GSA awards $17.8M contract for Axway Responder maintenance, renewing support for critical software

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,788 ($17.8K)

Contractor: Carahsoft Technology Corp

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2026-04-09

End Date: 2027-04-08

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $49/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: AXWAY VA RESPONDER MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICE PLAN RENEWALS

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20415

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $17,787.69 to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP for work described as: AXWAY VA RESPONDER MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICE PLAN RENEWALS Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in maintaining essential software infrastructure. 2. The renewal suggests satisfaction with the current service provider and software functionality. 3. Fixed-price contract type offers cost certainty for the government. 4. The duration of the contract provides a stable period for service delivery. 5. This spending supports the ongoing operation of a key government IT system.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $17.8 million over one year for maintenance and support of Axway Responder software appears reasonable given the critical nature of such systems. Benchmarking against similar software maintenance contracts is challenging without specific details on the software's complexity and user base. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has negotiated a defined cost for the services, which is a positive indicator for value.

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. This competitive process is expected to drive favorable pricing and ensure the government receives the best value. The fact that it was competed suggests that the government actively sought competitive bids rather than relying on a sole-source provider.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment among vendors.

Public Impact

Federal agencies utilizing the Axway Responder software will benefit from continued uninterrupted service. This contract ensures the maintenance and support of a critical software solution. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia, where the contract is managed. The contract supports the IT workforce responsible for managing and utilizing this software.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if alternative solutions are not explored in the future.
Reliance on a single vendor for maintenance could pose risks if the vendor's financial stability or support capabilities change.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Renewal suggests satisfactory performance and service from the incumbent.

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 many vendors offering specialized support for critical business applications. This contract represents a typical expenditure for government agencies seeking to ensure the longevity and functionality of their software investments, aligning with broader trends in IT spending for operational continuity.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. Given the nature of enterprise software maintenance and support, it is possible that larger, established companies are the primary bidders. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within the scope of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The General Services Administration (GSA) is responsible for overseeing this contract through its Federal Acquisition Service. Oversight mechanisms likely include performance monitoring, contract compliance checks, and financial accountability measures. Transparency is generally maintained through public contract databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Axway Software Maintenance
IT Software Renewals
Federal Software Support Contracts
General Services Administration IT Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on a single support provider

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $17,787.69 to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP. AXWAY VA RESPONDER MAINTENANCE SUPPORT SERVICE PLAN RENEWALS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17,787.69.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-09. End: 2027-04-08.

What is the historical spending trend for Axway Responder maintenance and support services with this contractor or across the government?

Analyzing historical spending requires access to broader contract databases. However, this $17.8 million award for a one-year renewal suggests a consistent need and investment in the Axway Responder system. Without prior contract data for this specific service, it's difficult to establish a trend. Generally, software maintenance costs can remain stable year-over-year, or increase moderately due to inflation or added support features. If this is a new award after a period of no support, it indicates a re-investment in the system. If it's a continuation, it suggests ongoing operational reliance.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar software maintenance contracts for enterprise solutions?

Direct comparison of pricing for enterprise software maintenance is complex due to variations in software criticality, user base size, support levels (e.g., 24/7 vs. business hours), and vendor-specific pricing models. The $17.8 million for a one-year firm fixed-price contract for Axway Responder maintenance suggests a significant investment. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against contracts for similarly scaled and critical software from other vendors, considering factors like the number of users supported, the complexity of the software's functions, and the specific service level agreements (SLAs) in place. The full and open competition aspect is a positive sign for achieving competitive pricing.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this maintenance contract?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, typical SLAs for software maintenance contracts include response times for critical issues, resolution times for defects, availability of technical support (e.g., hours of operation, channels), and uptime guarantees for any associated services. The performance of Carahsoft Technology Corp. in meeting these unstated SLAs would be crucial for evaluating the overall value and effectiveness of this contract renewal.

What is the track record of Carahsoft Technology Corp. in providing similar IT maintenance and support services to the federal government?

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is a well-established government IT solutions provider and reseller, known for its extensive portfolio of software and hardware products and its ability to facilitate procurement for federal agencies. They often act as a reseller or prime contractor, partnering with software manufacturers to deliver solutions. Their track record in providing maintenance and support services for enterprise software is generally strong, evidenced by their numerous contract awards across various agencies. This specific renewal suggests continued confidence in their ability to deliver these services for Axway Responder.

What is the potential risk associated with relying on a single vendor for the maintenance of this critical software?

The primary risk associated with relying on a single vendor, even one like Carahsoft Technology Corp. which partners with many manufacturers, is vendor lock-in and potential disruption if the vendor's circumstances change. This could include changes in their business strategy, financial stability, or the specific support personnel assigned to the contract. While competition was used for this award, ongoing reliance on one vendor for maintenance can limit flexibility in adopting new technologies or negotiating future renewals. Mitigation strategies often involve maintaining strong internal expertise and exploring alternative solutions periodically.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Software Publishers › Software Publishers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QACA26Q0085

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11493 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,788

Exercised Options: $17,788

Current Obligation: $17,788

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QSWA18D008F

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline