State Dept. Awards $24.2M for Research Platform Software to Federal Resources Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,222,200 ($24.2M)
Contractor: Federal Resources Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2023-03-20
End Date: 2027-03-19
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: RESEARCH PLATFORM SOFTWARE
Place of Performance
Location: ERIE, ERIE County, PENNSYLVANIA, 16502
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $24.2 million to FEDERAL RESOURCES CORPORATION for work described as: RESEARCH PLATFORM SOFTWARE Key points: 1. Contract value of $24.2 million over 5 years. 2. Federal Resources Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. The contract is for 'Other Computer Related Services'. 4. Awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $24.2 million over five years appears reasonable for a research platform software solution. Benchmarking against similar large-scale software procurements would be necessary for a definitive assessment.
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 a competitive process was intended. However, the specific exclusion of sources warrants further investigation to ensure no viable competitors were unfairly barred.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are likely receiving fair value due to the competitive nature of the award, assuming the exclusion of sources did not unduly limit competition.
Public Impact
Enhances research capabilities for the Department of State. Supports critical data analysis and information management. Potential for improved operational efficiency through advanced software.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Need to understand the rationale for 'exclusion of sources'.
- Verify if 'Other Computer Related Services' accurately reflects the software's function.
- Assess long-term sustainment and upgrade costs.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
- Long-term award allows for stable platform development.
- Competitive award process generally leads to better value.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with significant variation based on complexity and scope.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in the subcontracting opportunities for this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State is responsible for oversight of this contract. The firm fixed price structure and competitive award process suggest a degree of accountability, but ongoing performance monitoring is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
- Risk of vendor lock-in.
- Need for detailed cost-benefit analysis.
- Unclear small business participation.
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-state, pa, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $24.2 million to FEDERAL RESOURCES CORPORATION. RESEARCH PLATFORM SOFTWARE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is FEDERAL RESOURCES CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $24.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-03-20. End: 2027-03-19.
What was the specific justification for excluding other sources during the full and open competition?
The justification for excluding other sources needs to be thoroughly reviewed. While the award was under 'full and open competition', the exclusion implies a specific reason, such as a unique capability or proprietary technology. Understanding this rationale is key to ensuring no viable alternatives were overlooked and that the competition was truly robust.
How does the pricing compare to industry benchmarks for similar research platform software?
A detailed pricing assessment against industry benchmarks is essential. Given the $24.2 million value, comparing the per-unit cost of features, user licenses, and support services to similar commercial offerings will reveal if the government is receiving competitive pricing. This analysis helps identify potential overspending or cost savings.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for this critical research platform?
The primary risk is vendor lock-in and potential price increases upon renewal or modification. Dependence on Federal Resources Corporation could also lead to service disruptions if the vendor faces financial or operational issues. Mitigating these risks requires strong contract management, clear performance metrics, and contingency planning for future procurements.
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
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1401 STATE ST, ERIE, PA, 16501
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $54,214,900
Exercised Options: $54,214,900
Current Obligation: $24,222,200
Actual Outlays: $430,900
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC61B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-03-20
Current End Date: 2027-03-19
Potential End Date: 2028-03-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-11
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