CACI NSS awarded $31.6M for distributed computing services to U.S. Special Operations Command

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,614,668 ($31.6M)

Contractor: CACI NSS, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2015-04-01

End Date: 2016-03-31

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $86.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF USSOCOM SITEC DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33621

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.6 million to CACI NSS, LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF USSOCOM SITEC DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized IT infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for this service. 3. Performance risk appears moderate given the nature of IT service delivery. 4. This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, supporting critical command functions. 5. The firm fixed-price structure aims to control costs and define scope. 6. Delivery order indicates a specific task within a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31.6 million for distributed computing services is substantial. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts for defense agencies requires detailed analysis of scope and deliverables. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined cost structure. The award amount appears reasonable for specialized IT support within a major defense command, though a direct per-unit cost comparison is not feasible without more granular data on services rendered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This competitive environment is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive pricing for the services rendered.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces.

Public Impact

Special Operations Command personnel benefit from enhanced distributed computing capabilities. Services delivered likely include maintenance, support, and potential upgrades for computing infrastructure. Geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas of U.S. Special Operations Command. Workforce implications may involve specialized IT professionals supporting the distributed computing environment.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined within the delivery order.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical IT infrastructure uptime.
Risk of vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is solely held by the contractor.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Award to a known entity (CACI NSS) may indicate prior successful performance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on IT services and infrastructure support. The market for defense IT services is large and highly competitive, with significant spending allocated to maintaining and modernizing command and control systems, data processing, and network infrastructure. This contract likely supports U.S. Special Operations Command's unique operational requirements for secure and resilient computing environments.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting plans for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless CACI NSS actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the U.S. Special Operations Command's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which incentivizes contractor performance within defined cost and scope parameters. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award data being publicly available, though detailed performance metrics may be internal.

Related Government Programs

Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO) contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule contracts
Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems support

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Technical obsolescence risk
Dependence on contractor performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.6 million to CACI NSS, LLC. IGF::CT::IGF USSOCOM SITEC DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CACI NSS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-04-01. End: 2016-03-31.

What is the track record of CACI NSS, LLC with U.S. Special Operations Command?

CACI NSS, LLC has a history of performing contracts for the Department of Defense, including U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Analyzing past performance on similar IT service contracts, particularly those involving distributed computing or specialized infrastructure support, would provide insight into their reliability and effectiveness. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any documented issues or successes on previous USSOCOM contracts would be crucial for a comprehensive assessment. The fact that they were awarded this significant delivery order suggests a level of confidence from USSOCOM based on prior engagements or competitive standing.

How does the $31.6 million value compare to similar distributed computing contracts?

The $31.6 million value for this distributed computing contract is substantial and reflects the critical nature of IT infrastructure for a major command like USSOCOM. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against contracts with similar scopes of work, duration, and technical requirements awarded to other defense agencies or within the broader federal IT services market. Factors such as the level of customization, security requirements (e.g., classified environments), and the specific technologies involved significantly influence pricing. Without access to detailed service level agreements and technical specifications, a precise comparison is challenging, but the amount aligns with significant IT modernization and support efforts within the defense sector.

What are the primary risks associated with this distributed computing contract?

Key risks include potential technical obsolescence if the distributed computing solution is not adaptable to future technological advancements. Contractor performance risk is also present, as delays or failures in service delivery could impact USSOCOM's operational capabilities. Cybersecurity threats are a constant concern for any IT infrastructure, requiring robust security protocols and vigilant monitoring. Furthermore, the firm fixed-price nature, while beneficial for cost control, can create risk if unforeseen technical challenges arise that were not adequately scoped, potentially leading to change orders or performance disputes.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for this type of IT service?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for IT services, as it allows the widest possible pool of qualified vendors to bid. This drives down prices through market forces and encourages innovation. For distributed computing services, where technical solutions can vary, competition allows the government to evaluate different approaches and select the best combination of technical merit and cost. The presence of four bidders in this instance suggests that the market was sufficiently robust to support meaningful competition, likely resulting in a more favorable price and solution for the government compared to a sole-source or limited competition award.

What is the historical spending trend for distributed computing services at USSOCOM?

Analyzing historical spending trends for distributed computing services at USSOCOM would require access to detailed contract databases and budget allocations over several fiscal years. Generally, defense agencies have seen increasing investment in IT infrastructure, including distributed computing, to support evolving operational needs, data analytics, and cloud integration. Spending patterns are influenced by technological advancements, strategic priorities, and the lifecycle of existing systems. A trend analysis would reveal whether this $31.6 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in this capability compared to previous periods.

What are the implications of the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code (541519) for this contract?

The NAICS code 541519, 'Other Computer Related Services,' is broad and encompasses a wide range of IT services not classified under more specific codes. For this distributed computing contract, it suggests the services may include a combination of consulting, system integration, IT support, and potentially custom software development related to computing infrastructure. This broad classification means the specific deliverables could be diverse, ranging from network design and implementation to ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting of complex computing environments. It highlights the need to carefully examine the contract's statement of work to understand the precise nature of the services being procured.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: H9222210R0034

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 008898843)

Address: 11955 FREEDOM DR STE 12000, 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: $31,616,242

Exercised Options: $31,616,242

Current Obligation: $31,614,668

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: H9222211D0008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline