Labor awards $18.7M for Appian Cloud Platform software and maintenance to Software Information Resource Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,665,259 ($18.7M)

Contractor: Software Information Resource Corp.

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2023-08-30

End Date: 2026-08-30

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: APPIAN CLOUD PLATFORM SOFTWARE AND MAINTENANCE

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20037

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $18.7 million to SOFTWARE INFORMATION RESOURCE CORP. for work described as: APPIAN CLOUD PLATFORM SOFTWARE AND MAINTENANCE Key points: 1. The contract value of $18.7 million over two years is significant for cloud platform software. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate procurement strategy. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. This spending falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.7 million for a two-year period appears reasonable for a cloud platform solution. Benchmarking against similar enterprise software licenses and maintenance contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This indicates that while competition was sought, specific sources may have been excluded, potentially impacting the breadth of price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are impacted by the $18.7 million expenditure, which is intended to provide essential cloud platform services to the Department of Labor.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and maintenance of critical cloud-based business process management software. Supports the Department of Labor's administrative and management functions through technology. Potential for improved efficiency and workflow automation for agency operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in with a specific cloud platform.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical software maintenance.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation into its justification and impact on competition.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Long-term contract (2 years) allows for stable service delivery.
Supports essential government IT infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the IT sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519). Spending in this area is substantial across government, supporting a wide range of digital services and infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this procurement, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management within the Department of Labor. Oversight would focus on performance, delivery, and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Labor Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Programs

Risk Flags

Potential lack of robust competition due to source exclusion.
Risk of vendor lock-in with proprietary cloud platform.
Dependency on a single vendor for critical software maintenance.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $18.7 million to SOFTWARE INFORMATION RESOURCE CORP.. APPIAN CLOUD PLATFORM SOFTWARE AND MAINTENANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SOFTWARE INFORMATION RESOURCE CORP..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-30. End: 2026-08-30.

What was the specific justification for excluding certain sources in this 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' award?

The justification for excluding sources is critical for understanding the true level of competition achieved. Agencies typically exclude sources due to specific technical requirements, existing infrastructure compatibility, or unique capabilities not met by all potential bidders. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the exclusion limited competitive pricing or if it was a necessary step to ensure the best solution for the government's needs.

How does the per-unit cost of the Appian Cloud Platform software and maintenance compare to industry benchmarks for similar government or commercial contracts?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost is essential for determining value for money. If the cost is significantly higher than comparable contracts, it could indicate overpricing or a lack of competitive pressure. Conversely, if it aligns with or is below benchmarks, it suggests a fair price was negotiated. This analysis requires access to detailed pricing structures and market data for similar enterprise software solutions.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured to ensure effectiveness and taxpayer value?

Effective oversight requires clearly defined KPIs tied to the software's performance, uptime, support responsiveness, and contribution to agency operational goals. Measuring these KPIs will demonstrate whether the $18.7 million investment is delivering the expected benefits and efficiencies. Regular performance reviews and reporting are crucial for accountability and ensuring the contract remains effective throughout its duration.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 1605TB-23-Q-00104

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 730 24TH ST NW STE 3, WASHINGTON, DC, 20037

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,430,637

Exercised Options: $18,665,259

Current Obligation: $18,665,259

Actual Outlays: $18,665,259

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD74B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline