Interior Department's $2M MAPLE contract for analytics services awarded to BAE Systems shows fair value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,035,961 ($2.0M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2018-09-12

End Date: 2021-05-31

Contract Duration: 992 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 47

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: MAPLE (MULTI-INT ANALYTICS FOR PATTERN LEARNING&EXPLOITATION) AS A SERVICE (MAAS)

Place of Performance

Location: BURLINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01803

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $2.0 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC. for work described as: MAPLE (MULTI-INT ANALYTICS FOR PATTERN LEARNING&EXPLOITATION) AS A SERVICE (MAAS) Key points: 1. The contract's value appears reasonable when benchmarked against similar R&D services. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Performance risk appears low given the contract type and duration. 4. The contract aligns with the agency's need for advanced data analytics capabilities. 5. This award falls within the broader R&D sector for the Department of the Interior.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of approximately $2.04 million over its period of performance (September 2018 to May 2021) seems reasonable for specialized analytics services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for R&D in data analytics suggests that the pricing was competitive. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while allowing for cost flexibility, was managed within a defined ceiling, indicating a degree of cost control. The fixed fee component provides a predictable profit margin for the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The solicitation likely attracted a competitive field of bidders, which generally drives down prices and encourages innovation. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that the market for these specialized analytics services is healthy and that the government had a good selection of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to achieve the best possible price and quality.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior benefits from enhanced capabilities in analyzing complex datasets for pattern recognition and exploitation. Services delivered include advanced analytics and machine learning to support intelligence and operational needs. The geographic impact is national, supporting DOI's diverse mission across the United States. Workforce implications include the potential for upskilling existing personnel or requiring specialized analytical talent.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in CPFF contracts if not closely monitored.
Reliance on a single contractor for specialized analytics could create future dependency.
Ensuring continued innovation and adaptation to evolving analytical needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Contract duration allowed for thorough development and integration of analytics capabilities.
BAE Systems is a reputable contractor with a strong track record in defense and intelligence.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically focusing on physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding niche areas like nanotechnology and biotechnology. The market for advanced analytics and artificial intelligence services within the federal government is growing, driven by the need to process vast amounts of data. Comparable spending in this area across agencies often involves significant investment in software, hardware, and specialized personnel.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses and was awarded to a large prime contractor, BAE Systems. There is no explicit information regarding small business subcontracting plans. The focus on advanced analytics may limit opportunities for smaller firms unless they possess highly specialized capabilities that prime contractors seek to subcontract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight was likely managed through the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers. The CPFF contract type necessitates diligent monitoring of costs and performance to ensure adherence to the fixed fee and overall ceiling. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms, though specific details of internal oversight are not publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence Analysis Services
Data Science and Machine Learning Contracts
Department of the Interior IT Modernization Efforts
Advanced Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage potential cost escalations.
Rapid evolution of AI and analytics technology poses a risk of obsolescence.
Dependence on specialized contractor expertise for advanced analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $2.0 million to BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC.. MAPLE (MULTI-INT ANALYTICS FOR PATTERN LEARNING&EXPLOITATION) AS A SERVICE (MAAS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-12. End: 2021-05-31.

What is BAE Systems' track record with similar analytics contracts for the federal government?

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. has a substantial track record with federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and intelligence community, for providing advanced technology solutions, including data analytics, intelligence processing, and command and control systems. Their experience often involves complex R&D projects and the integration of sophisticated software and hardware. While specific contract details vary, their history suggests a capacity to handle large-scale, technically demanding analytics requirements. This particular contract with the Department of the Interior aligns with their broader capabilities in supporting national security and operational intelligence needs through technological innovation.

How does the value of this contract compare to other federal R&D analytics contracts?

The $2.04 million total value for the MAPLE AS A SERVICE (MAAS) contract is moderate within the federal R&D analytics landscape. Larger agencies like the Department of Defense or intelligence agencies often award contracts in the tens or hundreds of millions for similar advanced analytics and AI capabilities, encompassing broader scope and longer durations. However, for a specific departmental office within the Department of the Interior, focused on a particular set of analytical challenges, this value is consistent with specialized R&D efforts. Benchmarking against contracts for specific analytical software development or data processing services of similar duration and complexity suggests this award falls within a reasonable range, reflecting the specialized nature of the work.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of R&D contract?

The primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) R&D contract include potential cost overruns if the scope of research proves more complex or time-consuming than initially estimated, although the fixed fee provides a ceiling. There's also a risk of technical obsolescence, as R&D in analytics and AI evolves rapidly; the delivered solution might become outdated if not continuously updated or if the underlying technology shifts. Contractor performance risk exists, though mitigated by BAE Systems' experience. Finally, ensuring the effective integration and adoption of the developed analytics capabilities within the Department of the Interior's existing workflows presents an operational risk.

How effective has the MAPLE AS A SERVICE (MAAS) contract been in delivering its intended analytical capabilities?

Assessing the specific effectiveness of the MAPLE AS A SERVICE (MAAS) contract requires access to internal performance reviews and outcome metrics from the Department of the Interior, which are not publicly available. However, the contract's completion and its award to a reputable contractor like BAE Systems suggest a baseline level of success in delivering the contracted analytical capabilities. The 'Multi-INT Analytics for Pattern Learning & Exploitation' (MAPLE) system is designed to enhance intelligence analysis by identifying patterns in diverse data sources. Its effectiveness would be measured by improvements in the speed, accuracy, and depth of insights derived from data, ultimately supporting better decision-making within the Department.

What are the historical spending patterns for analytics and R&D within the Department of the Interior?

Historical spending patterns for analytics and R&D within the Department of the Interior show a growing trend, mirroring broader federal investments in data science, artificial intelligence, and advanced computing. While specific figures fluctuate annually, the Department allocates resources towards modernizing its IT infrastructure and enhancing analytical capabilities to manage its vast natural resource and land management data. Spending in R&D, particularly in areas like geospatial analysis, environmental modeling, and resource management, is crucial. Contracts like MAPLE represent a targeted investment within this broader strategy to leverage advanced analytics for mission-critical functions, indicating a commitment to technological advancement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › OTHER RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HR001118S0004

Offers Received: 47

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Ball Corporation

Address: 600 DISTRICT AVE, BURLINGTON, MA, 01803

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,234,120

Exercised Options: $2,035,961

Current Obligation: $2,035,961

Actual Outlays: $1,826,238

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $34,685

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline