DOJ's FBI awards $32M for IT hardware, including workstations and monitors, under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,004,847 ($32.0M)

Contractor: Government Acquisitions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2022-09-29

End Date: 2023-03-31

Contract Duration: 183 days

Daily Burn Rate: $174.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PURCHASE OF WORKSTATIONS, KVM SWITCHES, MONITORS, HEADSETS.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20535

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $32.0 million to GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS INC for work described as: PURCHASE OF WORKSTATIONS, KVM SWITCHES, MONITORS, HEADSETS. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential IT hardware, indicating a need for updated or expanded computing infrastructure. 2. Procurement was conducted via full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these goods. 3. The relatively short performance period (183 days) points to an immediate need or a specific project timeline. 4. The award to Government Acquisitions Inc. represents a single delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 suggests services related to computer hardware and peripherals. 6. The contract's value is moderate within the context of large federal IT procurements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $32 million for IT hardware, including workstations, KVM switches, and monitors, appears reasonable given the quantity and type of goods procured. Benchmarking against similar federal IT hardware procurements suggests that the pricing is competitive, especially considering it was awarded under full and open competition. The firm-fixed-price structure helps manage cost certainty for the government. Without specific unit pricing details, a precise value-for-money assessment is limited, but the overall award amount aligns with market expectations for such equipment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that the solicitation was made available to all responsible prospective contractors. While the specific number of bids received is not detailed, this competition type generally fosters a competitive environment, leading to better pricing and terms for the government. The exclusion of sources clause might imply specific technical requirements or existing contract vehicles that limited the initial pool, but the overall approach aimed for broad market participation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically results in more favorable pricing for taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best terms. This approach helps ensure that the government is not overpaying for goods and services.

Public Impact

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents and personnel will benefit from updated workstations and related IT hardware, enhancing their operational capabilities. The services delivered include the provision of essential computing equipment necessary for daily law enforcement and investigative tasks. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the contract is registered. The procurement supports the IT workforce by providing them with the tools needed to perform their duties effectively.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for obsolescence of hardware given the rapid pace of technological advancement.
Dependence on a single awardee for the delivery of critical IT components.
Risk of scope creep if additional hardware needs arise beyond the initial order.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Clear definition of goods to be procured (workstations, monitors, etc.).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on computer hardware procurement. The market for IT hardware is vast and highly competitive, with numerous manufacturers and resellers. Federal agencies are significant buyers of IT equipment, often leveraging large contract vehicles to streamline procurement. This specific award represents a portion of the FBI's ongoing investment in maintaining and upgrading its technological infrastructure to support its mission-critical operations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from this specific award. The primary awardee, Government Acquisitions Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. This means the contract likely went to a larger entity, and opportunities for small business participation would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plans, which are not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the FBI. As a delivery order under a larger contract, the underlying contract vehicle likely has established oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through public contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to this procurement were identified.

Related Government Programs

FBI IT Modernization Programs
General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule Contracts
Department of Justice IT Procurement
Federal Desktop Computer Acquisition

Risk Flags

Potential for supply chain delays
Risk of hardware obsolescence
Dependence on vendor performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $32.0 million to GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS INC. PURCHASE OF WORKSTATIONS, KVM SWITCHES, MONITORS, HEADSETS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-29. End: 2023-03-31.

What is the track record of Government Acquisitions Inc. in fulfilling federal IT hardware contracts?

Government Acquisitions Inc. (GAI) has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily for IT hardware and related services. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, particularly those involving workstations, monitors, and networking equipment, would provide insight into their reliability and ability to meet delivery schedules and quality standards. Federal procurement data often details award history, including contract values, agencies served, and performance ratings. A review of GAI's contract portfolio would reveal if they have consistently met obligations, managed projects effectively, and adhered to budgetary constraints in previous engagements with agencies like the FBI or other components of the Department of Justice.

How does the $32 million award compare to historical FBI spending on similar IT hardware categories?

To assess this, one would need to examine historical FBI spending data for 'workstations,' 'KVM switches,' 'monitors,' and 'headsets' over several fiscal years. Comparing the $32 million award against the average annual or biannual spending for these categories would indicate if this represents a significant increase, decrease, or a typical procurement cycle. Factors such as the number of users supported, the technological refresh cycle, and specific project requirements influence spending levels. If this award is substantially higher or lower than historical averages, further investigation into the underlying reasons, such as expanded requirements or cost-saving measures, would be warranted.

What are the key risk indicators associated with this specific IT hardware procurement?

Key risk indicators for this IT hardware procurement include the potential for technological obsolescence, as hardware can become outdated quickly. Another risk is supply chain disruption, which can impact delivery timelines, especially for specialized components. Vendor performance risk is also present; while Government Acquisitions Inc. has a contract history, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to specifications is crucial. Furthermore, cybersecurity risks associated with the hardware itself, such as vulnerabilities in firmware or potential backdoors, must be considered. Finally, the risk of inadequate user adoption or integration issues with existing systems could also pose challenges.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method in ensuring value for the FBI?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method aims to balance broad market access with specific agency needs. By excluding certain sources, the FBI might be targeting vendors with specific capabilities or leveraging existing contract vehicles that offer better terms. However, the 'full and open' aspect ensures that a wide range of eligible vendors can compete, driving down prices through market forces. The effectiveness in ensuring value depends on how well the exclusion criteria align with genuine requirements and whether sufficient competition remains among the eligible pool. If the exclusion significantly limits the number of bidders, it could potentially reduce competitive pressure and impact overall value.

What are the potential long-term implications of this hardware purchase on the FBI's IT infrastructure lifecycle?

This purchase represents a refresh or expansion of the FBI's endpoint computing resources. The long-term implications depend on the lifespan of the procured hardware, the warranty and support agreements in place, and how well it integrates with the FBI's broader IT strategy. If the hardware is durable and supported by robust maintenance plans, it can provide reliable service for several years. Conversely, if it's a short-term solution or lacks adequate support, it could necessitate more frequent replacements, increasing lifecycle costs. Furthermore, the choice of hardware can impact future upgrade paths, software compatibility, and overall system performance, influencing the efficiency and security of the FBI's IT infrastructure.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 720 E PETE ROSE WAY, CINCINNATI, OH, 45202

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,004,847

Exercised Options: $32,004,847

Current Obligation: $32,004,847

Actual Outlays: $32,005,371

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD23B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline