State Dept. Spends $2.48M on Gartner Fedlink Subscriptions via Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,478,893 ($2.5M)
Contractor: Gartner, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2024-04-01
End Date: 2027-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: GARTNER FEDLINK SUBSCRIPTIONS
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20520
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $2.5 million to GARTNER, INC. for work described as: GARTNER FEDLINK SUBSCRIPTIONS Key points: 1. Spending on Gartner Fedlink subscriptions totals $2.48 million over three years. 2. Gartner, Inc. is the sole provider for these specific subscription services. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The primary sector is Information Technology, specifically web search portals and information services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award amount of $2.48 million for three years appears reasonable given the specialized nature of Gartner's research and advisory services. Benchmarking against similar government-wide contracts for Gartner services would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure cost-effective solutions for essential information services.
Public Impact
Provides access to critical market research and advisory services for federal agencies. Supports informed decision-making in technology procurement and strategy. Enhances the government's ability to leverage industry best practices.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized
- Clear contract duration and pricing structure
- Services support informed decision-making
Sector Analysis
This spending falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically for web search portals and information services. Government spending on IT research and advisory services is crucial for staying abreast of technological advancements and making informed procurement decisions.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate specific set-asides for small businesses. The primary contractor is Gartner, Inc., a large corporation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of State, indicating agency-level oversight. The use of full and open competition suggests a structured procurement process, but ongoing monitoring of service delivery and value is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential vendor lock-in
- Reliance on a single provider for specialized research
- Lack of small business participation noted
Tags
web-search-portals-and-all-other-informa, department-of-state, dc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $2.5 million to GARTNER, INC.. GARTNER FEDLINK SUBSCRIPTIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GARTNER, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.
What specific Gartner services are included in the Fedlink subscriptions, and how do they directly support the Department of State's mission objectives?
The specific Gartner services are not detailed in the provided data, but they likely encompass market research, technology trend analysis, and advisory services relevant to IT procurement and strategy. These services would support the Department of State's mission by enabling informed decisions on technology investments, risk mitigation, and the adoption of innovative solutions to enhance diplomatic and operational capabilities.
Given Gartner's market position, what are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor for these critical information services?
Relying on a single vendor like Gartner carries risks such as potential price increases in future contract renewals, limited exposure to alternative solutions or innovative approaches from competitors, and vendor lock-in. Dependence on one provider could also impact the government's agility if Gartner's service offerings or strategic direction change unfavorably.
How effectively does the 'full and open competition' method ensure optimal value for taxpayer money in the context of specialized IT research subscriptions?
Full and open competition is designed to maximize value by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and services. For specialized IT research subscriptions, this method helps ensure that the government is not overpaying and that the chosen services align with specific needs. However, the effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation and the government's ability to evaluate diverse proposals accurately.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services › Web Search Portals and All Other Information Services
Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › OTHER QUALITY, TEST, INSPECT SVCS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 56 TOP GALLANT RD, STAMFORD, CT, 06902
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,853,880
Exercised Options: $2,478,893
Current Obligation: $2,478,893
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 03310324D0001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-31
Potential End Date: 2027-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-09
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