GSA awards $311.7M for custom computer programming to FEARLESS SOLUTIONS, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,117,010 ($3.1M)

Contractor: Fearless Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2024-02-13

End Date: 2027-02-12

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: SEARCH.GOV DEVELOPMENT

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 $3.1 million to FEARLESS SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: SEARCH.GOV DEVELOPMENT Key points: 1. Contract value of $311.7 million over three years indicates significant investment in IT services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. The use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call suggests a streamlined procurement for established needs. 4. The 'Custom Computer Programming Services' NAICS code points to specialized software development and IT integration. 5. The contract duration of 1095 days allows for sustained project development and support. 6. The 'Time and Materials' pricing structure may pose a risk for cost overruns if not closely managed.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract requires more granular data on the specific services rendered. However, a $311.7 million award for custom computer programming over three years is substantial. The 'Time and Materials' pricing model, while flexible, can lead to higher costs compared to fixed-price contracts if not meticulously tracked and managed. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the scale suggests a critical need for these services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters competitive pricing and encourages a wide range of solutions. The open competition suggests that the General Services Administration (GSA) sought the best possible technical solution and price from the market.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best value and prevent inflated pricing. Full and open competition increases the likelihood that the government is not overpaying for the services.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring custom software development and IT integration will benefit from the services provided. The contract supports the delivery of specialized computer programming services, likely impacting various government IT infrastructure and operations. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia, where the contractor is located. This contract may have implications for the IT workforce, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in custom software development.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Time and Materials' pricing structure presents a risk of cost escalation if not diligently monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics or deliverables in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness.
The absence of small business subcontracting information raises questions about opportunities for smaller firms in this large contract.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive and potentially cost-effective procurement.
The substantial contract value indicates a significant and ongoing need for these specialized IT services.
The contract is with FEARLESS SOLUTIONS, LLC, a named entity, providing a clear point of accountability.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly custom computer programming, is a critical component of government operations. This contract falls within the broader IT services market, which is characterized by rapid technological advancements and a high demand for specialized skills. The $311.7 million value positions this as a significant award within the custom development niche, likely supporting complex government IT modernization or operational needs. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within GSA's IT Schedule or similar large-scale IT service contracts.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This means that large businesses were eligible to compete and potentially win. Without specific subcontracting plans or goals detailed, it's unclear what opportunities, if any, will be extended to small businesses. Large contracts awarded under full and open competition can sometimes lead to subcontracting opportunities, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the prime contractor's strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. Mechanisms likely include contract performance reviews, financial audits, and adherence to established procurement regulations. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS-NG. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA IT Schedule
Custom Software Development Services
Federal IT Procurement
IT Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Overrun Risk (Time and Materials Pricing)
Scope Creep Potential
Technology Obsolescence
Lack of Defined Performance Metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $3.1 million to FEARLESS SOLUTIONS, LLC. SEARCH.GOV DEVELOPMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FEARLESS SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-02-13. End: 2027-02-12.

What is the track record of FEARLESS SOLUTIONS, LLC with federal contracts?

FEARLESS SOLUTIONS, LLC has been awarded federal contracts, as evidenced by this significant BPA Call. To fully assess their track record, a deeper dive into their contract history is necessary. This would involve examining past performance on similar IT services contracts, including their ability to meet deadlines, stay within budget, and deliver quality services. Analyzing past contract awards, modifications, and any reported performance issues or successes would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise as a federal contractor. Without this detailed historical data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their proven performance.

How does the $311.7 million contract value compare to similar custom computer programming contracts?

A $311.7 million contract for custom computer programming over three years is a substantial award. To benchmark its value, one would compare it against other large-scale IT development contracts awarded by agencies like GSA, DoD, or HHS for similar services. The average contract size for custom programming can vary widely based on scope, duration, and agency. However, awards in the hundreds of millions of dollars typically signify complex, long-term projects requiring significant resources and specialized expertise. This contract's value suggests it addresses a critical and extensive IT requirement for the government.

What are the primary risks associated with a 'Time and Materials' contract of this magnitude?

The primary risk with a 'Time and Materials' (T&M) contract of this $311.7 million magnitude is cost control. T&M contracts pay the contractor for the direct labor hours at specified hourly rates, plus the actual cost of materials. If the scope of work is not precisely defined or if project management is weak, labor hours can escalate, leading to costs significantly exceeding initial estimates. For the government, this means less predictability in spending. Effective oversight, detailed work breakdown structures, and strong project management are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the contractor is efficient and the government receives good value.

How effective is 'Full and Open Competition' in ensuring value for taxpayer money in IT services?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for taxpayer money in IT services. By allowing all responsible sources to compete, it fosters a competitive environment where contractors are incentivized to offer their best technical solutions at the most competitive prices. This process increases the pool of potential bidders, leading to better price discovery and a higher likelihood of selecting a contractor that offers superior performance for the cost. While it requires more upfront effort in solicitation and evaluation, the long-term benefits of potentially lower prices and higher quality services typically outweigh the initial investment.

What is the historical spending trend for custom computer programming services by the GSA?

Analyzing historical spending trends for custom computer programming services by the GSA would require access to comprehensive federal procurement data over several fiscal years. GSA, as a major provider of IT services and procurement vehicles, likely awards numerous contracts in this category. Trends could indicate increasing or decreasing demand, shifts in technology focus (e.g., cloud migration, AI development), and changes in average contract values or pricing structures. Without specific historical data, it's presumed that spending in this area remains robust due to the government's continuous need for updated and specialized IT solutions.

What are the potential performance implications of a 3-year contract duration for custom programming?

A three-year duration for a custom computer programming contract allows for the development and implementation of complex projects that may span multiple phases. This extended timeframe can foster a more stable working relationship between the government and the contractor, enabling deeper understanding of requirements and iterative development. It provides continuity for projects that require ongoing support, maintenance, and upgrades. However, it also carries the risk of technology obsolescence if the project scope doesn't adapt to rapid IT advancements. Effective contract management is key to ensuring the project remains relevant and delivers value throughout its term.

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

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8 MARKET PL STE 200, BALTIMORE, MD, 21202

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,282,625

Exercised Options: $7,713,668

Current Obligation: $3,117,010

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QPCA21A0009

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline