USDA awards $16.8M for custom computer programming, with 3 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,858,644 ($16.9M)

Contractor: Attainx Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2020-09-28

End Date: 2026-04-03

Contract Duration: 2,013 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PCIT CONTRACT (GSA DELIVERY ORDER)

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $16.9 million to ATTAINX INC. for work described as: PCIT CONTRACT (GSA DELIVERY ORDER) Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of custom programming services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market for these services. 3. The fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. This contract supports critical IT infrastructure for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. 5. The contractor, Attainx Inc., has a track record with federal IT contracts. 6. The contract duration extends over several fiscal years, indicating a long-term need.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $16.8 million over approximately 5.7 years suggests an average annual spend of around $2.95 million. This is within a reasonable range for custom computer programming services, especially considering the specialized nature of supporting a federal agency like APHIS. Benchmarking against similar contracts for custom software development and IT support for federal agencies indicates that the pricing structure is likely competitive, particularly given the full and open competition.

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 offers. With three bidders participating, the competition level suggests a moderately competitive environment. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more cost-effective solutions for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation among potential contractors.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by providing essential custom IT solutions. Delivers custom computer programming services to enhance and maintain critical agency systems. The geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located, but the services support national agricultural and animal health initiatives. Implications for the IT workforce include potential opportunities for skilled programmers and IT professionals working for the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed throughout the contract lifecycle.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical custom programming services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The long contract duration necessitates ongoing monitoring to ensure continued value and alignment with agency needs.

Positive Signals

The use of a firm-fixed-price contract type incentivizes the contractor to manage costs effectively.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market and potentially competitive pricing.
The contractor, Attainx Inc., has prior experience with federal contracts, indicating a level of familiarity with government processes.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on custom computer programming services. The market for these services is vast and highly competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized development capabilities. Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting a wide range of agency operations. Comparable spending benchmarks for custom software development for federal agencies often range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on complexity and scope.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data does not indicate any subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Attainx Inc., a company that does not appear to be a small business based on typical federal contract data, means that the direct economic impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal. However, the overall federal IT market does provide significant opportunities for small businesses through various set-aside programs and prime contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the Department of Agriculture's contracting officers and program managers within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases where award details are publicly available. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Agriculture may conduct audits or investigations if concerns regarding performance or misuse of funds arise.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
IT Support Services
Software Development Contracts
Department of Agriculture IT Spending
GSA Schedule Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 5 years
Potential for scope creep in custom development
Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $16.9 million to ATTAINX INC.. PCIT CONTRACT (GSA DELIVERY ORDER)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATTAINX INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-28. End: 2026-04-03.

What is Attainx Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly in custom programming?

Attainx Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, including those involving IT services and custom programming. Reviewing their past performance on similar contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of Agriculture or other federal entities can provide insight into their reliability, quality of work, and ability to meet deadlines and budgetary constraints. Data from contract databases often shows the types of services provided, contract values, and performance ratings, which are crucial for assessing their suitability for this current award. A positive performance history suggests a lower risk for this $16.8 million contract.

How does the $16.8 million contract value compare to similar custom programming contracts for federal agencies?

The $16.8 million contract value for custom computer programming services over approximately 5.7 years (from September 2020 to April 2026) translates to an average annual value of roughly $2.95 million. This figure is within the expected range for federal IT development contracts of this nature. Similar contracts for custom software development, system integration, and IT support for agencies with comparable missions (e.g., other USDA agencies, HHS, or agencies with large data management needs) often fall within this annual spending bracket. Factors like the complexity of the required programming, the specific technologies involved, and the level of security clearance needed can influence the overall cost, but the benchmark appears reasonable.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential scope creep, where project requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is contractor underperformance or failure to deliver the required custom programming solutions. Mitigation strategies involve robust contract management by the agency, clear definition and control of project scope, regular performance reviews, and the use of a firm-fixed-price contract type which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs. The agency's ability to monitor progress and enforce contract terms is crucial for mitigating these risks. The presence of multiple bidders in the initial competition also suggests a pool of capable contractors, reducing reliance on a single entity.

How effective is the full and open competition process in ensuring value for money for this contract?

The full and open competition process is generally highly effective in ensuring value for money. By allowing all eligible and responsible sources to bid, the government maximizes the potential for receiving competitive offers. In this case, with three bidders, the competition likely drove prices down and encouraged Attainx Inc. to offer a strong proposal. This process helps prevent inflated pricing that might occur with sole-source or limited competition awards. The agency's evaluation criteria, focused on both technical merit and price, further ensures that the selected contractor provides the best overall value to the taxpayer.

What is the historical spending pattern for custom computer programming services by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for custom computer programming services by APHIS is essential for context. This involves examining previous contract awards for similar services over the past several fiscal years. Understanding APHIS's typical investment in IT development and maintenance can reveal trends in technology adoption, project types, and average contract values. If this $16.8 million contract represents a significant increase or decrease compared to historical spending, it warrants further investigation into the reasons behind the shift. Consistent or moderately increasing spending suggests a stable need for these services, while a large deviation might indicate a new strategic initiative or a change in IT strategy.

What are the implications of the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type for cost control and risk?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered advantageous for cost control and risk management when the scope of work is well-defined. Under an FFP contract, the contractor assumes the majority of the financial risk. They are obligated to complete the work for a predetermined price, regardless of their actual costs. This incentivizes the contractor to be efficient and manage their resources effectively to maximize profit. For the government, it provides cost certainty, as the total price is fixed. However, if the scope is not clearly defined or changes significantly, it can lead to disputes or costly change orders. The success of an FFP contract relies heavily on precise initial requirements and diligent contract administration.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13873 PARK CENTER RD STE 55N, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,816,285

Exercised Options: $18,766,285

Current Obligation: $16,858,644

Actual Outlays: $15,177,373

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F293DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline