USDA Awards $2.86M for New CRM System to Weems Design Studio

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,864,917 ($2.9M)

Contractor: Weems Design Studio, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-08-31

End Date: 2025-02-12

Contract Duration: 531 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DEVELOP AND DEPLOY A NEW CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CRMS)

Place of Performance

Location: DECATUR, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30032

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $2.9 million to WEEMS DESIGN STUDIO, INC. for work described as: DEVELOP AND DEPLOY A NEW CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CRMS) Key points: 1. The contract aims to develop and deploy a new Customer Relationship Management System (CRMS). 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price type, which shifts risk to the contractor. 4. The sector is IT services, specifically custom computer programming.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award amount of $2.86M for a custom CRMS appears reasonable given the scope of developing and deploying a new system. Benchmarking against similar custom software development contracts would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process is expected to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for this critical system upgrade.

Public Impact

Improved customer service and data management for the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Potential for enhanced efficiency in tracking and managing relationships with stakeholders. Modernization of IT infrastructure within the Department of Agriculture.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in custom software development.
Integration challenges with existing USDA systems.
Vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

Clear objective to modernize a critical system.
Firm Fixed Price contract type manages cost risk.
Full and open competition ensures market engagement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending in this area is significant across government, with a focus on modernizing legacy systems and improving digital services.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Weems Design Studio, Inc. It is not explicitly stated whether this is a small business, and the contract was not set aside for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made via a BPA Call, suggesting it may be part of a larger framework agreement. Oversight will be crucial to ensure deliverables meet requirements and stay within budget.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Food Safety and Inspection Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in custom software development.
Integration challenges with existing agency systems.
Ensuring adequate user adoption and training.
Long-term maintenance and support costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $2.9 million to WEEMS DESIGN STUDIO, INC.. DEVELOP AND DEPLOY A NEW CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CRMS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WEEMS DESIGN STUDIO, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Food Safety and Inspection Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-31. End: 2025-02-12.

What is the specific functionality and expected benefit of the new CRMS for the Food Safety and Inspection Service?

The new CRMS is expected to streamline customer interactions, improve data accuracy, and enhance the efficiency of FSIS operations. Key benefits include better tracking of stakeholder communications, faster response times, and more robust reporting capabilities, ultimately supporting the agency's mission of ensuring food safety.

What are the primary risks associated with the development and deployment of this custom CRMS, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks include potential cost overruns due to scope creep, integration issues with existing systems, and user adoption challenges. Mitigation strategies likely involve rigorous project management, phased deployment, comprehensive testing, and robust user training programs to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation.

How will the effectiveness of the new CRMS be measured post-deployment to ensure it meets its intended objectives?

Effectiveness will be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as user satisfaction rates, reduction in processing times for customer-related tasks, data accuracy improvements, and the system's uptime and reliability. Regular performance reviews and user feedback mechanisms will be employed to track progress and identify areas for optimization.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 123A9423Q0048

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2201 LORING CT, DECATUR, GA, 30032

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,718,935

Exercised Options: $2,864,917

Current Obligation: $2,864,917

Actual Outlays: $2,864,917

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12314421A0012

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline