USDA Awards $2.5M for Web GIS Operations, Sustaining Disaster Assessment System

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,500,618 ($2.5M)

Contractor: Agile Decision Sciences, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2022-03-21

End Date: 2027-03-20

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE REQUEST IS TO EXERCISE THE BASE YEAR OF A NEW CONTRACT AWARD TO ACQUIRE SUPPORT FOR SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WEB GIS APPLICATIONS, SPECIFICALLY THE GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL AND DISASTER ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (GADAS). GADAS USES MAPS A

Place of Performance

Location: FORT COLLINS, LARIMER County, COLORADO, 80521

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $2.5 million to AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC for work described as: THE REQUEST IS TO EXERCISE THE BASE YEAR OF A NEW CONTRACT AWARD TO ACQUIRE SUPPORT FOR SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WEB GIS APPLICATIONS, SPECIFICALLY THE GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL AND DISASTER ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (GADAS). GADAS USES MAPS A Key points: 1. Contract supports critical Global Agricultural and Disaster Assessment System (GADAS) operations. 2. AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC awarded the base year for Computer Systems Design Services. 3. Spending is for sustainable operations and maintenance of web GIS applications. 4. The contract value is $2,500,618 over 1825 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.5M over 5 years for GIS support appears reasonable given the specialized nature of maintaining a system like GADAS. Benchmarking against similar government IT maintenance contracts would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a limited competition. This method might impact price discovery compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to ensure the continued operation of a system vital for agricultural and disaster assessment, providing essential data for decision-making.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of critical data for agricultural planning and disaster response. Supports the operational integrity of the GADAS web GIS platform. Provides essential mapping and assessment capabilities to relevant government agencies. Facilitates informed decision-making during agricultural and disaster events.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical system maintenance.

Positive Signals

Supports a vital government function.
Contract awarded to a specific LLC, potentially supporting a niche provider.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design. Spending benchmarks for similar government IT operations and maintenance contracts are typically in the millions of dollars annually, depending on system complexity.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Delivery Order under a larger framework, suggesting some level of pre-competition or established oversight. The specific agency (USDA) and office (OCFO) indicate clear accountability.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Office of the Chief Financial Officer Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition award.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Lack of small business participation noted.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $2.5 million to AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC. THE REQUEST IS TO EXERCISE THE BASE YEAR OF A NEW CONTRACT AWARD TO ACQUIRE SUPPORT FOR SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WEB GIS APPLICATIONS, SPECIFICALLY THE GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL AND DISASTER ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (GADAS). GADAS USES MAPS A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AGILE DECISION SCIENCES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Office of the Chief Financial Officer).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-03-21. End: 2027-03-20.

What is the specific technical scope of 'support for sustainable operations and maintenance' for the GADAS system?

The scope likely includes routine system updates, bug fixes, security patching, database management, user support, and ensuring the overall availability and performance of the GADAS web GIS applications. It may also involve minor enhancements or adaptations to meet evolving operational needs, ensuring the system remains functional and relevant for its intended purpose.

What are the risks associated with a limited competition award for critical IT infrastructure maintenance?

Limited competition can increase the risk of higher costs due to reduced market pressure. It also poses a risk of vendor lock-in, potentially hindering the adoption of newer technologies or more cost-effective solutions. Furthermore, a single vendor's performance issues or financial instability could directly impact the continuity of essential government services.

How effectively does the GADAS system contribute to disaster assessment and agricultural planning compared to alternative systems or methods?

The effectiveness of GADAS hinges on its data accuracy, timeliness, user-friendliness, and integration capabilities. Its contribution is significant if it provides actionable insights that directly inform policy, resource allocation, and response efforts during agricultural crises or natural disasters. Benchmarking its performance metrics against similar systems would clarify its comparative effectiveness.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Arctic Slope Regional Corporation

Address: 350 VOYAGER WAY STE 100B, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35806

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,500,618

Exercised Options: $2,500,618

Current Obligation: $2,500,618

Actual Outlays: $1,894,868

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCB22D0256

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline