GSA awards $3.9M BPA Call to Flexion Inc. for IT development support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,905,667 ($3.9M)

Contractor: Flexion Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2023-04-03

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,123 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: TTS PUBLIC BENEFITS STUDIO DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20405

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $3.9 million to FLEXION INC for work described as: TTS PUBLIC BENEFITS STUDIO DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract provides custom computer programming services, indicating a need for specialized IT expertise. 2. The contract duration of over three years suggests a long-term requirement for these services. 3. Awarded under a broader BPA, this call likely leverages pre-negotiated terms for efficiency. 4. The specific NAICS code points to a focus on software development and integration. 5. The contract is a BPA Call, suggesting it's a task order against a larger agreement. 6. The geographic location is Washington D.C., a hub for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.9 million for custom computer programming services appears reasonable given the three-year duration. Benchmarking against similar IT development contracts awarded by GSA would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The use of a BPA Call suggests that pricing may have been subject to prior competition and negotiation, potentially leading to better rates than a standalone contract. However, without specific details on labor categories and rates, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific mechanism, a BPA Call, implies that the underlying Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) was also competed. The number of bidders for this specific call is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a competitive environment that should drive fair pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and better quality services. It ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, maximizing the potential for cost savings.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring custom software development and IT support services will benefit from this contract. The services delivered will likely involve the creation or enhancement of digital tools and platforms for government operations. The primary geographic impact is within Washington D.C., where the contracting agency is located. This contract supports the IT workforce by providing opportunities for skilled programmers and developers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical development tasks could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring the contractor maintains up-to-date cybersecurity practices is crucial for protecting sensitive data.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a competitive process, suggesting a capable and well-vetted vendor.
The BPA Call mechanism can streamline procurement and potentially offer cost efficiencies.
The contract duration allows for sustained support and development, fostering project continuity.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services. The market for these services is robust, with numerous companies offering specialized development expertise to the federal government. GSA's role as an aggregator for IT services through BPAs and other vehicles is common, aiming to provide agencies with efficient access to necessary technological solutions. Comparable spending benchmarks for custom programming services vary widely based on complexity, duration, and labor mix.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Flexion Inc., is likely a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this BPA Call. Without this detail, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though large prime contractors are often encouraged or required to utilize small business subcontractors on larger efforts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. The contract is a BPA Call, meaning oversight is tied to the performance of the underlying BPA. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including delivery schedules and performance standards. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA IT Schedule 70
Custom Computer Programming Services
IT Development Support Contracts
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Cybersecurity risks in custom development
Vendor performance monitoring needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3.9 million to FLEXION INC. TTS PUBLIC BENEFITS STUDIO DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FLEXION INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-03. End: 2026-04-30.

What is Flexion Inc.'s track record with the federal government, particularly in delivering custom computer programming services?

Flexion Inc. has a history of federal contracting, primarily focused on IT services. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, especially those involving custom computer programming and development support, is crucial. This includes reviewing contract close-out data, any performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS), and the types of agencies they have served. A review of their contract history would reveal their experience level, the scale of projects they have managed, and their adherence to contract terms and delivery schedules. Understanding their past successes and any challenges encountered provides insight into their capability to successfully execute this current BPA Call.

How does the awarded value of $3.9 million compare to similar custom computer programming contracts awarded by GSA or other agencies?

The $3.9 million award for custom computer programming services over approximately three years needs to be benchmarked against comparable federal contracts. Factors such as the specific services required (e.g., application development, system integration, database management), the labor mix (senior vs. junior developers, project managers), and the geographic location of service delivery influence pricing. GSA often leverages Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) which may include pre-negotiated rates. Comparing this contract's total value and estimated annual spend to similar IT development contracts awarded through GSA Schedules or other competitive vehicles would help determine if the pricing is competitive and reflects fair market value for the services rendered.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables associated with this BPA Call, and how will performance be measured?

While the provided data does not detail specific KPIs or deliverables, contracts for custom computer programming services typically include metrics related to software functionality, adherence to coding standards, timely delivery of milestones, bug resolution rates, and user acceptance testing. Performance measurement often involves regular progress reports, demonstrations of developed software, and potentially formal reviews. The General Services Administration (GSA) would establish these metrics within the BPA Call's Statement of Work (SOW). Failure to meet these KPIs could result in contractual remedies, including potential termination. Understanding these measures is key to assessing the contractor's accountability.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the broader IT services market, particularly concerning competition and innovation?

This contract, awarded under full and open competition, contributes to the overall spending within the custom computer programming services market. By selecting Flexion Inc., GSA signals confidence in their capabilities. The existence of this contract may influence other vendors to enhance their offerings in similar service areas to compete for future opportunities. The emphasis on custom development suggests a need for tailored solutions rather than off-the-shelf products, potentially driving innovation in how federal agencies leverage technology. The competitive nature of the award process should encourage efficiency and cost-effectiveness among service providers.

Are there any identified risks associated with Flexion Inc. as a contractor or with the nature of custom computer programming services that warrant specific attention?

Risks associated with custom computer programming can include challenges in accurately defining requirements upfront, leading to scope creep and cost overruns. Technical risks involve potential integration issues with existing systems, cybersecurity vulnerabilities in newly developed code, and the contractor's ability to adapt to evolving technological landscapes. Regarding Flexion Inc. specifically, a review of their past performance history, including any past performance issues or contract disputes, would be necessary to identify contractor-specific risks. Ensuring robust project management, clear communication channels, and strong technical oversight from GSA are critical mitigation strategies.

How does this contract align with GSA's broader mission and strategic goals related to IT modernization and digital services?

This BPA Call directly supports GSA's mission to modernize federal IT infrastructure and deliver efficient digital services. By procuring custom computer programming, GSA enables federal agencies to develop or enhance the software applications and platforms necessary for their operations. This aligns with strategic goals focused on improving government efficiency, enhancing citizen services through technology, and ensuring agencies have access to the latest technological capabilities. The use of a competitive BPA mechanism also reflects GSA's strategy to streamline procurement and achieve better value for taxpayer dollars in the IT domain.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming 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: 47QPCA23Q0021

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Flexion Inc.

Address: 811 E WASHINGTON AVE, MADISON, WI, 53703

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,445,924

Exercised Options: $5,445,924

Current Obligation: $3,905,667

Actual Outlays: $3,534,292

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QPCA22A0002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline