State Department awards $100.5M GSS contract to CGI Federal for overseas consular support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $100,528,248 ($100.5M)

Contractor: CGI Federal Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2018-07-29

End Date: 2023-07-28

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $55.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE INCENTIVE

Sector: IT

Official Description: GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS FOR THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIOMETRIC COLLECTION SERVICES.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $100.5 million to CGI FEDERAL INC. for work described as: GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS FOR THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIOMETRIC COLLECTION SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on user-pays information, appointment, fee collection, and biometric services. 2. CGI Federal Inc. is the awardee for this performance-based task order. 3. The contract spans five years, indicating a significant long-term commitment. 4. Competition method was full and open, suggesting a robust market. 5. The fixed-price incentive contract type aims to balance cost and performance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $100.5M award over five years for consular support services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar overseas support contracts is needed for a definitive assessment, but the fixed-price incentive structure suggests an effort to control costs while ensuring performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid. This method is expected to lead to a fair market price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving value for money, as multiple companies vied for the contract, driving down potential costs.

Public Impact

Impacts citizens requiring consular services abroad, affecting appointment scheduling and document processing. Enhances efficiency of overseas operations through performance-based task orders. Supports diplomatic missions by providing essential administrative and technical services. Potential for improved user experience through integrated information and fee collection systems.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for scope creep in complex overseas operations.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical consular functions.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition.
Performance-based contract structure.
Long-term commitment allows for stable service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within IT services, specifically Computer Facilities Management Services, supporting the Department of State's global operations. IT services for government agencies are a significant spending area, with benchmarks varying widely based on complexity and scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as CGI Federal Inc. is a large business. There is no information provided on subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.

Oversight & Accountability

The performance-based nature of the contract suggests oversight will focus on achieving defined performance outcomes. The Department of State's internal oversight mechanisms and potential GAO reviews will be crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Computer Facilities Management Services
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Reliance on a single entity for critical functions.
Complexity of managing overseas operations.
Performance metrics not explicitly detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $100.5 million to CGI FEDERAL INC.. GLOBAL SUPPORT STRATEGY (GSS) PERFORMANCE-BASED TASK ORDER FOR OVERSEAS CONSULAR SUPPORT FOR CONSULAR OPERATIONS FOR THE PATCHWORK OF USER-PAYS INFORMATION, APPOINTMENT, FEE COLLECTION, DOCUMENT DELIVERY, GREETER, AND OFFSITE BIOMETRIC COLLECTION SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CGI FEDERAL INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $100.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-07-29. End: 2023-07-28.

What specific performance metrics are defined in the GSS contract, and how are they measured to ensure effective service delivery and value for taxpayer money?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics within the GSS contract. Effective oversight would require clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to appointment wait times, fee collection accuracy, document delivery timeliness, and user satisfaction. Regular performance reviews against these metrics are essential to ensure the contractor meets expectations and that taxpayer funds are utilized efficiently.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor, CGI Federal Inc., for critical overseas consular support services over a five-year period?

Relying on a single vendor for five years carries risks such as vendor lock-in, potential for complacency, and reduced leverage in price negotiations. If CGI Federal Inc. underperforms or faces financial instability, it could significantly disrupt essential consular operations. Contingency planning and robust contract management are vital to mitigate these risks and ensure continuity of services.

How does the 'user-pays' model for information, appointment, and fee collection services impact the overall cost-effectiveness and accessibility for citizens seeking consular services?

The 'user-pays' model aims to shift some operational costs directly to the users of specific services, potentially reducing the direct burden on taxpayer appropriations. However, it can also impact accessibility if fees become prohibitive for some citizens. The cost-effectiveness is realized if the collected fees cover the service costs efficiently, and accessibility is maintained through transparent fee structures and potential waivers where appropriate.

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

Address: 12601 FAIR LAKES CIR, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $202,905,847

Exercised Options: $114,459,347

Current Obligation: $100,528,248

Actual Outlays: $44,772,744

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA10D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline