DOJ's FBI awards $23M ITSSS-2 contract to ECS Federal for computer services, with 4 bidders

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,078,397 ($23.1M)

Contractor: ECS Federal, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2025-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $63.4K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: CODIS DMSS - ITSSS-2 SCOR 37

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $23.1 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC for work described as: CODIS DMSS - ITSSS-2 SCOR 37 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to ECS Federal, LLC for IT services. 2. The contract has a duration of 364 days. 3. This is a Time and Materials contract type. 4. The contract was competed under SAP. 5. The award falls under the ITSSS-2 SCOR 37. 6. The FBI is the primary agency utilizing these services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $23,078,396.96 for a 364-day period appears reasonable given the scope of IT services. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts for federal agencies suggests that pricing for Time and Materials contracts can vary significantly based on skill sets and labor categories. Without specific details on the labor mix and rates, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the number of bidders indicates some level of competitive pressure on pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a competitive process among eligible vendors. With four bidders participating, there was a reasonable level of competition, which typically helps in achieving fair market prices. The use of SAP suggests the acquisition was valued below the full and open competition threshold, but still allowed for multiple offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award, even under SAP, suggests that taxpayer dollars were likely used efficiently, as multiple vendors vied for the contract, potentially driving down costs compared to a sole-source award.

Public Impact

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will benefit from enhanced IT support services. These services are crucial for maintaining and improving the FBI's information technology infrastructure. The contract supports critical law enforcement and national security functions. The geographic impact is primarily within the FBI's operational areas, likely concentrated in Virginia where the contract is registered.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns inherent in Time and Materials contracts if not closely monitored.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT services could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Award to an established contractor (ECS Federal, LLC) suggests a degree of reliability.
Competitive bidding process helps ensure a reasonable price and selection of a capable vendor.
Contract duration provides a stable period for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. The IT services market for federal agencies is substantial, with significant spending on software, hardware, and support. Contracts like this are common as agencies continually require support for their complex IT systems. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts often range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and agency size.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless ECS Federal, LLC voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the FBI's contracting officers and program managers. The contract type (Time and Materials) necessitates diligent monitoring of labor hours and costs to ensure value. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases, and the Inspector General's office for the Department of Justice would have jurisdiction over any potential fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

IT Professional Services
Information Technology Support Services
Federal Bureau of Investigation Contracts
Department of Justice IT Spending

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires close monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical IT functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $23.1 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC. CODIS DMSS - ITSSS-2 SCOR 37

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 $23.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the track record of ECS Federal, LLC with the FBI and other federal agencies?

ECS Federal, LLC has a history of performing IT services for various federal agencies, including the Department of Justice and the FBI. Their past performance data, available through federal procurement databases, would detail their success in delivering similar services, adherence to schedules, and overall client satisfaction. Analyzing their prior contracts can provide insights into their capabilities and reliability in executing complex IT projects. For instance, reviewing their awards for IT support, cybersecurity, or cloud services can indicate their expertise relevant to this current contract. A strong past performance record with the FBI would suggest a lower risk for this new award.

How does the awarded price compare to similar IT support contracts for the FBI?

Comparing the awarded price of approximately $23 million for a 364-day contract requires detailed analysis of the specific services rendered and the labor categories involved. Without a breakdown of the labor mix (e.g., number of senior engineers, help desk technicians, project managers) and their respective hourly rates, a direct price comparison is difficult. However, general benchmarks for IT support services within the federal government indicate that costs can range widely. Factors such as the complexity of the systems supported, the required security clearances, and the geographic location of the personnel influence pricing. If this contract involves highly specialized skills or extensive on-site support, the price may be within market norms. Conversely, if it's for more standard IT support, it could be higher or lower depending on the efficiency achieved through competition.

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

The primary risk with Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like this one, is the potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual labor hours and materials used. This structure can incentivize longer task durations or less efficient work if oversight is weak. For the FBI, risks include exceeding the contract ceiling without a proportional increase in delivered value, difficulty in accurately forecasting final costs, and potential for scope creep. Effective risk mitigation requires robust monitoring of labor hours, detailed progress reporting, and strong program management to ensure that the work performed aligns with the agency's needs and budget.

How effective is the ITSSS-2 vehicle for procuring these types of IT services?

The IT Solutions - Enterprise Services (ITSSS-2) contract vehicle is designed to provide a streamlined and efficient way for federal agencies, particularly the Department of Justice, to procure a wide range of IT services. Its effectiveness lies in offering pre-competed task orders, which reduces the time and administrative burden associated with traditional procurement. By establishing a framework with pre-qualified vendors and defined service areas, ITSSS-2 aims to ensure access to qualified contractors and potentially better pricing through competition at the task order level. The success of this specific award under ITSSS-2 suggests the vehicle is functioning as intended for this type of IT support requirement.

What is the historical spending trend for similar IT support services at the FBI?

Historical spending on IT support services by the FBI has generally been substantial, reflecting the agency's critical mission and reliance on advanced technology. Over the past several years, federal agencies, including the FBI, have increasingly focused on modernizing IT infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and leveraging data analytics, all of which require significant investment in IT support. Spending trends often show a gradual increase in IT budgets, driven by evolving threats and the need for more sophisticated systems. Analyzing past FBI contracts for IT services, network management, and cybersecurity support would reveal patterns in contract values, durations, and the types of services most frequently procured, providing context for the current $23 million award.

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

Solicitation ID: 15F06725Q0000216

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

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: $128,769,456

Exercised Options: $23,078,397

Current Obligation: $23,078,397

Actual Outlays: $5,787,679

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15F06724A0000314

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline