State Department awards $2.26M for GITM Laptops, highlighting IT infrastructure needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,256 ($2.3K)

Contractor: Government Acquisitions Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2026-04-02

End Date: 2026-06-02

Contract Duration: 61 days

Daily Burn Rate: $37/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: GITM LAPTOP

Place of Performance

Location: CINCINNATI, HAMILTON County, OHIO, 45202

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $2,255.64 to GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS INC for work described as: GITM LAPTOP Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for IT hardware procurement, pending detailed benchmarking. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment. 3. Potential risks include delivery timelines and ensuring hardware compatibility. 4. This contract supports essential IT infrastructure for government operations. 5. The IT services sector is characterized by rapid technological advancement and evolving needs. 6. Procurement of laptops is a common and recurring need across federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.26 million for GITM laptops seems within a reasonable range for bulk IT hardware acquisition. Benchmarking against similar large-scale laptop procurements by other federal agencies would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure helps control costs, but the ultimate value depends on the quality and longevity of the delivered hardware.

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,' indicating that multiple vendors were allowed to bid after an initial exclusion period. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, leading to potentially better pricing and terms for the government. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging vendors to offer their best value.

Public Impact

Federal employees within the Department of State will benefit from updated and functional IT equipment. The contract will deliver GITM laptops, crucial for daily operations and information management. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of State's operational locations. This procurement supports the IT workforce by providing necessary tools for their roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for delays in delivery impacting operational readiness.
Risk of receiving hardware that does not meet specific performance or compatibility requirements.
Ensuring adequate post-delivery support and warranty services.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
Clear delivery dates provide a timeline for integration.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is a vast and dynamic market. This contract falls under the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code (541519), which encompasses a broad range of IT support and services. The federal government is a significant consumer of IT hardware and services, with annual spending in the hundreds of billions. This specific procurement for laptops is a common requirement to maintain and upgrade agency IT infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary focus for this specific contract, as the 'ss' (small business set-aside) field is false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this particular award appears limited, though larger prime contractors may engage small businesses for other aspects of their operations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified goods by a certain date. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule IT Contracts
Department of Defense IT Procurement
Civil Agency IT Modernization Initiatives

Risk Flags

Potential for delivery delays
Hardware compatibility issues
Cybersecurity risks associated with IT hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $2,255.64 to GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS INC. GITM LAPTOP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2,255.64.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-02. End: 2026-06-02.

What is the typical lifespan and expected performance of GITM laptops procured by the federal government?

The typical lifespan for federal government laptops, including those designated as GITM (Government-Issued Technology Management), is generally between 3 to 5 years. This lifespan is determined by factors such as hardware durability, technological obsolescence, and agency refresh cycles. Expected performance is usually defined by specific technical requirements outlined in the contract, such as processor speed, RAM, storage capacity, and operating system compatibility. Agencies aim to procure laptops that meet the demands of their users for the duration of their intended service life, balancing cost with capability. The specific performance benchmarks for these GITM laptops would be detailed in the solicitation documents that led to this award.

How does the pricing of these GITM laptops compare to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equivalents?

Comparing the pricing of government-procured laptops to Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) equivalents can be complex. Federal contracts often include specific configurations, extended warranties, enhanced security features, and bulk purchasing discounts that may not be available in the retail market. While COTS laptops might appear cheaper initially, the total cost of ownership for government-issued laptops can be competitive when considering these bundled services and the economies of scale achieved through large federal orders. The firm fixed-price nature of this contract suggests that GOVERNMENT ACQUISITIONS INC has offered a price they believe is competitive within the federal procurement landscape, taking into account these factors. A direct per-unit cost comparison would require detailed specifications of both the awarded laptops and comparable COTS models.

What are the primary risks associated with procuring IT hardware like laptops through federal contracts?

The primary risks associated with procuring IT hardware like laptops through federal contracts include delivery delays that can disrupt agency operations, the potential for receiving hardware that doesn't fully meet the specified technical requirements or performance benchmarks, and issues with compatibility with existing agency IT infrastructure. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the hardware or pre-installed software are also a significant concern. Furthermore, ensuring adequate post-delivery support, maintenance, and warranty services from the vendor is crucial for long-term usability and cost-effectiveness. The firm fixed-price contract mitigates some financial risk, but operational and technical risks remain key considerations for the Department of State.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar IT hardware procurements by the Department of State?

Historical spending patterns for similar IT hardware procurements by the Department of State typically show consistent investment in maintaining and upgrading its technological infrastructure. Agencies like the State Department regularly procure laptops, desktops, servers, and networking equipment to support thousands of employees globally. Annual spending on IT hardware can range from millions to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the agency's size, modernization initiatives, and specific project needs. This $2.26 million award for GITM laptops appears to be a standard component of their ongoing IT lifecycle management, reflecting a recurring need rather than an exceptional expenditure. Analyzing past contract awards for laptops and related IT equipment would reveal trends in volume, pricing, and vendor selection.

How does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method impact the final price and vendor selection?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method is a procurement strategy designed to ensure broad competition while potentially streamlining the initial stages. It typically involves an initial period where certain sources might be excluded (e.g., for specific technological reasons or to encourage new entrants), followed by a period of full and open competition where all responsible sources can submit bids. This approach aims to balance the benefits of wide competition, which generally leads to better pricing and innovation, with the need for specific capabilities or to address market dynamics. For taxpayers, this method is intended to yield competitive pricing by allowing multiple vendors to vie for the contract. The final price is a result of the vendors' proposals responding to the government's requirements and the competitive pressures exerted during the bidding process. The selection is based on the best value to the government, considering price, technical factors, and other criteria.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - END USER

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2060 READING ROAD, CINCINNATI, OH, 45202

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,256

Exercised Options: $2,256

Current Obligation: $2,256

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC78B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline