Interior's $6.3M IT contract for vegetation management awarded to Managed Business Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,333,093 ($6.3M)

Contractor: Managed Business Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2021-03-30

End Date: 2027-01-31

Contract Duration: 2,133 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ITSS II - VMAP - VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ACTION PORTAL

Place of Performance

Location: DENVER, JEFFERSON County, COLORADO, 80225

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $6.3 million to MANAGED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: ITSS II - VMAP - VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ACTION PORTAL Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for IT services, but specific performance metrics are needed for a full value-for-money assessment. 2. Full and open competition suggests a healthy market, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. Contract duration and firm-fixed-price structure indicate moderate risk. 4. This contract supports vegetation management, a critical function for land management agencies. 5. The IT services sector is highly competitive, with many firms capable of delivering such solutions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.33 million over its period of performance (approximately 3.5 years) suggests a moderate annual spend for IT services. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts within the federal government would provide a clearer picture of value. The firm-fixed-price structure generally indicates that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be favorable for the government if well-defined requirements are established. Without detailed performance metrics or comparison data, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the pricing appears within a plausible range for specialized IT support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a reasonable level of competition for this specific requirement. This competitive environment is generally expected to drive more favorable pricing and encourage innovation from the participating firms. The agency's decision to use full and open competition implies confidence in the market's ability to meet the defined needs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and higher quality services due to market pressures. This approach ensures that government funds are used efficiently by selecting the most cost-effective and capable solution.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) benefits from enhanced IT capabilities for vegetation management. Services delivered include computer-related support crucial for data analysis and operational efficiency. The contract's geographic impact is primarily within Colorado, where the contractor is located, but the services likely support national land management efforts. Workforce implications include the potential for skilled IT professionals to be engaged in supporting critical environmental and land management functions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if vegetation management requirements are not precisely defined.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
Ensuring ongoing alignment with evolving vegetation management technologies and strategies.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure shifts cost risk to the contractor.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
Contract duration provides stability for the agency's IT support needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer-related services. The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in technology to support their missions. This contract's focus on vegetation management highlights a niche application within the sector, supporting environmental and resource management. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT support services vary widely based on complexity and scope, but the annual value of this contract appears moderate within the federal IT landscape.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates the awardee is not a small business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. This means that opportunities for small business participation may be limited unless the prime contractor voluntarily includes them in their subcontracting efforts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Bureau of Land Management's contracting officers and program managers. Performance monitoring, adherence to contract terms, and quality assurance are key oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. The Inspector General for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

IT Support Services
Environmental Management Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Support
Bureau of Land Management IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for technology obsolescence given contract duration.
Reliance on contractor performance for critical IT functions.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $6.3 million to MANAGED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LLC. ITSS II - VMAP - VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ACTION PORTAL

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANAGED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Bureau of Land Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-03-30. End: 2027-01-31.

What is the track record of Managed Business Solutions LLC in delivering similar IT services to federal agencies?

Managed Business Solutions LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily within the IT and professional services domains. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those involving vegetation management or environmental data systems, would be crucial. Key indicators to examine include on-time delivery, adherence to budget, customer satisfaction ratings, and any documented performance issues or awards. A review of their contract history can reveal patterns of successful project completion or potential areas of concern, providing context for their capability to execute the current ITSS II - VMAP contract effectively.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar IT vegetation management solutions in the federal market?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $6.33 million contract against similar IT vegetation management solutions requires access to detailed cost breakdowns and market data. Given the firm-fixed-price structure and full and open competition, the pricing is presumed to be competitive. However, a direct comparison would involve analyzing the scope of work, service level agreements, and the specific technologies employed by other awarded contracts for similar services. Without this granular data, it's difficult to definitively state if the price is above or below market rates. The number of bidders (3) suggests some level of market interest, but not necessarily a highly saturated competitive environment that would guarantee the lowest possible price.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential technical challenges in integrating IT solutions with vegetation management needs, the possibility of scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined, and contractor performance issues. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract mitigates financial risk for the government by capping costs. Mitigation for technical and performance risks relies heavily on the agency's oversight, clear performance standards, and the contractor's demonstrated capabilities. The duration of the contract (over 3 years) also presents a risk of technology obsolescence if not managed proactively. Regular performance reviews and clear communication channels are essential for ongoing risk mitigation.

How effective is the Vegetation Management Action Portal (VMAP) expected to be in supporting the Bureau of Land Management's mission?

The effectiveness of the VMAP is directly tied to its ability to provide accurate, timely, and actionable data for vegetation management. If the IT services procured enable better monitoring, analysis, and prediction of vegetation patterns (e.g., invasive species spread, fire risk), it can significantly enhance the BLM's ability to manage public lands. Success metrics would likely include improvements in resource allocation, faster response times to environmental threats, and more informed land use planning. The contract's success hinges on the IT solutions' usability and their direct contribution to achieving these operational goals.

What are the historical spending patterns for vegetation management IT support within the Department of the Interior?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for vegetation management IT support within the Department of the Interior (DOI) would provide crucial context for this $6.33 million contract. Understanding previous investments in similar systems, the types of contracts awarded (e.g., sole-source vs. competitive), and the overall IT budget allocated to land management functions can reveal trends. Significant year-over-year increases or decreases in spending could indicate shifts in agency priorities, technological adoption, or efficiency gains. This historical data is vital for assessing whether the current contract represents a sustainable investment or a deviation from established spending norms.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: EMAIL RFQ

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1155 KELLY JOHNSON BLVD, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, 80920

Business Categories: Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,333,093

Exercised Options: $6,333,093

Current Obligation: $6,333,093

Actual Outlays: $5,593,094

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140L0620A0011

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline