SSA Spends $35.3M on Printer Replacements via BPA Call with NCS Technologies
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $35,292,623 ($35.3M)
Contractor: NCS Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration
Start Date: 2018-03-16
End Date: 2019-06-30
Contract Duration: 471 days
Daily Burn Rate: $74.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT PRINTERS WITH ACCESSORIES, AND INSTALLATION, FOR THE AGENCY'S 24,000 OUT OF WARRANTY PRINTERS.
Place of Performance
Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21235
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Social Security Administration obligated $35.3 million to NCS TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT PRINTERS WITH ACCESSORIES, AND INSTALLATION, FOR THE AGENCY'S 24,000 OUT OF WARRANTY PRINTERS. Key points: 1. The Social Security Administration (SSA) procured replacement printers and accessories for $35.3 million. 2. The contract was awarded to NCS Technologies Inc. under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call. 3. The procurement aimed to replace 24,000 out-of-warranty printers. 4. The spending falls under NAICS code 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award value of $35.3 million for 24,000 printers and accessories appears high, averaging approximately $1,470 per unit. Without specific printer models and accessory details, a direct comparison to market pricing is difficult, but this figure suggests a potential for overpayment if standard office printers were acquired.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. However, the use of a BPA Call suggests that a pre-existing contract vehicle was utilized, which may have influenced the pricing discovery process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds were used for this procurement. The value suggests a significant investment, and the effectiveness of the spending depends on the longevity and performance of the acquired printers.
Public Impact
Ensures operational continuity for SSA offices by replacing aging equipment. Supports agency-wide printing needs across numerous locations. Potential for cost savings if the new printers are more efficient and reliable than the old ones.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- High average cost per unit.
- Limited transparency on specific printer models and accessories purchased.
- Potential for better pricing through direct negotiation or different contract vehicles.
Positive Signals
- Procurement addressed a clear need for equipment replacement.
- Utilized a full and open competition approach.
- Awarded via a BPA Call, potentially leveraging existing agreements.
Sector Analysis
The IT hardware sector, particularly printer procurement, is characterized by a wide range of pricing depending on brand, features, and volume. Government agencies often leverage large-volume purchases and existing contract vehicles like BPAs to secure competitive pricing, though the effectiveness varies.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not directly awarded this contract, as it was awarded to NCS Technologies Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses participated as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of a BPA Call implies that oversight mechanisms are in place through the parent BPA. However, the specific oversight applied to this individual call and the subsequent installation process requires further investigation.
Related Government Programs
- Electronic Computer Manufacturing
- Social Security Administration Contracting
- Social Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- High average cost per unit.
- Lack of detailed product specifications.
- Potential for better pricing through alternative procurement methods.
- Limited insight into the competitive bidding process for the BPA call.
Tags
electronic-computer-manufacturing, social-security-administration, md, bpa-call, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Social Security Administration awarded $35.3 million to NCS TECHNOLOGIES INC. TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT PRINTERS WITH ACCESSORIES, AND INSTALLATION, FOR THE AGENCY'S 24,000 OUT OF WARRANTY PRINTERS.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NCS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $35.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2018-03-16. End: 2019-06-30.
What specific printer models and accessories were purchased, and how do their features and capabilities justify the average cost of $1,470 per unit?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact printer models and accessories procured. To justify the average cost of $1,470 per unit, the purchased items would likely need to be high-volume, enterprise-grade multifunction devices with advanced security features, extensive warranty coverage, and potentially specialized accessories tailored to government agency needs. Without this detailed information, it's challenging to assess the value proposition.
Given the full and open competition, what was the competitive landscape, and were there significant price differences between the bids received?
While the award states 'full and open competition,' the use of a BPA Call suggests that the competition might have occurred within the framework of an existing contract. Understanding the competitive landscape would require examining the number of bids received for this specific BPA call and comparing the pricing offered by different vendors. It's possible that the pricing was influenced by the terms of the original BPA, potentially limiting the full extent of price discovery.
How does the total expenditure of $35.3 million compare to the agency's historical spending on printer replacements and the estimated lifespan of the new equipment?
Comparing this $35.3 million expenditure to historical spending on printer replacements is crucial for assessing value. If the agency typically spends a similar amount for a comparable number of units, it might indicate consistent pricing. However, if this represents a significant increase, it warrants further investigation into the reasons, such as inflation, increased functionality, or less competitive pricing. The estimated lifespan of the new printers is also key; a longer lifespan could justify a higher initial cost.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing › Electronic Computer Manufacturing
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7669 LIMESTONE DR, GAINESVILLE, VA, 20155
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,292,623
Exercised Options: $35,292,623
Current Obligation: $35,292,623
Actual Outlays: $172,655
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 28321318A00040013
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2018-03-16
Current End Date: 2019-06-30
Potential End Date: 2019-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-06-28
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