Commerce awards $163M for MAAS 360 software, highlighting a 5-bidder competition for IT services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $163,155 ($163.2K)

Contractor: Software Information Resource Corp.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2027-04-08

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $448/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: FY26 MAAS 360

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $163,154.94 to SOFTWARE INFORMATION RESOURCE CORP. for work described as: FY26 MAAS 360 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the competitive nature of the award. 2. The contract was competed openly, suggesting a healthy market for these IT services. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a firm fixed-price contract type. 4. Performance context is for IT software and related services. 5. This contract fits within the broader IT services sector for government agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $163.15 million over one year appears competitive, especially considering it was awarded under full and open competition with five bidders. Benchmarking against similar IT software and services contracts is challenging without more specific service details, but the firm fixed-price structure suggests the government has locked in costs. The pricing is likely aligned with market rates given the competitive bidding process.

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 allowed to bid. The presence of five bidders suggests a robust level of competition for this IT service requirement. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures a wider pool of potential solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: The strong competition indicates that taxpayers are likely benefiting from competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified vendors, leading to better value for the government's investment.

Public Impact

The Department of Commerce, specifically the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will benefit from enhanced IT capabilities. Services delivered include software and related IT support, crucial for agency operations. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the contract is managed. Workforce implications may include support roles for IT specialists and software management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if MAAS 360 becomes the sole solution without adequate transition planning.
Reliance on a single software platform could pose risks if the vendor experiences significant issues or price increases in the future.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks.
Open competition ensures a baseline of market-driven pricing.
Multiple bidders suggest a healthy ecosystem for this type of IT service.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is a significant area of federal spending, encompassing software licensing, maintenance, and related support. This contract for MAAS 360 software falls within the broader category of IT solutions procurement. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar enterprise software solutions can vary widely based on scope and user base, but a $163 million award for a one-year term suggests a substantial enterprise-level deployment.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). While this contract was awarded under full and open competition, there is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor, SOFTWARE INFORMATION RESOURCE CORP., engages small businesses for specialized support or services related to this MAAS 360 implementation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) contracting officers and program managers within the Department of Commerce. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified software and services. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of federal contract awards, though detailed performance metrics are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule Programs
Department of Commerce IT Modernization Initiatives
NOAA Software and Information Technology Services

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on a single software platform

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $163,154.94 to SOFTWARE INFORMATION RESOURCE CORP.. FY26 MAAS 360

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOFTWARE INFORMATION RESOURCE CORP..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $163,154.94.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2027-04-08.

What is the specific functionality and scope of the MAAS 360 software being procured?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'FY26 MAAS 360' and falls under NAICS code 541519 (Other Computer Related Services). MAAS 360 is a comprehensive endpoint management solution offered by IBM, typically encompassing mobile device management (MDM), endpoint security, and unified endpoint management (UEM). Its scope likely includes managing and securing a wide range of devices (laptops, mobile phones, tablets) used by NOAA personnel, ensuring data protection, application deployment, and policy enforcement across the agency's IT infrastructure. The specific functionalities procured would detail the modules and services included within this $163 million award.

How does the $163 million award compare to previous spending on MAAS 360 or similar endpoint management solutions by NOAA or the Department of Commerce?

Without historical spending data specific to MAAS 360 for NOAA or the Department of Commerce, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the $163.15 million award for a one-year duration (2026-04-08 to 2027-04-08) represents a significant investment in endpoint management. To assess its comparability, one would need to examine prior contracts for similar solutions, considering factors like the number of users, devices managed, and included features. If previous contracts were for smaller amounts or shorter durations, this award could indicate an expansion of services, an increase in user base, or a price adjustment. Conversely, if previous awards were in a similar range, it suggests consistent investment in this capability.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?

The provided contract data does not explicitly list Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Service Level Agreements (SLAs). However, for an IT software and services contract of this magnitude, especially one involving endpoint management and security, typical KPIs and SLAs would likely focus on system uptime, response times for support requests, security incident resolution times, successful software deployment rates, and compliance with security policies. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that the contractor is obligated to meet certain performance standards to receive full payment, and these would be detailed in the contract's statement of work.

What is the track record of SOFTWARE INFORMATION RESOURCE CORP. in delivering similar IT services to federal agencies?

SOFTWARE INFORMATION RESOURCE CORP. (SIRC) is a federal IT contractor. While specific details on their track record with MAAS 360 or similar large-scale endpoint management solutions are not provided in this summary, their ability to win a $163 million 'Full and Open Competition' contract suggests they have the capacity and qualifications to meet the government's requirements. A deeper dive into their contract history, past performance evaluations (e.g., from CPARS), and experience with IBM products like MAAS 360 would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single software solution like MAAS 360 for critical IT functions?

Relying on a single software solution like MAAS 360 can introduce several risks. Vendor lock-in is a primary concern, making it difficult and costly to switch to alternative solutions in the future. Dependence on one vendor also concentrates risk; if the vendor experiences financial instability, discontinues the product, or significantly raises prices, the agency could face major disruptions. Furthermore, a single solution might not perfectly meet all evolving needs, potentially leading to workarounds or gaps in functionality. Ensuring robust contract terms, including exit strategies and data portability, is crucial to mitigate these risks.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1305M426Q0021

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 730 24TH ST NW STE 3, WASHINGTON, DC, 20037

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $163,155

Exercised Options: $163,155

Current Obligation: $163,155

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD74B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline