DOJ awards $59.7M for IDEMIANSS Matching Algorithm SW Maintenance to IDEMIA National Security Solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $59,721,841 ($59.7M)

Contractor: Idemia National Security Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2026-09-27

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $54.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IDEMIANSS MATCHING ALGORITHM SW MAINTENANCE

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $59.7 million to IDEMIA NATIONAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: IDEMIANSS MATCHING ALGORITHM SW MAINTENANCE Key points: 1. Significant contract value for software maintenance. 2. Sole-source award limits competition and potentially impacts price discovery. 3. Risk of vendor lock-in and limited market alternatives. 4. IT sector spending, specifically on software and peripherals.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $59.7M over three years for software maintenance is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price is optimal compared to similar maintenance contracts for advanced algorithms.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This significantly limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs than if multiple vendors had competed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competition for this critical software maintenance.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of a critical FBI matching algorithm. Potential for higher costs due to sole-source nature. Lack of transparency in pricing due to no competitive bidding.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for overpricing

Positive Signals

Critical system maintenance
Long-term contract

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically for software maintenance and peripheral equipment. Spending in this area is crucial for agency operations but requires careful oversight to ensure value.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to IDEMIA National Security Solutions LLC, a large business. There is no indication of small business participation in this sole-source award.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the FBI is receiving fair value and that the necessity for a sole-source justification remains valid.

Related Government Programs

Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Justice Contracting
Federal Bureau of Investigation Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits price competition.
Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of alternatives.
Dependency on a single vendor for critical software.
Limited transparency in cost justification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $59.7 million to IDEMIA NATIONAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS LLC. IDEMIANSS MATCHING ALGORITHM SW MAINTENANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IDEMIA NATIONAL SECURITY SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $59.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2026-09-27.

What is the justification for the sole-source award of this critical software maintenance contract?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one vendor can fulfill the requirement. For the IDEMIANSS Matching Algorithm, the FBI likely cited specific technical requirements or integration complexities that only IDEMIA National Security Solutions LLC could meet, preventing a competitive procurement process.

How does the lack of competition impact the risk of cost overruns or inefficiencies?

The lack of competition inherently increases the risk of cost overruns and inefficiencies. Without competing bids, the vendor has less incentive to offer the most competitive pricing. The government relies on negotiation and oversight to mitigate this, but the absence of market pressure means potential savings are likely foregone.

What measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and continued performance of the IDEMIANSS Matching Algorithm under this contract?

Effectiveness is typically ensured through detailed performance work statements (PWS) within the contract, specifying required uptime, response times, and accuracy metrics. The FBI's contracting officers and technical monitors would be responsible for tracking performance against these metrics and enforcing contract terms, including potential remedies for non-performance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 675 N WASHINGTON ST STE 350, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $110,796,679

Exercised Options: $59,721,841

Current Obligation: $59,721,841

Actual Outlays: $59,721,841

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline