USDA Forest Service Awards $36.8M Agile Development Services Contract to Creative Systems and Consulting

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $36,783,093 ($36.8M)

Contractor: Creative Systems and Consulting L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2020-09-21

End Date: 2025-04-21

Contract Duration: 1,673 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: USDA FOREST SERVICE, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICE, EAD AGILE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $36.8 million to CREATIVE SYSTEMS AND CONSULTING L.L.C. for work described as: USDA FOREST SERVICE, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICE, EAD AGILE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via BPA Call, indicating a pre-competed framework. 2. Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511) is a common IT service category. 3. The contract value of $36.8M over approximately 3.7 years suggests a moderate annual spend. 4. No small business set-aside noted, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms. 5. The award is for Agile Development Services, a modern software development methodology.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $36.8M over 1673 days (approx. 3.7 years) averages to about $9.8M annually. This seems reasonable for complex IT development services, but a direct comparison requires more data on the scope and specific services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a Full and Open Competition via a BPA Call. This suggests that multiple vendors likely competed for the underlying BPA, and then this specific call was also competed, allowing for price discovery and potentially competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by leveraging market forces to obtain the best value.

Public Impact

Supports critical IT infrastructure and services for the USDA Forest Service. Enhances the agency's ability to develop and maintain custom software solutions. Impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the Forest Service's digital operations. Provides a platform for ongoing technological advancements within the agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific small business participation noted.
BPA Call mechanism can sometimes limit direct competition on individual task orders if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

Awarded under Full and Open Competition.
Utilizes Agile Development, a modern and efficient methodology.
Contract duration provides stability for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly custom computer programming, is a significant area of federal spending. Benchmarks for similar contracts vary widely based on complexity, duration, and specific services, but this award appears to be within a typical range for a multi-year, comprehensive development effort.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, Creative Systems and Consulting L.L.C., is not explicitly identified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting goals were established or met.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded under a BPA Call, which implies a level of pre-competition and oversight through the BPA vehicle. The Forest Service's Chief Information Office is responsible for IT oversight, and task orders under this BPA Call would be subject to their review.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited small business participation.
Reliance on a BPA Call mechanism requires careful management to ensure true competition.
Scope creep could increase costs if not managed effectively.
Dependence on contractor's specific agile expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $36.8 million to CREATIVE SYSTEMS AND CONSULTING L.L.C.. USDA FOREST SERVICE, CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICE, EAD AGILE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CREATIVE SYSTEMS AND CONSULTING L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $36.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-21. End: 2025-04-21.

What specific types of agile development services are being procured, and how do they align with the Forest Service's strategic IT goals?

The contract specifies 'Custom Computer Programming Services' under NAICS 541511, indicating a focus on developing bespoke software solutions. These services likely support the Forest Service's modernization efforts, data management, operational efficiency, or public-facing digital platforms. Understanding the specific projects and their alignment with agency objectives is crucial for assessing the true value and effectiveness of this procurement.

What is the historical performance and pricing of Creative Systems and Consulting L.L.C. on similar federal contracts?

Assessing the contractor's past performance and pricing on comparable federal contracts is essential for evaluating risk and value. Information from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) can reveal trends in delivery, quality, and cost competitiveness. This helps determine if the current award represents a fair price and a low-risk engagement.

How will the effectiveness of the agile development services be measured and ensured throughout the contract lifecycle?

Measuring the effectiveness of agile development requires clear metrics and continuous feedback loops. The Forest Service should have established key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sprint velocity, defect rates, user satisfaction, and timely delivery of functional software increments. Regular reviews and adherence to agile best practices by both the contractor and the agency are vital for ensuring the services meet evolving needs and deliver tangible results.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 12760420Q0129

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8281 GREENSBORO DR, SUITE 200, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $43,154,822

Exercised Options: $38,896,375

Current Obligation: $36,783,093

Actual Outlays: $33,658,586

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 6

Total Subaward Amount: $1,827,133

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 12760420A0007

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline