awarded to a small business, as indicated by the 'sb' field being false. The focus on a large software vendor suggests that small business participation was likely not a primary consideration for this specific BPA.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made by the Social Security Administration. Oversight would typically involve contract management to ensure deliverables are met and pricing remains within agreed-upon terms, especially given the sole-source nature.
Related Government Programs
- Computer and Software Stores
- Social Security Administration Contracting
- Social Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competitive pricing
- Potential for price escalation
- Limited vendor options
Tags
computer-and-software-stores, social-security-administration, md, bpa, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Social Security Administration awarded $16.5 million to ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC.. MICROSOFT SOFTWARE BPA FOR LICENSING, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ASAP SOFTWARE EXPRESS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-12-23. End: 2013-10-22.
What is the justification for the sole-source award of this Microsoft software BPA?
Sole-source awards are typically justified when only one vendor can provide the required goods or services, often due to proprietary software, existing infrastructure compatibility, or unique support needs. For Microsoft software, this could stem from specific licensing agreements or specialized support only available directly from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller with unique capabilities.
How does the lack of competition impact the overall value for taxpayers?
A sole-source award inherently reduces competitive pressure, which can lead to higher prices compared to a fully competitive procurement. Taxpayers may bear a greater cost for the software licenses, maintenance, and support services. Without competitive bids, it's harder to ensure the government is receiving the best possible price and terms.
What are the risks associated with a long-term sole-source software BPA?
Risks include potential price escalation over the contract term, vendor lock-in, and limited flexibility to adopt newer or alternative technologies. The agency might also miss out on potential cost savings or better solutions that could emerge in the market. Ensuring robust contract management and periodic price reviews is crucial.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Retail Trade › Electronics and Appliance Stores › Computer and Software Stores
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Dell Computer Corporation (UEI: 114315195)
Address: 850 ASBURY DR, BUFFALO GROVE, IL, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SS000940002
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-12-23
Current End Date: 2013-10-22
Last Modified: 2009-04-14
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