NSF awards $13.8M for digital services, with VMD Systems Integrators to provide IT support through 2026

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,827,547 ($13.8M)

Contractor: VMD Systems Integrators, LLC

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2021-02-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,975 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: DIGITAL SERVICES SUPPORT FOR THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $13.8 million to VMD SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS, LLC for work described as: DIGITAL SERVICES SUPPORT FOR THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS Key points: 1. Contract value of $13.8M over 5 years suggests a moderate annual spend for IT support services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The use of labor hours pricing may present risks if not carefully managed and monitored for efficiency. 4. This contract supports the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, highlighting its role in external communications. 5. The vendor, VMD Systems Integrators, has a track record in government IT services, warranting a review of past performance. 6. The contract duration of nearly 2000 days allows for sustained support but requires ongoing performance evaluation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $13.8M over approximately five years averages to about $2.76M annually. Benchmarking this against similar IT support contracts for federal agencies of NSF's size and scope would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific comparable data, the pricing appears within a reasonable range for comprehensive digital services. The labor hours pricing model, while flexible, necessitates diligent oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent cost overruns.

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,' which typically means it was initially competed broadly, but specific circumstances led to excluding certain sources. However, the description 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION' usually implies a wide solicitation. The presence of 10 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition, which is generally favorable for price discovery and achieving competitive pricing. A robust competition level helps ensure that the government receives offers from multiple capable vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process like this generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices and encouraging innovation from multiple offerors, leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The Office of Legislative and Public Affairs benefits from enhanced digital services, improving its ability to communicate with the public and Congress. Citizens and stakeholders gain improved access to information and engagement channels facilitated by the digital support. The contract supports IT infrastructure and services, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the NSF's public-facing digital platforms. Workforce implications include potential support roles for IT professionals within VMD Systems Integrators and continued operational support for NSF staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to the labor hours pricing model if not managed effectively.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical digital services could pose continuity risks if performance falters.
The 'after exclusion of sources' clause, while part of a full and open competition, warrants understanding the rationale for exclusions to ensure fairness.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process that should yield fair pricing.
The vendor, VMD Systems Integrators, likely possesses relevant experience and a track record in government IT services.
The contract duration allows for stable, long-term support, fostering a deeper understanding of NSF's specific needs.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is a vast and critical component of federal spending, encompassing a wide range of support, development, and maintenance activities. This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a sub-sector focused on providing expertise in computer hardware and software integration. The federal government is a major consumer of these services, with spending often driven by the need to modernize legacy systems, enhance cybersecurity, and improve digital engagement. Benchmarks for similar contracts would typically consider the scope of services, duration, and the specific IT competencies required.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. The analysis of subcontracting implications would depend on VMD Systems Integrators' internal policies and any specific subcontracting goals outlined in the contract, which are not detailed here. Without explicit set-aside provisions or reported subcontracting plans, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal, though the prime contractor's own supply chain practices remain a factor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the National Science Foundation's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and approving payments. The contract's labor hours pricing model necessitates close tracking of hours worked and deliverables achieved. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's performance.

Related Government Programs

IT Professional Services
Computer Systems Design Services
Digital Services
IT Support Services
Government IT Contracts

Risk Flags

Labor Hours Pricing Risk
Vendor Performance Monitoring
Contract Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $13.8 million to VMD SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS, LLC. DIGITAL SERVICES SUPPORT FOR THE OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VMD SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Science Foundation (National Science Foundation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-02-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of VMD Systems Integrators with the federal government, particularly in similar IT support contracts?

VMD Systems Integrators, LLC has a history of performing IT services for various federal agencies. A review of their contract history reveals engagements in areas such as cybersecurity, IT infrastructure support, and software development. For instance, they have held contracts with agencies like the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Analyzing the performance ratings and past issues (if any) on these previous contracts would provide valuable insight into their reliability, technical capabilities, and ability to manage complex IT projects within government parameters. Specific details on past performance metrics, such as on-time delivery, quality of service, and customer satisfaction, are crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the $13.8M contract value compare to similar IT support contracts awarded by the NSF or other agencies of comparable size?

The $13.8M total contract value, spread over approximately five years (February 2021 to June 2026), equates to an average annual value of roughly $2.76M. To benchmark this effectively, one would compare it to IT support contracts for agencies with similar operational scopes and budgets. For example, other science agencies or departments focused on public affairs and communication might have comparable contracts. Without access to a detailed database of all federal IT support contracts, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for an agency like the NSF, this figure appears to be within a moderate range for comprehensive digital services, suggesting neither an unusually high nor low investment for the described support.

What are the primary risks associated with the 'labor hours' pricing structure for this contract, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a 'labor hours' pricing structure is the potential for cost overruns if the effort required is underestimated or if contractor efficiency is low. Unlike fixed-price contracts, the government pays for the time spent by contractor personnel, making it crucial to monitor hours diligently. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust oversight by the government's Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and program managers, who track hours, review timesheets, and ensure that the work performed aligns with the contract's objectives and estimated effort. Setting clear performance standards, requiring detailed progress reports, and potentially incorporating incentives or ceilings can further mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.

What is the significance of this contract for the National Science Foundation's Office of Legislative and Public Affairs?

This contract is significant as it provides essential digital services support to the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA). OLPA plays a critical role in communicating the NSF's mission, research findings, and impact to Congress, the public, and other stakeholders. The digital services procured likely encompass website management, digital content creation and dissemination, social media engagement, and potentially IT infrastructure supporting these functions. By ensuring these digital channels are robust, accessible, and effective, the contract directly supports OLPA's ability to fulfill its mandate, thereby enhancing public understanding and support for scientific research funded by the NSF.

How does the competition level ('full and open') impact the potential value and innovation received by the government?

Awarding a contract through 'full and open competition' generally maximizes the potential for receiving the best value and fostering innovation. This process allows any qualified vendor to submit a bid, leading to a wider pool of potential solutions and competitive pricing. The presence of 10 bidders in this specific case suggests that the competition was indeed robust. A higher number of bidders typically drives prices down and encourages offerors to present their most innovative approaches and cost-effective solutions to win the contract. This competitive pressure incentivizes contractors to perform efficiently and effectively throughout the contract period to maintain a positive track record for future opportunities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: VMD Systems Integrators LLC

Address: 4114 LEGATO RD STE 700, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,963,161

Exercised Options: $14,963,161

Current Obligation: $13,827,547

Actual Outlays: $9,086,917

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200107W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline