Treasury's IRS Awards $52.1M for EA3 Project Management and Testing Support to TISTA Science and Technology Corporation

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $52,100,573 ($52.1M)

Contractor: Tista Science and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of the Treasury

Start Date: 2018-11-28

End Date: 2022-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,372 days

Daily Burn Rate: $38.0K/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: EA3 (ELECTRONIC AUTHENTICATION, AUTHORIZATION, ACCESS) PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND TESTING SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: LANHAM, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20706

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Treasury obligated $52.1 million to TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: EA3 (ELECTRONIC AUTHENTICATION, AUTHORIZATION, ACCESS) PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND TESTING SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical Electronic Authentication, Authorization, and Access (EA3) systems, essential for secure government operations. 2. TISTA Science and Technology Corporation, a small business, secured this significant award. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 4. The total award value is $52.1 million over a period of 1372 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $52.1 million for project management and testing support appears reasonable given the scope and duration. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts would provide a more precise assessment, but the price seems within expected ranges for specialized technical services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition after exclusion of sources. This method generally promotes price discovery and ensures fair market value is obtained, although the specific exclusion criteria would need further review for potential impact.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential IT support services.

Public Impact

Enhances security for taxpayer data through improved authentication and access controls. Supports modernization efforts within the Internal Revenue Service's IT infrastructure. Ensures reliable testing and management of critical electronic systems. Contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of IRS operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in complex IT projects.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical EA3 support.
Ensuring continued innovation and adaptation to evolving threats.

Positive Signals

Award to a small business, supporting economic diversity.
Clear definition of project management and testing support.
Competitive bidding process for a critical function.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Computer Systems Design Services sector, a crucial area for government IT modernization. Spending in this sector is substantial, with agencies increasingly relying on specialized support for complex systems like EA3.

Small Business Impact

TISTA Science and Technology Corporation, identified as a small business, was awarded this contract. This award demonstrates the government's commitment to engaging small businesses for significant IT support roles, fostering competition and innovation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's duration and value suggest ongoing oversight is necessary to ensure performance objectives are met and funds are utilized effectively. Regular performance reviews and milestone tracking are crucial for accountability.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of the Treasury Contracting
Internal Revenue Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Ensuring continued technological relevance.
Dependency on a single vendor for critical security functions.
Managing performance over a long contract duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Treasury awarded $52.1 million to TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. EA3 (ELECTRONIC AUTHENTICATION, AUTHORIZATION, ACCESS) PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND TESTING SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TISTA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Treasury (Internal Revenue Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $52.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-11-28. End: 2022-08-31.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the EA3 project management and testing support provided by TISTA?

The effectiveness of the EA3 project management and testing support is likely evaluated through metrics such as system uptime, successful authentication rates, reduction in security incidents related to access, timely completion of testing cycles, and adherence to project timelines and budget. Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and performance-based metrics.

What are the primary risks associated with the long-term reliance on TISTA for critical EA3 functions, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks include vendor lock-in, potential for decreased innovation if TISTA's solutions become outdated, and the impact of vendor performance issues on IRS operations. Mitigation strategies may involve clearly defined contract exit clauses, regular performance reviews, encouraging knowledge transfer to government personnel, and maintaining a competitive landscape for future contract renewals or replacements.

How does this contract contribute to the IRS's overall mission effectiveness and taxpayer service delivery?

This contract directly contributes to mission effectiveness by ensuring the security, reliability, and efficiency of critical electronic authentication, authorization, and access systems. This, in turn, supports seamless taxpayer interactions, protects sensitive data, and enables the IRS to deliver services more effectively and securely, fostering public trust.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFQ 8004

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1201 SEVEN LOCKS RD STE 350, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20854

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $88,431,784

Exercised Options: $81,655,691

Current Obligation: $52,100,573

Actual Outlays: $46,298,322

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q17GWD2184

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline