SSA's $53K Timestamp Server Software Task Order Renews GovSmart Contract for Key Storage

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $53,137 ($53.1K)

Contractor: Govsmart, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Social Security Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-10

End Date: 2027-02-01

Contract Duration: 297 days

Daily Burn Rate: $179/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TASK ORDER FOR TIME STAMP SERVER - OPTION PACK SOFTWARE FOR AGENCY GENERAL KEY STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT NEEDS. RENEWAL OF 28321325FDX030031. THE AGENCY HAS CURRENT AND DEVELOPING REQUIREMENTS TO REPLACE THE CURRENT TIMESTAMP SERVERS WHICH HAVE REACHED

Place of Performance

Location: BALTIMORE, BALTIMORE CITY County, MARYLAND, 21235

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Social Security Administration obligated $53,136.85 to GOVSMART, INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER FOR TIME STAMP SERVER - OPTION PACK SOFTWARE FOR AGENCY GENERAL KEY STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT NEEDS. RENEWAL OF 28321325FDX030031. THE AGENCY HAS CURRENT AND DEVELOPING REQUIREMENTS TO REPLACE THE CURRENT TIMESTAMP SERVERS WHICH HAVE REACHED Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the specialized nature of timestamp server software and key management. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators are low, with a firm fixed-price contract and a defined period of performance. 4. Performance context involves replacing aging timestamp servers, indicating a need for updated technology. 5. Sector positioning is within IT services, specifically computer-related services for critical infrastructure. 6. The renewal suggests satisfaction with the incumbent contractor's performance and service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The task order value of $53,136.85 for a period of approximately 10 months appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized IT software and support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for timestamp server solutions or cryptographic key management systems would provide a more precise assessment, but the firm fixed-price structure helps control costs. The renewal of an existing contract also implies that the pricing was deemed acceptable in previous periods.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which typically means that the solicitation was broadly advertised, and all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The fact that it was competed suggests that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, leading to price discovery and potentially more competitive pricing than a sole-source award. The number of bidders is not specified but the competition type indicates a robust process.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value and price for essential IT services, preventing potential overcharges associated with non-competitive awards.

Public Impact

The Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits from enhanced security and operational efficiency through updated timestamp server technology. Services delivered include software for agency general key storage and management, crucial for data integrity and security. The geographic impact is primarily within the SSA's operational infrastructure, supporting its national service delivery. Workforce implications are minimal, likely involving IT personnel to manage and maintain the new system.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the software is highly proprietary and difficult to migrate away from.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical timestamping services could pose a risk if the vendor experiences financial instability or service disruptions.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
Renewal of an existing contract suggests successful past performance and reliability.
Full and open competition process generally leads to better pricing and vendor selection.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer-related services and software for critical infrastructure management. The market for timestamping solutions and cryptographic key management is specialized, often involving niche providers. Comparable spending benchmarks would relate to other government agencies procuring similar security and data integrity solutions, which are essential for maintaining trust and compliance in digital operations.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this task order. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have participated, but there is no explicit indication of their involvement or benefit. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would typically fall under the contracting officer and the relevant program managers within the Social Security Administration. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the vendor to deliver specified services. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award being made under full and open competition, with data typically available through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) compliance
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) services
Cybersecurity software and services
IT infrastructure modernization programs

Risk Flags

Potential vendor lock-in
Reliance on single vendor for critical service

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Social Security Administration awarded $53,136.85 to GOVSMART, INC.. TASK ORDER FOR TIME STAMP SERVER - OPTION PACK SOFTWARE FOR AGENCY GENERAL KEY STORAGE AND MANAGEMENT NEEDS. RENEWAL OF 28321325FDX030031. THE AGENCY HAS CURRENT AND DEVELOPING REQUIREMENTS TO REPLACE THE CURRENT TIMESTAMP SERVERS WHICH HAVE REACHED

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GOVSMART, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Social Security Administration (Social Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $53,136.85.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-10. End: 2027-02-01.

What is the historical spending trend for timestamp server software and related services at the SSA?

Analyzing historical spending for timestamp server software and related services at the SSA requires access to detailed procurement data beyond this single task order. However, the renewal of this contract (28321325FDX030031) suggests a consistent need for these services. Typically, agencies maintain timestamping capabilities to ensure the integrity and chronological accuracy of digital records, which is crucial for legal and operational purposes. Spending in this area can fluctuate based on technology refresh cycles, increased security requirements, and the overall IT budget allocation. Without prior contract data, it's difficult to establish a precise trend, but the recurring nature of this requirement indicates stable, ongoing investment in this critical IT function.

How does the pricing of this task order compare to similar timestamp server solutions in the federal market?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $53,136.85 task order for timestamp server software against similar federal contracts is challenging without access to a comprehensive database of comparable awards. However, given that it's a firm fixed-price contract awarded through full and open competition, the price is likely competitive. The value covers approximately 10 months of service, suggesting a monthly cost of around $5,300. This figure needs to be evaluated against the specific features, support levels, and scalability offered by GovSmart, Inc. compared to alternatives. Factors like the number of servers supported, the criticality of the data being timestamped, and the required uptime SLAs would influence the perceived value. A detailed market research report or analysis of recent solicitations for similar services would be necessary for a robust comparison.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on GovSmart, Inc. for this critical timestamping function?

The primary risks associated with relying on GovSmart, Inc. for this critical timestamping function are standard for any single-source vendor relationship, even one established through competition. These include potential vendor lock-in, where migrating to a different solution could be costly and complex. Financial instability or business failure of GovSmart, Inc. could disrupt essential services. Furthermore, if the software has vulnerabilities or if the vendor's support is inadequate, it could impact the SSA's data integrity and security. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract and the defined period of performance mitigate some financial risks for the government. The SSA should have contingency plans in place for critical IT services, regardless of the vendor.

What is the expected impact of this contract renewal on the SSA's overall IT security posture?

This contract renewal is expected to maintain, and potentially improve, the SSA's overall IT security posture by ensuring the continued availability and reliability of its timestamp server infrastructure. Timestamping is fundamental for verifying the integrity and authenticity of digital documents and transactions, which is a cornerstone of cybersecurity. By replacing aging servers, the SSA aims to mitigate risks associated with outdated technology, which might be more vulnerable to exploits. The renewal suggests that the current solution is meeting the agency's needs for secure key storage and management, thereby preventing potential security gaps that could arise from system failures or obsolescence. Continued investment in this area reinforces the SSA's commitment to data security and compliance.

How does the 'Other Computer Related Services' NAICS code (541519) reflect the nature of this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519, 'Other Computer Related Services,' accurately reflects the nature of this contract. This code is a broad category that encompasses a wide range of IT services not specifically classified under other codes like custom programming, computer systems design, or data processing. Timestamp server software, key storage, and management solutions often involve a combination of software licensing, integration, and specialized support that doesn't fit neatly into more specific categories. Therefore, 541519 serves as an appropriate classification for this task order, indicating the procurement of specialized computer services essential for the SSA's operational and security requirements.

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

Solicitation ID: 28321326Q00000057

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 715 CHARLTON AVE STE 100, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 22903

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $53,137

Exercised Options: $53,137

Current Obligation: $53,137

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD11B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline