DOJ awards $15.3M IT contract to ECS Federal, LLC for laboratory services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,318,416 ($15.3M)

Contractor: ECS Federal, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-03-12

End Date: 2027-03-11

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.0K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SCOR 7 LABORATORY IT (LIT)

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $15.3 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC for work described as: SCOR 7 LABORATORY IT (LIT) Key points: 1. Contract awarded under GSA's MAS program, indicating potential for competitive pricing. 2. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government. 3. Contract duration of 729 days (2 years) provides a stable period for service delivery. 4. Awarded to ECS Federal, LLC, a contractor with a history of federal engagements. 5. The NAICS code 541519 suggests a broad range of IT services are covered. 6. The contract is a BPA Call, implying it's a task order against a larger agreement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.3 million over two years for IT laboratory services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts within the Department of Justice and other federal agencies suggests this pricing is competitive. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost overruns, and the award to a single vendor via a BPA call indicates a pre-negotiated pricing structure that is likely favorable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a competitive process among pre-qualified vendors or through broader solicitations for smaller dollar amounts. While the exact number of bidders isn't specified, the use of SAP suggests that multiple offers were likely solicited and evaluated, fostering price discovery. The award is not sole-source, indicating a degree of market competition was leveraged.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the procurement, even under SAP, is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more favorable price compared to a sole-source award. It ensures that federal funds are being used efficiently by selecting a vendor that offers good value.

Public Impact

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential IT laboratory services. These services are critical for supporting the FBI's operational needs and technological infrastructure. The contract is geographically focused within Virginia, where the FBI has significant operations. The contract supports IT professionals and laboratory technicians, contributing to the federal IT workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if services are highly specialized and difficult to transition.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT laboratory functions could pose a risk if performance falters.
Scope creep could lead to cost increases if not managed tightly under the firm fixed-price agreement.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty and limits the government's financial risk.
Awarded under a GSA schedule (implied by BPA Call) suggests pre-vetted vendors and potentially competitive pricing.
The contractor, ECS Federal, LLC, has experience with federal contracts, indicating familiarity with government requirements.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is a significant area of federal spending, with agencies increasingly relying on advanced technology for operations. This contract falls within the 'Other Computer Related Services' category, which encompasses a wide array of IT support, maintenance, and development. Federal spending in this sector is characterized by a mix of large, complex system integrations and smaller, specialized service contracts like this one. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts often range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While ECS Federal, LLC is a large business, the contract does not explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist within the scope of this BPA Call and if they are being utilized to engage the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and the FBI's program management office responsible for IT services. As a BPA Call under a GSA schedule, there are established oversight mechanisms through GSA's Federal Acquisition Service. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, and the Inspector General for the Department of Justice would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this award.

Related Government Programs

GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
FBI IT Modernization Programs
Department of Justice IT Services
Federal Laboratory Information Technology Support

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on single vendor for critical IT functions
Scope creep risk under FFP

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $15.3 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC. SCOR 7 LABORATORY IT (LIT)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECS FEDERAL, 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 $15.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-03-12. End: 2027-03-11.

What is the track record of ECS Federal, LLC in delivering IT laboratory services to the federal government?

ECS Federal, LLC has a substantial track record of performing IT services for various federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the FBI. Their contract history often includes support for complex IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and specialized technical services. While specific performance metrics for this particular BPA Call are not yet available, their general experience suggests a capability to handle the requirements. Past performance evaluations, often available through federal procurement data systems, would provide a more detailed assessment of their reliability and quality of service on previous, similar contracts. This includes their ability to meet deadlines, manage budgets, and deliver on technical specifications.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar IT laboratory service contracts awarded by the FBI or DOJ?

The $15.3 million contract value over two years for IT laboratory services is within the expected range for specialized IT support within a large federal agency like the FBI. Comparable contracts for IT infrastructure management, software development, or specialized technical support within the DOJ often fall within this multi-million dollar bracket. Factors influencing this value include the complexity of the laboratory systems, the required security clearances, the level of technical expertise needed, and the duration of the support. Without specific details on the exact services rendered, a precise comparison is difficult, but the award appears aligned with typical federal IT procurement values for such services.

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

Key risks include potential performance issues from the contractor, scope creep leading to cost overruns despite the firm fixed-price structure, and reliance on a single vendor for critical functions. Mitigation strategies involve the FBI's robust contract management and oversight processes, including regular performance reviews and adherence to the defined scope of work. The firm fixed-price nature inherently limits cost escalation. Furthermore, the use of a BPA Call under a GSA schedule implies that ECS Federal has already met certain performance and financial standards, reducing some initial vendor risk. The FBI's ability to task order against the BPA also allows for flexibility in managing service levels.

How effective is the use of a BPA Call under GSA MAS for procuring these types of IT laboratory services?

Using a BPA Call under GSA MAS is generally an effective method for procuring specialized IT services like those required by the FBI's laboratories. This approach leverages pre-negotiated contract terms and pricing established under the MAS program, streamlining the acquisition process and reducing administrative burden. It ensures that vendors have already been vetted for capability and compliance. For the government, it offers a faster procurement cycle and competitive pricing derived from the initial MAS competition. For the FBI, it provides a flexible mechanism to obtain necessary IT support without lengthy, standalone procurement processes, allowing for quicker response to evolving technological needs.

What are the historical spending patterns for IT laboratory services within the FBI or DOJ?

Historical spending on IT laboratory services within the FBI and DOJ has generally shown a consistent upward trend, reflecting the increasing reliance on technology for investigations, data analysis, and evidence management. Agencies like the FBI invest heavily in maintaining and upgrading sophisticated laboratory information systems, digital forensics tools, and data processing capabilities. Spending often fluctuates based on specific modernization initiatives, new technological requirements, or the lifecycle of existing systems. Contracts for these services typically range from short-term support to multi-year engagements, with values varying significantly based on the scope and complexity of the laboratory's IT needs.

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

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Asgn Incorporated

Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE STE 600, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

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: $41,164,569

Exercised Options: $16,431,186

Current Obligation: $15,318,416

Actual Outlays: $6,848,278

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $220,192

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06724A0000314

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline