FBI awards $15.4M contract for web services to Wildcard Corp, highlighting IT support needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,388,558 ($15.4M)

Contractor: Wildcard Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: FBI.GOV WEB SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: STEVENS POINT, PORTAGE County, WISCONSIN, 54481

State: Wisconsin Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $15.4 million to WILDCARD CORP for work described as: FBI.GOV WEB SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in maintaining and enhancing the FBI's digital presence. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but requires careful monitoring of scope creep. 3. Wildcard Corp's selection suggests a competitive process that yielded a potentially cost-effective solution. 4. The contract duration of four years indicates a long-term need for these IT services. 5. This award falls within the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code, a broad category for IT support. 6. The geographic location of the contractor in Wisconsin may have implications for service delivery and local economic impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.4 million over four years averages to $3.85 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar federal IT service contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests an expectation of predictable costs. The award amount appears reasonable for comprehensive web services, assuming the scope of work is well-defined and aligns with industry standards for IT support and development.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, driving down prices and encouraging innovation. The presence of multiple bidders suggests that the government had a range of options to choose from, potentially leading to a better value proposition for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is the most taxpayer-favorable method, as it maximizes the chances of securing the best possible price and quality by allowing all eligible businesses to participate.

Public Impact

The FBI benefits from enhanced and reliable web services, crucial for its public outreach and information dissemination. Citizens and stakeholders gain improved access to information and services provided through the FBI's online platforms. The contract supports the operational efficiency of the FBI's digital infrastructure. Workforce implications may include opportunities for IT professionals employed by Wildcard Corp, potentially in Wisconsin.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in a firm-fixed-price contract if not managed diligently.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical web services could pose a risk if performance falters.
The broad NAICS code 'Other Computer Related Services' might obscure the specific nature of the services provided, making detailed performance analysis more difficult.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Long contract duration indicates a stable and ongoing need for these services, suggesting a strategic partnership.

Sector Analysis

The federal IT services market is vast and highly competitive, with agencies increasingly relying on external contractors for specialized support. This contract for web services falls under the broad category of IT support and digital services, a sector experiencing continuous growth driven by digital transformation initiatives across government. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar web service contracts can vary significantly based on the complexity and scale of the required services.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Wildcard Corp, a single entity, suggests that small businesses were either not primary bidders or did not meet the specific requirements for this particular contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist within Wildcard Corp's operations.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight mechanisms. The firm-fixed-price structure provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases. The FBI, as part of the Department of Justice, falls under the jurisdiction of the DOJ's Office of the Inspector General for oversight of its contracts and programs.

Related Government Programs

FBI IT Modernization Efforts
Department of Justice Web Infrastructure Support
Federal Government Digital Services Contracts
IT Services for Law Enforcement Agencies

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Contractor performance risk over extended duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $15.4 million to WILDCARD CORP. FBI.GOV WEB SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WILDCARD CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What specific web services are included under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'FBI.GOV WEB SERVICES' under NAICS code 541519 (Other Computer Related Services). While the specific services are not detailed in the summary data, this typically encompasses a range of activities such as website design, development, maintenance, hosting, content management, security, and potentially application support for the FBI's public-facing websites. The firm-fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope of work, but the exact deliverables would be outlined in the contract's statement of work.

How does Wildcard Corp's track record compare to other potential bidders for this contract?

Information on Wildcard Corp's specific track record with federal contracts, particularly for web services, is not provided in the summary data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), previous contract awards, and any relevant experience with law enforcement or similar government agencies. Without this detailed history, it's difficult to definitively compare their capabilities against other potential bidders who may have also competed for this award.

What is the risk assessment associated with this contract, considering its duration and scope?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep, given the broad nature of 'web services,' and the contractor's ability to deliver consistently over the four-year period. The firm-fixed-price structure mitigates financial risk for the government but places performance risk on the contractor. Ensuring clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and robust contract management by the FBI will be crucial to mitigating risks related to service quality, timeliness, and adherence to the defined scope.

How does this contract align with the FBI's broader IT modernization goals?

This contract directly supports the FBI's need for modern, secure, and user-friendly web services. Agencies like the FBI rely heavily on their public websites for communication, recruitment, public awareness campaigns, and disseminating critical information. Investing in these services through a dedicated contract suggests a commitment to maintaining and improving their digital presence, which is a key component of any IT modernization strategy aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and public engagement.

What are the historical spending patterns for FBI web services or similar IT support?

Historical spending patterns for FBI web services are not detailed in the provided data. However, federal agencies, including law enforcement, have consistently increased their IT spending over the years, with a significant portion allocated to maintaining and upgrading digital infrastructure and services. Contracts for web services, IT support, and cybersecurity are common. Understanding the FBI's historical IT budget and previous contract awards for similar services would provide context for the $15.4 million value of this specific award.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 15F06722Q0000225

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1300 COLLEGE CT, STEVENS POINT, WI, 54481

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,532,829

Exercised Options: $15,388,558

Current Obligation: $15,388,558

Actual Outlays: $13,064,650

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA19D00MJ

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline