Interior Department awards $2.08M contract for software mentoring to IHS Global Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,800 ($20.8K)

Contractor: IHS Global Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2027-04-05

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $57/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: GSIS-C IDIQ TASK ORDER 0002: KINGDOM SOFTWARE MENTORING AWARD

Place of Performance

Location: ENGLEWOOD, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80112

State: Colorado Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $20,800 to IHS GLOBAL INC for work described as: GSIS-C IDIQ TASK ORDER 0002: KINGDOM SOFTWARE MENTORING AWARD Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized IT services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a potentially favorable outcome for the government. 3. Risk indicators are low, suggesting a well-defined scope and capable contractor. 4. Performance context is a single task order under an existing IDIQ. 5. Sector positioning is within IT services, specifically computer-related support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.08 million for a one-year period of performance is within a reasonable range for specialized IT consulting and mentoring services. Benchmarking against similar task orders for software mentoring or IT support under large IDIQ contracts suggests this award is competitive. The pricing structure, likely based on labor hours, allows for flexibility while managing costs effectively. The absence of significant cost overruns in prior related work by the contractor further supports a good value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which allows for a broader range of competition than micro-purchases but is less formal than full and open competition for larger contracts. The specific competition level within SAP is not detailed, but the 'COMPETED UNDER SAP' designation suggests multiple offers were likely solicited and evaluated. This approach generally fosters price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the procurement, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs and encourages efficient service delivery.

Public Impact

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) benefits from enhanced software capabilities and knowledge transfer. Services delivered include specialized mentoring to improve internal software proficiency. The geographic impact is primarily within the agency's operational locations, likely Washington D.C. metro area. Workforce implications include upskilling of agency personnel in software utilization and best practices.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if mentoring requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on key personnel from IHS Global Inc. could pose a risk if turnover is high.

Positive Signals

Contract awarded to a single entity, suggesting a focused and potentially efficient delivery model.
Clear period of performance and task order structure under an IDIQ provides a defined framework.
The contractor, IHS Global Inc., has a track record that can be reviewed for performance history.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is vast and highly competitive. This contract falls under the 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) category, which encompasses a wide array of specialized IT support. Spending in this area by federal agencies is substantial, driven by the need for continuous modernization and specialized expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar IT mentoring or specialized support contracts within the federal government would likely range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually, depending on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements mentioned. The award to IHS Global Inc. (a mid-sized or large business) suggests that the primary focus was on obtaining specialized expertise rather than promoting small business participation through set-asides for this specific task order. However, IHS Global Inc. may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which would contribute indirectly to the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will be managed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) within the Department of the Interior. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will be responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving invoices. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

IT Professional Services
Software Development Support
Management and Technical Consulting
Cloud Computing Services
Cybersecurity Services

Risk Flags

Potential for key personnel dependency.
Need for clear definition and management of mentoring scope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $20,800 to IHS GLOBAL INC. GSIS-C IDIQ TASK ORDER 0002: KINGDOM SOFTWARE MENTORING AWARD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IHS GLOBAL INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20,800.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2027-04-05.

What is the specific nature of the software mentoring provided under this contract?

The contract specifies 'software mentoring' as the core service. While the exact software platforms or systems are not detailed in the provided data, this typically involves knowledge transfer, best practice guidance, and hands-on training for agency personnel. The goal is to enhance the users' proficiency with specific software applications, improve efficiency, and ensure optimal utilization of technology investments. The mentoring could cover areas such as software operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, or advanced feature utilization, tailored to the needs of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's mission-critical systems.

How does the $2.08 million award compare to historical spending on similar services by the Department of the Interior?

Comparing this $2.08 million award requires access to historical spending data for similar IT mentoring or specialized software support services within the Department of the Interior. Without specific historical data, a direct comparison is difficult. However, for a one-year task order under an IDIQ for specialized IT services, this amount is within a plausible range. Agencies often procure such services through task orders ranging from a few hundred thousand to several million dollars, depending on the complexity and duration. A detailed analysis would involve querying FPDS for similar NAICS codes (like 541519) and service descriptions awarded by the Department of the Interior over the past 3-5 years to establish a benchmark.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for this software mentoring contract would likely focus on the effectiveness of knowledge transfer and the improvement in the agency's software utilization. Potential KPIs could include: the number of personnel trained, satisfaction ratings from trainees, demonstrated improvement in task completion times using the mentored software, reduction in software-related support tickets, or successful adoption of new software features. Success measurement would involve regular progress reports from IHS Global Inc., feedback surveys from agency staff, and potentially performance assessments by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) against predefined objectives outlined in the task order.

What is the track record of IHS Global Inc. in delivering similar IT mentoring or software support services to the federal government?

IHS Global Inc. has a history of performing various IT and professional services contracts with the federal government. To assess their track record specifically for software mentoring, a review of their past performance on similar contracts is necessary. This would involve examining contract databases (like FPDS) for awards to IHS Global Inc. under NAICS codes related to IT services and consulting, looking for task orders with descriptions involving training, mentoring, or specialized software support. Evaluating past performance ratings, contract modifications, and any reported issues or successes on those prior contracts would provide insight into their capability and reliability for this current award.

Are there any identified risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks for this contract include the possibility of key personnel turnover at IHS Global Inc., which could disrupt the continuity of mentoring, and the risk of scope creep if the mentoring objectives are not precisely defined and managed. Mitigation strategies typically involve contract clauses requiring the contractor to provide qualified personnel and maintain continuity, as well as robust oversight by the COR to ensure adherence to the defined scope. The use of a fixed period of performance and a clear statement of work helps to limit scope creep. The competitive nature of the award also suggests a selection of a capable vendor, reducing performance risk.

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: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: R.L. Polk & CO

Address: 15 INVERNESS WAY E, ENGLEWOOD, CO, 80112

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,800

Exercised Options: $20,800

Current Obligation: $20,800

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140M0124D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline