Forest Service Awards $30.9M for Computer Systems Design, Full & Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,900,352 ($30.9M)

Contractor: Excel Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-02-01

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: INTERNAL CONTROLS BRANCH EXPECTS TO ACHIEVE: CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT FEDERAL, DEPARTMENTAL AND AGENCY INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY REQUIREMENTS. REDUCED OR MITIGATED INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY RISKS THROUGH THOROUGH REVIEWS AND REC

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20170

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $30.9 million to EXCEL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: INTERNAL CONTROLS BRANCH EXPECTS TO ACHIEVE: CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT FEDERAL, DEPARTMENTAL AND AGENCY INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY REQUIREMENTS. REDUCED OR MITIGATED INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY RISKS THROUGH THOROUGH REVIEWS AND REC Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $30.9 million over 4 years. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk mitigation for information system security is a stated objective. 4. The sector is IT services, specifically computer systems design.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $30.9 million for computer systems design services over four years appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT service 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 a robust process to solicit bids from all eligible sources. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is expected to yield competitive pricing, maximizing taxpayer value for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Ensures continued compliance with federal information system security requirements. Aims to reduce or mitigate information system security risks. Supports the operational needs of the Forest Service through IT services. The contract duration of nearly four years provides stability for service delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in complex IT projects.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical IT services.
Ensuring effective risk mitigation strategies are implemented and monitored.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear objective of enhancing information system security.
Long-term contract provides service continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending in this area is substantial across federal agencies, supporting a wide range of digital infrastructure and operations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not the primary focus of this specific award, though they may participate as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's stated objective of achieving continued compliance with security requirements and mitigating risks suggests a focus on internal controls. Oversight will be crucial to ensure these objectives are met throughout the contract's lifecycle.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Complexity of managing large IT service contracts.
Ensuring effective implementation of security risk mitigation.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical IT functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $30.9 million to EXCEL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. INTERNAL CONTROLS BRANCH EXPECTS TO ACHIEVE: CONTINUED COMPLIANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT FEDERAL, DEPARTMENTAL AND AGENCY INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY REQUIREMENTS. REDUCED OR MITIGATED INFORMATION SYSTEM SECURITY RISKS THROUGH THOROUGH REVIEWS AND REC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EXCEL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-02-01. End: 2027-01-31.

What specific computer systems design services are included in this $30.9 million contract, and how do they align with the Forest Service's strategic IT goals?

The contract specifies 'Computer Systems Design Services' (NAICS 541512). While the exact services are not detailed, they likely encompass the design, development, integration, and maintenance of IT systems to support the Forest Service's mission. This could include network infrastructure, software solutions, data management, and cybersecurity architecture, all crucial for modernizing and securing their digital operations.

How will the Forest Service ensure that the 'reduced or mitigated information system security risks' objective is effectively achieved and measured throughout the contract's duration?

Effective achievement will rely on robust performance metrics and regular audits outlined in the contract. This includes adherence to federal security standards (e.g., NIST), penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and incident response planning. The Internal Controls Branch's expectation suggests a proactive approach, but continuous monitoring and clear reporting mechanisms are vital for accountability.

Given the $30.9 million value and nearly four-year term, what are the primary risks associated with vendor lock-in or the potential for cost overruns if the scope of 'Computer Systems Design Services'

The primary risk is vendor lock-in, where the agency becomes overly dependent on Excel Technologies, LLC, potentially limiting future flexibility or competitive sourcing. Cost overruns are a risk if the contract's scope is not tightly managed or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Clear change control processes and performance-based payment structures are essential to mitigate these risks.

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 - SECURITY AND COMPLIANCE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 12760422Q0268

Offers Received: 19

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 607 HERNDON PKWY, HERNDON, VA, 20170

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,706,650

Exercised Options: $36,922,646

Current Obligation: $30,900,352

Actual Outlays: $23,497,264

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA18D0088

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline