State Department awards $73.2M for overseas consular support, aiming to consolidate services across multiple posts

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $73,201,478 ($73.2M)

Contractor: General Dynamics Information Technology Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2018-02-05

End Date: 2025-02-04

Contract Duration: 2,556 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS IN WESTERN EUROPE ETHIOPIA, ANGOLA, AND CAPE VERDE (WEEAC) TO REPLACE THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIOMETRIC COLLECTION SERVICES CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY THE POSTS.

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22033

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $73.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS IN WESTERN EUROPE ETHIOPIA, ANGOLA, AND CAPE VERDE (WEEAC) TO REPLACE THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVE… Key points: 1. Consolidates disparate user-pays services into a single performance-based contract. 2. Aims to improve efficiency and consistency in consular operations. 3. Fixed-price incentive contract structure may incentivize cost savings. 4. Long-term contract duration (7 years) suggests a strategic need for sustained support. 5. Competition level indicates potential for competitive pricing. 6. Focus on technology and facilities management services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $73.2 million over seven years averages approximately $10.4 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar IT and facilities management contracts for government agencies is challenging without more granular data on the specific services provided. However, the fixed-price incentive structure suggests an effort to control costs while ensuring performance. The consolidation of services aims for economies of scale, which could represent good value if efficiencies are realized.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and innovation. This approach suggests the Department of State sought the best possible solution from the market.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to bid, driving down prices and improving the quality of services offered.

Public Impact

Benefits U.S. citizens requiring consular services abroad by potentially streamlining processes. Enhances the operational efficiency of U.S. embassies and consulates in Western Europe, Ethiopia, Angola, and Cape Verde. Supports the Department of State's mission to provide secure and efficient consular services globally. Impacts the workforce by potentially standardizing roles and responsibilities for support staff at these posts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to the long-term nature of the contract.
Risk of scope creep if additional services are added without proper modification.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical consular support functions.

Positive Signals

Consolidation of services could lead to significant operational efficiencies.
Performance-based contract structure incentivizes contractor to meet or exceed service levels.
Full and open competition suggests a robust market evaluation was conducted.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically focusing on computer facilities management and support services. The market for such services is large and competitive, with numerous established providers. The Department of State's need for reliable, secure, and efficient overseas support is a common requirement across many federal agencies, making this a significant, albeit specialized, segment of government IT spending.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside. However, the prime contractor, General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their own procurement strategies and the specific needs of the task orders issued under this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. The contract's performance-based nature implies that adherence to defined service levels will be monitored. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Consular Services
Overseas Operations Support
IT Facilities Management Contracts
Performance-Based Service Contracts
Global Support Services

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may limit flexibility.
Consolidation of critical services increases reliance on a single vendor.
Performance metrics and oversight effectiveness are key to value realization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $73.2 million to GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC.. IGF::OT::IGF GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS IN WESTERN EUROPE ETHIOPIA, ANGOLA, AND CAPE VERDE (WEEAC) TO REPLACE THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIOMETRIC COLLECTION SERVICES CURRENTLY EMPLOYED BY THE POSTS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $73.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-02-05. End: 2025-02-04.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar consular support services by the Department of State?

Analyzing historical spending for similar consular support services is crucial for context. Prior to this consolidated contract, the Department of State likely utilized a patchwork of 'user-pays' systems and potentially multiple smaller contracts for services like information, appointment scheduling, fee collection, document delivery, greeter services, and offsite biometric collection. The 'patchwork' nature suggests a less integrated and potentially less cost-effective approach. Without specific historical contract data, it's difficult to quantify the exact prior spending, but the consolidation under this $73.2 million, seven-year contract indicates a strategic shift towards a more centralized and potentially more efficient model. This new contract aims to replace those fragmented systems, implying that the previous approach may have been more expensive or less effective in terms of service delivery and management.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to market rates for similar IT and facilities management services?

Directly comparing the pricing of this $73.2 million, seven-year contract to precise market rates is complex without detailed service breakdowns. However, the contract type, Fixed Price Incentive (FPI), suggests a negotiated price with shared risk/reward between the government and the contractor. The fact that it was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition' implies that multiple bids were received, and the award was made to the offeror providing the best value. General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. is a large, established federal contractor, suggesting they are competitive in this space. The annual average of approximately $10.4 million for comprehensive overseas consular support, including IT and facilities management across multiple posts, appears reasonable given the scope and duration, but a definitive market benchmark would require detailed service level agreements and comparable contract data.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract?

As a performance-based contract, this award likely includes specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) designed to measure the contractor's success in delivering the required consular support services. While the specific KPIs are not detailed in the provided data, they would typically focus on aspects such as service availability (e.g., uptime of appointment systems), response times for inquiries, accuracy in fee collection and document processing, user satisfaction ratings from consular staff and potentially the public, and the efficiency of offsite biometric collection processes. The 'Fixed Price Incentive' structure suggests that achieving or exceeding these KPIs could result in incentive payments for the contractor, while failing to meet them might lead to penalties or reduced profit, thereby aligning the contractor's performance with the government's objectives.

What is the track record of General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. in managing similar government contracts?

General Dynamics Information Technology Inc. (GDIT) has a substantial track record of managing large, complex IT and professional services contracts for various U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, NASA, and other civilian departments. They are known for providing a wide range of services, including IT infrastructure management, cybersecurity, application development, and mission support. Their experience often involves large-scale deployments and long-term support operations, similar to the requirements of this consular support contract. While specific performance details for every contract are not always public, GDIT's consistent presence as a major federal contractor suggests a generally reliable performance history in delivering services that meet government standards and requirements.

What are the potential risks associated with consolidating consular support services under a single contract?

Consolidating critical consular support services under a single, long-term contract like this one introduces several potential risks. Firstly, there's a risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch providers if performance degrades or needs change significantly. Secondly, a single point of failure could arise; if the contractor experiences significant operational issues, it could disrupt services across multiple posts simultaneously. Thirdly, the complexity of managing such a broad scope of services could lead to challenges in oversight and ensuring consistent quality across all locations. Finally, there's the risk that the fixed-price nature, even with incentives, might not perfectly align with unforeseen future technological changes or evolving consular needs, potentially leading to contract modifications or suboptimal service delivery.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE (L)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: General Dynamics Corp

Address: 3170 FAIRVIEW PARK DR, FALLS CHURCH, VA, 22042

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $140,747,787

Exercised Options: $140,747,787

Current Obligation: $73,201,478

Actual Outlays: $25,024,755

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA10D0017

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline