GSA awards $36M IT modernization contract to ICF Incorporated for 18 months
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,024,839 ($36.0M)
Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: General Services Administration
Start Date: 2021-10-11
End Date: 2023-04-10
Contract Duration: 546 days
Daily Burn Rate: $66.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: AWARD OF ASSIST 2 MODERNIZATION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
General Services Administration obligated $36.0 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: AWARD OF ASSIST 2 MODERNIZATION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on IT modernization and maintenance, a critical area for government efficiency. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), which can incentivize cost control. 4. The duration of 546 days (approx. 18 months) indicates a medium-term project. 5. The primary NAICS code (541512) points to computer systems design services. 6. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order, likely against a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The award amount of $36,024,839 for 18 months of IT modernization and maintenance services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar IT services contracts within the federal government suggests that the pricing structure, particularly with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) arrangement, allows for flexibility while aiming for cost control. The specific value proposition will depend on the successful delivery of modernization and maintenance outcomes, which are crucial for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of GSA's IT infrastructure.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of a competitive process is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives the best value. While the number of bidders is not specified, full and open competition suggests a robust marketplace for these types of IT services.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs and improves service quality.
Public Impact
Federal employees within the General Services Administration (GSA) will benefit from modernized IT systems, leading to improved operational efficiency. The contract delivers essential IT modernization and maintenance services, crucial for the functioning of a major federal agency. The primary geographic impact is within Virginia, where the contractor is located, and potentially across GSA's national operations. The contract supports the IT workforce by engaging a contractor with expertise in computer systems design and maintenance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The CPFF contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
- The success of IT modernization projects is inherently complex and carries execution risks.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT infrastructure requires robust oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market.
- Focus on IT modernization addresses a key government priority for efficiency.
- The contractor, ICF Incorporated, has a track record in government contracting.
Sector Analysis
The IT services sector within the federal government is a significant market, with agencies constantly seeking to modernize legacy systems and enhance cybersecurity. This contract for computer systems design services fits within the broader trend of agencies outsourcing complex IT functions to specialized firms. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT modernization and maintenance vary widely based on scope, but contracts in the tens of millions of dollars are common for agencies like GSA.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it indicate specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless ICF Incorporated voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors. Further analysis of the subcontracting plan, if available, would be necessary to fully assess the impact.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration's Federal Acquisition Service. The CPFF contract type necessitates close monitoring of costs and performance to ensure value for money. Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly detailed.
Related Government Programs
- GSA IT Modernization Initiatives
- Federal Civilian Agency IT Services
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Information Technology Professional Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Execution risk inherent in IT modernization projects.
- Need for strong contract oversight to ensure value.
- Dependency on contractor performance for critical IT functions.
Tags
it-services, modernization, maintenance, general-services-administration, gsa, icf-incorporated, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, computer-systems-design, virginia, federal-acquisition-service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
General Services Administration awarded $36.0 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. AWARD OF ASSIST 2 MODERNIZATION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $36.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-10-11. End: 2023-04-10.
What is ICF Incorporated's track record with the federal government, particularly in IT modernization?
ICF Incorporated, L.L.C. has a substantial history of federal contracting across various agencies, including significant work with the General Services Administration (GSA). Their portfolio often includes IT modernization, data analytics, cloud migration, and cybersecurity services. While specific details of past IT modernization projects would require deeper database searches, their presence as a prime contractor on this $36 million GSA award suggests a demonstrated capability and trust from the agency. Their experience likely encompasses managing complex IT projects, adhering to federal regulations, and delivering solutions within defined timelines and budgets. Further investigation into their past performance ratings and specific project outcomes would provide a more granular understanding of their track record in this domain.
How does the $36 million award compare to similar IT modernization contracts awarded by GSA or other federal agencies?
The $36 million award for 18 months of IT modernization and maintenance services is a significant but not extraordinary sum for a federal agency like GSA. IT modernization projects can range from a few million to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity, scope, and duration. For a contract of this nature, focusing on modernization and maintenance, $36 million over 1.5 years suggests a substantial undertaking. When compared to similar contracts for system design, integration, and ongoing support, this award falls within a common range for medium-to-large scale IT initiatives. Factors like the specific systems being modernized, the number of users impacted, and the required security protocols would influence the overall cost. Without specific comparable contract details, it's difficult to provide a precise benchmark, but the award appears aligned with typical federal IT spending for such services.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for IT modernization?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts, while offering flexibility, introduce specific risks, particularly for complex IT modernization projects. The primary risk for the government is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to fixed-price contracts, as the government agrees to pay all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns if the contractor's cost estimation is inaccurate or if unforeseen technical challenges arise, increasing the allowable costs. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating the fixed fee to cover their overhead and profit while remaining competitive. If costs exceed projections significantly, the fixed fee might not adequately compensate them. Effective management and oversight are crucial to mitigate these risks, ensuring that costs remain reasonable and the project stays within budget while achieving its objectives.
How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for money for IT services contracts?
Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal IT services contracts. By allowing all responsible sources to compete, the government maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive bids. This competitive pressure encourages contractors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions to win the contract. Furthermore, a wider competition can lead to innovation as different approaches and technologies are presented. While the administrative effort to manage a full and open competition is higher, the potential savings and improved quality of services typically outweigh these costs. The key to realizing value lies in clearly defining the requirements and evaluating proposals rigorously against established criteria.
What are the potential implications of this contract on GSA's overall IT infrastructure modernization efforts?
This contract represents a specific investment within GSA's broader IT modernization strategy. The award of $36 million for assist modernization and maintenance services suggests a focus on upgrading or maintaining critical IT systems that support GSA's operations. Its success could lead to improved efficiency, enhanced security, and better service delivery for GSA personnel and potentially external stakeholders. However, it is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The implications depend on how well this project integrates with other modernization efforts, the long-term strategy for the systems being addressed, and the overall funding allocated to GSA's IT infrastructure. If successful, it contributes positively to GSA's goal of having a modern, secure, and efficient IT environment.
How does the contract duration of 546 days influence the project's risk and potential for success?
A contract duration of 546 days, approximately 18 months, is a moderate timeframe for an IT modernization and maintenance project. This duration is often sufficient to complete significant phases of modernization or to provide sustained maintenance and support without being excessively long, which can introduce risks of scope creep or technology obsolescence. For modernization efforts, 18 months allows for planning, development, testing, and initial deployment. For maintenance, it ensures continuity of service. The risk profile is balanced: it's long enough to achieve meaningful progress but short enough that project goals remain focused and achievable. Success hinges on effective project management, clear milestones, and proactive risk mitigation throughout this period.
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 › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 47QFCA21K0056
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.
Address: 1902 RESTON METRO PLZ, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $44,488,204
Exercised Options: $44,488,204
Current Obligation: $36,024,839
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 9
Total Subaward Amount: $5,213,629
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCK18D0043
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-10-11
Current End Date: 2023-04-10
Potential End Date: 2023-04-10 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-31
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