DOJ's FBI awards Accenture $31.1M IT contract for EADSS Services, highlighting a need for advanced data solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,125,021 ($31.1M)

Contractor: Accenture Federal Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-08-21

End Date: 2026-08-20

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $85.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: EADSS SERVICES - ITSSS-2 SCOR 13

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $31.1 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: EADSS SERVICES - ITSSS-2 SCOR 13 Key points: 1. The contract's value of $31.1 million over one year suggests a significant investment in IT support. 2. Accenture Federal Services LLC, a large established firm, secured this contract, indicating a competitive landscape for major IT service providers. 3. The 'Computer Systems Design Services' NAICS code points to a focus on complex IT infrastructure and solutions. 4. The contract's Time and Materials pricing structure may pose a risk of cost overruns if not closely managed. 5. This award falls under the IT Services sector, a critical area for federal agency operations. 6. The contract's duration of one year with potential for extensions warrants monitoring for long-term cost-effectiveness.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31.1 million for a one-year period for IT systems design services appears within a reasonable range for a large federal agency like the FBI. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT support contracts awarded by agencies such as the Department of Defense or other intelligence agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model, while common for IT services where scope can evolve, necessitates diligent oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the delivered value and do not escalate beyond initial projections.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competitive process. This approach is generally expected to foster price discovery and encourage competitive pricing among qualified vendors, potentially leading to better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing services at competitive market rates, preventing potential overpayment that could arise from less competitive procurement methods.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which will receive advanced IT support services. These services are crucial for the FBI's operational efficiency, data management, and potentially for law enforcement and national security functions. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting the FBI's domestic operations. The contract supports a workforce of IT professionals and system designers, contributing to the federal IT services employment sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed and monitored for scope creep.
The reliance on a single large contractor, Accenture Federal Services LLC, for critical IT systems design could pose a risk if performance issues arise or if the contractor's priorities shift.
The contract's duration of one year, while standard, requires ongoing evaluation to ensure continued alignment with evolving FBI needs and to prevent vendor lock-in without performance justification.

Positive Signals

The award to Accenture Federal Services LLC, a well-established IT services provider with a significant federal presence, suggests a high likelihood of successful performance.
The use of full and open competition indicates a thorough evaluation process, likely resulting in a technically capable and competitively priced solution.
The contract's focus on 'Computer Systems Design Services' aligns with the FBI's need for modern and robust IT infrastructure to support its complex mission.

Sector Analysis

The federal IT services market is a substantial and highly competitive sector, with agencies consistently investing in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Contracts for computer systems design services, like this one, are fundamental to maintaining and upgrading the complex technological infrastructure that supports agency missions. The FBI's award to Accenture falls within this broad category, competing with numerous other large and small businesses vying for federal IT contracts. Spending benchmarks for similar IT support services can vary widely based on scope, duration, and specific technological requirements, but this $31.1 million award for a one-year period is indicative of a significant, mission-critical IT engagement.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded to Accenture Federal Services LLC and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements in the provided data. Given the nature of the services (complex IT systems design) and the prime contractor's size, it is possible that subcontracting opportunities may exist for specialized IT support or niche services. However, without explicit set-aside provisions or reported subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not immediately apparent from this award alone. Further analysis of the contract's detailed terms and conditions would be necessary to ascertain any mandated small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight mechanisms, including review by the Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and potentially the Government Accountability Office (GAO) if protests or disputes arise. The FBI's internal contracting and program management offices are responsible for day-to-day oversight of performance and expenditures. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS-NG, where basic contract details are publicly available. The Time and Materials (T&M) nature of the contract necessitates particularly rigorous oversight of labor hours and material costs to ensure accountability and prevent waste.

Related Government Programs

FBI IT Modernization Programs
Department of Justice IT Services
General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule Contracts
EADSS (Enterprise Application Development and Support Services) related contracts
Computer Systems Design Services contracts across federal agencies

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Contract performance risk associated with a single large vendor.
Need for robust oversight to ensure value for money.
Scope creep management challenges in IT systems design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $31.1 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC. EADSS SERVICES - ITSSS-2 SCOR 13

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES 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 $31.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-21. End: 2026-08-20.

What is Accenture Federal Services LLC's track record with the FBI and other federal agencies for similar IT systems design contracts?

Accenture Federal Services LLC has a substantial history of performing IT services for various federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the FBI. Their track record typically includes large-scale system integration, cloud migration, cybersecurity solutions, and application development. For the FBI specifically, Accenture has been involved in providing IT support and modernization services. A detailed review of their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would reveal specific strengths and weaknesses related to project delivery, cost control, and adherence to schedules on similar contracts. Generally, large system integrators like Accenture are awarded significant contracts due to their capacity to handle complex, multi-faceted IT projects, though performance can vary based on specific program management and resource allocation.

How does the $31.1 million contract value compare to the FBI's historical spending on IT systems design services?

The $31.1 million contract value for one year represents a significant investment in IT systems design services for the FBI. To contextualize this, one would need to examine the FBI's historical spending patterns for similar services over the past 3-5 fiscal years. This would involve analyzing data from contract databases to identify the average annual expenditure on computer systems design, IT modernization, and related support. If this $31.1 million figure is substantially higher or lower than previous averages, it could indicate a shift in IT strategy, a response to new technological requirements, or a change in procurement approach. For instance, if the FBI has historically spent $15-20 million annually on such services, this award might signal an expansion of scope or a new major initiative. Conversely, if historical spending has been in the $40-50 million range, this award might represent a consolidation or a specific, albeit large, component of a broader IT strategy.

What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure for this contract?

The primary risk associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure for this contract is the potential for cost overruns and a lack of defined cost ceiling if not managed rigorously. In a T&M contract, the government pays the contractor for the actual labor hours expended and the cost of materials used, plus a fixed fee or fixed hourly rate. This structure is often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to evolve. The risk for the FBI lies in the contractor potentially extending project timelines or increasing labor hours beyond what is necessary, leading to costs exceeding initial estimates. Effective oversight, including detailed tracking of hours, regular progress reviews, and clear task definitions, is crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value for its investment. Without strong management controls, T&M contracts can become significantly more expensive than fixed-price alternatives.

How does the 'Computer Systems Design Services' NAICS code (541512) align with the FBI's mission-critical functions?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541512, 'Computer Systems Design Services,' directly aligns with the FBI's mission-critical functions by providing the foundational IT infrastructure and solutions necessary for modern law enforcement and intelligence operations. This code encompasses services such as designing and integrating hardware, software, and telecommunications technologies. For the FBI, this translates into developing and maintaining secure communication networks, sophisticated data analysis platforms, case management systems, and digital forensics capabilities. Effective computer systems design is essential for processing vast amounts of information, enabling rapid response to threats, facilitating inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring the integrity of investigations. The FBI's reliance on these services underscores the critical role of advanced IT in its ability to combat crime, terrorism, and other national security threats in an increasingly digital world.

What are the potential implications of this contract award on future IT spending trends within the Department of Justice?

This $31.1 million award to Accenture Federal Services LLC for EADSS IT services by the FBI could signal several trends for future IT spending within the Department of Justice (DOJ). Firstly, it highlights a continued emphasis on modernizing and enhancing IT capabilities, particularly in areas like data management and systems integration, which are crucial for law enforcement agencies. Secondly, the choice of a large, established contractor like Accenture suggests a preference for vendors with proven large-scale project execution capabilities, potentially favoring similar large-scale procurements in the future. Thirdly, the contract's focus on 'Computer Systems Design Services' indicates ongoing investment in foundational IT infrastructure rather than solely application-specific solutions. If this contract proves successful, it could encourage similar investments in advanced IT systems across other DOJ components, potentially leading to increased overall IT budgets or a reallocation of existing funds towards strategic IT modernization efforts.

Are there any specific performance metrics or deliverables outlined in the contract that indicate success criteria?

The provided data snippet does not detail specific performance metrics or deliverables for this contract. However, for a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this nature, success criteria are typically established through a Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW). These documents would outline the tasks to be performed, expected quality levels, and potentially key performance indicators (KPIs). Common metrics for IT systems design services include system uptime, response times for issue resolution, successful implementation of new features or systems, adherence to project milestones, and user satisfaction. The contract likely includes clauses for regular progress reporting and reviews where performance against these unstated metrics would be assessed. The quality of the PWS/SOW and the rigor of the government's oversight in tracking these metrics are critical determinants of the contract's success and value.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 15F06725Q0000048

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Novetta Solutions, LLC

Address: 800 N GLEBE RD STE 300, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $209,917,573

Exercised Options: $31,125,021

Current Obligation: $31,125,021

Actual Outlays: $8,752,074

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 7

Total Subaward Amount: $3,376,084

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06724A0000296

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline