DOJ's $158M IT Toolkit Contract Awarded to Charter Communications, Lacking Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $15,838 ($15.8K)
Contractor: Charter Communications Operating LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2024-09-30
End Date: 2027-03-01
Contract Duration: 882 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: FY24-28 D18 BTOOLKIT(ITD) SPECTRUM
Place of Performance
Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63131
State: Missouri Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $15,837.51 to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING LLC for work described as: FY24-28 D18 BTOOLKIT(ITD) SPECTRUM Key points: 1. Significant spending on IT services for the U.S. Marshals Service. 2. Lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment and value. 3. Contract duration extends over three years, impacting long-term budget planning. 4. The 'Other Computer Related Services' category is broad, potentially masking specific needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $158.38 million price is fair. Benchmarking against similar 'Other Computer Related Services' contracts is challenging due to the broad NAICS code and lack of detailed service descriptions.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was not competed, indicating a limited competition approach. This likely resulted in less aggressive pricing than a full and open competition would have achieved, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these IT services.
Public Impact
Taxpayers may be overpaying for IT services due to the lack of competitive bidding. The U.S. Marshals Service's operational efficiency could be impacted if the IT services are not cost-effective. Future IT procurements may be influenced by this non-competitive award, potentially limiting market innovation.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- High contract value
- Long contract duration
- Broad service description
Positive Signals
- Specific agency need addressed
- Fixed-price contract type can provide cost certainty
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under IT services, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services.' Benchmarks for this broad category are difficult to establish without more specific service details, but large, non-competed IT contracts often warrant scrutiny for value.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no information provided on whether small business participation was considered or subcontracted.
Oversight & Accountability
The lack of competition suggests potential weaknesses in the procurement process oversight. Further review is needed to understand why this contract was not competed and if adequate justification exists.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- U.S. Marshals Service Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for overpayment due to lack of competition
- Lack of transparency regarding service details
- Limited oversight indicated by non-competitive award
- Risk of vendor lock-in
- Uncertainty of long-term value for money
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-justice, mo, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $15,837.51 to CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING LLC. FY24-28 D18 BTOOLKIT(ITD) SPECTRUM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS OPERATING LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $15,837.51.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2027-03-01.
What specific IT services are included under 'Other Computer Related Services' for the U.S. Marshals Service, and how do these align with their mission requirements?
The specific services are not detailed in the provided data. 'Other Computer Related Services' is a broad NAICS code that can encompass a wide range of IT support, maintenance, and consulting. Understanding the precise nature of these services is crucial for assessing their necessity and value to the U.S. Marshals Service's operational effectiveness and mission accomplishment.
What is the justification for awarding this significant IT contract to Charter Communications without full and open competition?
The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' but does not offer a justification. Typically, non-competitive awards require specific justifications, such as the existence of only one responsible source, urgent and compelling needs, or specific statutory authority. Without this justification, the lack of competition raises significant concerns about potential price inflation and missed opportunities for better value.
How will the effectiveness of the IT services provided by Charter Communications be measured and ensured throughout the contract's duration?
The contract type is 'FIRM FIXED PRICE,' which generally shifts performance risk to the contractor. However, effectiveness is typically measured through performance metrics, service level agreements (SLAs), and regular reviews. The data does not specify these performance measures, making it difficult to assess how the government will ensure the contractor delivers effective IT services aligned with the U.S. Marshals Service's 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 - NETWORK
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: 15M10224QA4700313
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12405 POWERSCOURT DR, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63131
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,237
Exercised Options: $15,838
Current Obligation: $15,838
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-09-30
Current End Date: 2027-03-01
Potential End Date: 2029-03-01 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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