GSA awards $2.2M for Akamai Software Maintenance to FCN, Inc. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,203,493 ($2.2M)

Contractor: FCN, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-01-21

End Date: 2027-01-20

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: AKAMAI SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE

Place of Performance

Location: AVONDALE ESTATES, DEKALB County, GEORGIA, 30002

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $2.2 million to FCN, INC. for work described as: AKAMAI SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.2 million over 364 days indicates a significant investment in essential software maintenance. 2. The contract was awarded using full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. FCN, Inc. secured this award, highlighting their capability in providing IT services to federal agencies. 4. The fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 5. The duration of the contract suggests a need for ongoing, reliable software support. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 points to specialized computer-related services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.2 million for one year of software maintenance appears reasonable given the nature of IT services. Benchmarking against similar GSA IT contracts for software maintenance would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure offers cost predictability. Without specific performance metrics or detailed service breakdowns, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process suggests a fair market price was likely achieved.

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,' indicating that while the process was competitive, certain sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation. Six bidders participated, suggesting a healthy level of competition for this requirement. The presence of multiple bidders generally supports price discovery and encourages competitive pricing, leading to potentially better value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more favorable price compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario. The multiple bids received help ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

Federal agencies utilizing Akamai software will benefit from uninterrupted maintenance and support services. The services delivered ensure the continued functionality and security of critical IT infrastructure. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting federal operations across various locations. The contract supports the IT workforce within FCN, Inc. and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if Akamai software is deeply integrated into agency workflows.
Reliance on a single vendor for maintenance could pose risks if the vendor faces operational challenges.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants further investigation to understand the rationale and its impact on competition.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a fair and transparent process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and budget predictability.
Multiple bidders participated, suggesting a competitive market for these services.
The contract duration of one year allows for periodic re-evaluation of needs and vendor performance.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on software maintenance and support. The market for enterprise software maintenance is substantial, with numerous providers competing to serve government agencies. GSA's role as an intermediary facilitates efficient procurement of these services. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar software maintenance contracts within the federal government can vary widely based on the software's complexity and criticality.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside requirement. However, the prime contractor, FCN, Inc., may choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of their overall business strategy, which could indirectly benefit the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) typically employs robust oversight mechanisms for its contracts. This includes contract performance monitoring, financial audits, and adherence to acquisition regulations. Accountability is maintained through contractual terms and conditions, and performance reviews. Transparency is generally promoted through public contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General oversight may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances and any potential allegations of fraud or mismanagement.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration IT Schedule 70
Software and Application Development Services
IT Operations and Maintenance Support
Cloud Computing Services

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources'.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical software maintenance.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $2.2 million to FCN, INC.. AKAMAI SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FCN, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-01-21. End: 2027-01-20.

What is FCN, Inc.'s track record with federal IT contracts, particularly those involving software maintenance?

FCN, Inc. has a significant history of federal contracting, primarily through IT Schedule 70 and other contract vehicles. Their portfolio includes a wide range of IT services, from hardware and software procurement to complex system integration and managed services. Analysis of their past performance indicates experience with various agencies, including civilian and defense sectors. While specific details on software maintenance contracts would require deeper data mining, their overall presence suggests a capacity to handle such requirements. Reviewing past performance evaluations and any documented issues or successes on similar contracts would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in this specific domain.

How does the $2.2 million contract value compare to similar Akamai software maintenance contracts awarded by the government?

Benchmarking the $2.2 million contract value requires comparing it to similar contracts for Akamai software maintenance, considering factors like the scope of services, duration, and the specific Akamai products covered. Without access to a comprehensive database of all Akamai-related federal contracts, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for a one-year maintenance agreement for enterprise-level software, $2.2 million is within a plausible range, especially if it covers a broad suite of services or a large user base. Contracts for less comprehensive support or shorter durations would naturally be lower, while those involving significant integration or premium support tiers could be higher. Further analysis would involve identifying contracts with similar service level agreements (SLAs) and product coverage.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks include potential vendor lock-in, where the agency becomes heavily reliant on FCN, Inc. and Akamai's ecosystem, making future transitions difficult or costly. Another risk is the potential for service disruptions if FCN, Inc. fails to meet performance standards, impacting critical government operations. The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition method also presents a risk if it unduly limited competition, potentially leading to suboptimal pricing or reduced innovation. Mitigation strategies likely involve clearly defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in the contract, performance monitoring by GSA, and contingency planning for service continuity. The competitive award process itself serves as a mitigation for pricing risks.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method in ensuring value for taxpayers?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method aims to balance broad competition with specific procurement needs. It allows agencies to solicit bids from all responsible sources but may exclude certain sources based on pre-defined criteria (e.g., specific technical capabilities, past performance issues, or national security concerns). When used appropriately, it can ensure a competitive price while focusing on vendors best suited for the requirement. However, if the exclusion criteria are overly restrictive or not well-justified, it can limit the pool of bidders, potentially reducing price competition and leading to less favorable outcomes for taxpayers. The effectiveness hinges on the transparency and validity of the exclusion rationale.

What is the historical spending pattern for Akamai software maintenance or similar IT services procured through GSA?

Historical spending on Akamai software maintenance and similar IT services through GSA generally shows a consistent demand, reflecting the ongoing need for software support within federal agencies. GSA's IT Schedule contracts are a primary vehicle for such procurements, facilitating streamlined acquisition. Spending levels can fluctuate based on agency budgets, technology refresh cycles, and the introduction of new software or services. Analyzing past GSA spending data for NAICS code 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and specifically for software maintenance categories would reveal trends, identify peak spending periods, and highlight agencies with significant investments in these areas. This context helps in evaluating whether the current $2.2 million award aligns with historical patterns or represents a significant deviation.

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: 47QACA26Q0079

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2600 TOWER OAKS BLVD STE 575, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20852

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,017,463

Exercised Options: $2,203,493

Current Obligation: $2,203,493

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: NNG15SC71B

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline