Interior's $7.2M Museum Collection System Contract Awarded to IBM Amidst Concerns

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,227,059 ($7.2M)

Contractor: International Business Machines Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-09-15

End Date: 2025-05-31

Contract Duration: 989 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: MUSEUM COLLECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM NEXT

Place of Performance

Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $7.2 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION for work described as: MUSEUM COLLECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM NEXT Key points: 1. IBM secured a significant contract for a museum collection management system. 2. The contract value is substantial at over $7.2 million. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market access. 4. The sector involves IT services, specifically related to data management for cultural institutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's pricing is difficult to assess without specific unit cost data. However, the total award of $7.2M for a 989-day duration (approx. 3 years) for a museum collection management system appears within a reasonable range for complex IT solutions, though benchmarks for this specific niche are scarce.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. The use of a Delivery Order mechanism suggests it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, but the specific price discovery process for this order is not detailed.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers, as it aims to secure the best value through market forces. The final price paid will reflect the competitive landscape at the time of award.

Public Impact

Enhances preservation and accessibility of national museum collections. Potential for improved research and public engagement with artifacts. Modernization of critical cultural heritage data infrastructure. Ensures long-term digital stewardship of valuable historical items.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific per-unit cost data for detailed value assessment.
Potential for vendor lock-in with a large IT provider like IBM.
Scope creep risk in complex IT system development.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition.
Contract duration supports long-term system development and implementation.
Focus on modernizing critical cultural heritage infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on specialized software and services for managing large, complex datasets like museum collections. Spending benchmarks in this niche are highly variable, depending on the scale and specific functionalities required, but $7.2M for a multi-year project is significant.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to a large business (IBM). There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this specific award, which is a missed opportunity for small business participation in federal IT projects.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Interior is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for IT projects, including performance monitoring and financial reviews, should be in place to ensure successful delivery and prevent cost overruns.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed cost breakdown.
No indication of small business participation.
Potential for scope creep in complex IT projects.
Reliance on a single large vendor for critical infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $7.2 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. MUSEUM COLLECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM NEXT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-15. End: 2025-05-31.

What specific functionalities does the Museum Collection Management System entail, and how do they align with the $7.2M cost?

The provided data lacks specific details on the system's functionalities. A comprehensive system for museum collections typically includes cataloging, inventory management, digital asset management, condition reporting, and potentially integration with public-facing portals. The $7.2M cost likely covers software development, hardware, implementation, training, and ongoing support over the contract's duration, but a detailed breakdown is needed for a thorough value assessment.

What are the primary risks associated with implementing a new collection management system for national museums, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include data migration errors from legacy systems, user adoption challenges, potential scope creep leading to cost overruns, and cybersecurity threats to sensitive collection data. Mitigation strategies should involve rigorous testing, comprehensive user training, strict change control processes, and robust security protocols. The contract's duration and firm-fixed-price nature may help control costs if scope is managed effectively.

How will this system enhance the long-term effectiveness of managing and preserving national museum collections?

This system is expected to improve efficiency in cataloging and tracking artifacts, enhance data accuracy and accessibility for researchers and curators, and facilitate better digital preservation of collection information. By modernizing the infrastructure, it supports long-term stewardship, reduces reliance on outdated methods, and potentially increases public access to digitized collections, thereby boosting the effectiveness of the museums' core mission.

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 - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140D0422Q0159

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6710 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE, BETHESDA, MD, 20817

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,227,059

Exercised Options: $7,227,059

Current Obligation: $7,227,059

Actual Outlays: $7,227,059

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: IND13PC00024

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline