USDA awards $7.97M contract for platform support services to AT-IMPACT LLC, with 6 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,971,999 ($8.0M)

Contractor: At-Impact LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-09-30

End Date: 2026-05-15

Contract Duration: 958 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION (FPAC)AGENCY HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR A CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE PLATFORM SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $8.0 million to AT-IMPACT LLC for work described as: THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION (FPAC)AGENCY HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR A CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE PLATFORM SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the scope of platform support services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a fixed-price contract and defined period of performance. 4. Performance context is for platform support, a critical function for agency operations. 5. Sector positioning is within IT services, specifically computer systems design. 6. The contract is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger IDIQ or similar vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $7.97 million over its period of performance (September 30, 2023, to May 15, 2026) seems aligned with typical IT platform support services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for system design and support within federal agencies suggests this pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure further supports value for money by shifting performance risk to the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were solicited and allowed to bid. With six bidders participating, the competition level was moderate, suggesting that the agency received a range of proposals and pricing. This level of competition generally leads to better price discovery and a more favorable outcome for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The moderate competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as AT-IMPACT LLC had to offer competitive terms to win the contract. This process helps prevent overpayment and encourages cost-effective solutions.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the USDA's Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) Agency, which will receive essential platform support. Services delivered include computer systems design and support, crucial for maintaining operational IT infrastructure. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the agency is headquartered. Workforce implications include the potential for skilled IT professionals to be employed by AT-IMPACT LLC to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if platform support is highly specialized.
Dependence on contractor expertise for critical system maintenance.
Scope creep could increase costs if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Defined period of performance provides clear expectations.
Moderate competition suggests a reasonable price was negotiated.
Delivery order structure implies it's part of a pre-vetted framework.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS code 541512). The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in maintaining and upgrading their digital infrastructure. This contract represents a typical expenditure for platform support, a fundamental requirement for agencies like the USDA to ensure the smooth operation of their critical systems and data management.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact is on large businesses within the IT services sector. There are no explicit subcontracting requirements mentioned, but AT-IMPACT LLC may choose to engage small businesses for specialized support, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the USDA's FPAC Agency and its Office of the Chief Financial Officer. As a delivery order, it likely adheres to the oversight mechanisms of the parent contract vehicle. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure and the defined period of performance, with potential for Inspector General review if performance issues arise.

Related Government Programs

USDA IT Modernization Efforts
FPAC Agency IT Infrastructure Support
Federal Civilian Agency IT Services Contracts
Computer Systems Design and Related Services

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on contractor for critical system maintenance
Need for robust government oversight to prevent scope creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $8.0 million to AT-IMPACT LLC. THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA), FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION (FPAC)AGENCY HAS A REQUIREMENT FOR A CONTRACTOR TO PROVIDE PLATFORM SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AT-IMPACT 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 $8.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2026-05-15.

What is the track record of AT-IMPACT LLC in performing similar federal IT support contracts?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess AT-IMPACT LLC's track record. However, being awarded a delivery order under full and open competition suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and past performance to be considered a viable vendor for platform support services. Further investigation into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues on previous government contracts, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and capability in delivering similar IT services.

How does the awarded value compare to the estimated cost for similar platform support services in the federal market?

The awarded value of approximately $7.97 million for platform support services over roughly 1.75 years (September 30, 2023, to May 15, 2026) appears to be within a reasonable range for federal IT contracts of this nature. The NAICS code 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) encompasses a broad range of activities, and the specific scope of work will dictate the precise market value. Given the firm-fixed-price contract type and the moderate competition (6 bidders), it suggests the price achieved is likely competitive. Benchmarking against other similar delivery orders or task orders issued under IDIQ vehicles for IT support would provide a more precise comparison.

What are the primary risks associated with this platform support contract for the USDA?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues if AT-IMPACT LLC fails to deliver adequate support, leading to disruptions in USDA's FPAC Agency operations. There's also a risk of vendor lock-in if the platform becomes highly dependent on the contractor's proprietary knowledge or tools. Scope creep, if not managed effectively by the government, could lead to cost increases beyond the initial award, although the firm-fixed-price structure mitigates this to some extent. Ensuring adequate knowledge transfer and documentation throughout the contract period is crucial to mitigate long-term risks.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method for ensuring value in this contract?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method is generally effective in ensuring value for government contracts. It allows all responsible sources to submit an offer, thereby maximizing the pool of potential bidders and fostering robust competition. The fact that six bidders participated indicates a healthy level of interest and competition. This process typically drives down prices and encourages innovation as contractors vie for the award. The firm-fixed-price nature of this specific contract further enhances value by capping costs for the government, assuming the scope is well-defined and managed.

What are the historical spending patterns for platform support services within the USDA or FPAC Agency?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for platform support services within the USDA or FPAC Agency would require access to detailed historical procurement data. However, it is generally understood that federal agencies, particularly large ones like the USDA, consistently allocate significant budgets towards IT infrastructure and support to maintain essential services. Spending in this area often fluctuates based on modernization initiatives, system upgrades, and the lifecycle of existing technologies. This $7.97 million contract represents a specific investment within that broader context, likely aimed at ensuring the continuity and efficiency of FPAC's operational platforms.

What is the significance of this contract being a 'Delivery Order'?

The designation of this contract as a 'Delivery Order' (aw: DELIVERY ORDER) signifies that it is likely a task order issued under a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar multiple-award contract vehicle. This means that the foundational contract terms, including pricing structures, labor categories, and general terms and conditions, were likely established and competed previously. Issuing it as a delivery order allows the agency to procure specific services or supplies as needed, streamlining the acquisition process for individual requirements while still leveraging the benefits of prior competition.

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 - PLATFORM

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 12314423R0014

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 639 RIVER BEND RD, GREAT FALLS, VA, 22066

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,971,999

Exercised Options: $7,971,999

Current Obligation: $7,971,999

Actual Outlays: $7,067,301

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $4,685,306

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N98119D00089

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline