Spatial Front Inc. awarded $7.19M ITBAS TO#1 contract by NSF for custom programming

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,191,667 ($7.2M)

Contractor: Spatial Front Inc

Awarding Agency: National Science Foundation

Start Date: 2023-12-01

End Date: 2026-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: ITBAS TO#1- BASE YEAR

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Science Foundation obligated $7.2 million to SPATIAL FRONT INC for work described as: ITBAS TO#1- BASE YEAR Key points: 1. Contract awarded via BPA Call, indicating a pre-competed framework. 2. Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511) are essential for NSF's mission. 3. Contract duration of 1095 days suggests a need for sustained support. 4. Base year value of $7.19M provides a benchmark for future task orders. 5. Awarded to Spatial Front Inc., a contractor with a presence in Virginia. 6. The contract type is Labor Hours, allowing flexibility in resource allocation.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The base year value of $7.19M for custom computer programming services appears reasonable given the duration and the nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar task orders under the ITBAS BPA would provide a more precise assessment of value for money. The Labor Hours contract type allows for flexibility, but requires careful monitoring to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under a full and open competition, likely through a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call. This indicates that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, fostering a competitive environment. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the full and open nature suggests a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Public Impact

The National Science Foundation (NSF) benefits from this contract by securing essential custom computer programming services. These services are critical for supporting NSF's research and administrative functions. The contract's geographic impact is centered in Virginia, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for skilled IT professionals at Spatial Front Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in labor hour contracts if not managed tightly.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT services could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting a vetted and capable vendor.
The BPA Call mechanism implies pre-negotiated terms and conditions, potentially streamlining future procurements.
The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term need, allowing for focused development and support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services. The IT services market is highly dynamic, with significant government spending allocated to software development, system integration, and IT support. The National Science Foundation, as a major research funding agency, relies heavily on robust IT infrastructure and custom solutions to manage its vast portfolio of scientific endeavors. This contract likely supports the development or maintenance of critical systems for data management, research collaboration, or administrative processes.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor, Spatial Front Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, which is not detailed in this award notice.

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 performance will likely be assessed through regular reporting and performance reviews. Transparency is facilitated by the public nature of contract awards, though detailed performance metrics are typically not publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

IT Services
Custom Software Development
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)
National Science Foundation IT Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Labor Hours contract type.
Need for robust oversight to manage scope and ensure efficient labor utilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Science Foundation awarded $7.2 million to SPATIAL FRONT INC. ITBAS TO#1- BASE YEAR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SPATIAL FRONT INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-12-01. End: 2026-11-30.

What is the historical spending pattern of the National Science Foundation on custom computer programming services?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has consistently invested in IT services, including custom computer programming, to support its mission of advancing scientific discovery. Historical spending data reveals a significant allocation towards IT modernization, data management, and research support systems. While specific figures for custom programming fluctuate year-to-year based on agency priorities and project lifecycles, the overall trend indicates a sustained need for these services. For instance, in recent fiscal years, the NSF has awarded numerous contracts for IT support, software development, and system integration, with values ranging from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. This $7.19M award for ITBAS TO#1 aligns with the agency's ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for scientific advancement and operational efficiency. A deeper analysis would involve examining the agency's budget allocations for IT and the specific types of programming services procured over the past five to ten years.

How does the awarded amount of $7.19M compare to similar custom programming contracts awarded by other federal agencies?

The awarded amount of $7.19M for the base year of the ITBAS TO#1 contract is within a common range for custom computer programming services procured by federal agencies. Many agencies, such as the Department of Defense, NASA, and the Department of Health and Human Services, regularly award contracts for similar services that can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and complexity. Factors influencing this comparison include the specific NAICS code (541511), the contract vehicle used (BPA Call), and the duration of the base period. For a more precise comparison, one would need to analyze contracts with similar characteristics, such as those awarded under other large IT Blanket Purchase Agreements or indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, and consider the specific technical requirements and labor categories involved. The NSF's award appears to be a standard procurement for specialized IT services.

What are the potential risks associated with a Labor Hours contract type for custom programming services?

Labor Hours (LH) contracts, like the one awarded to Spatial Front Inc., offer flexibility by allowing the government to purchase specific labor categories at pre-negotiated hourly rates. However, they carry inherent risks, primarily related to cost control and scope management. A significant risk is the potential for cost overruns if the actual hours worked exceed estimates or if the project scope expands without proper oversight. This can lead to the contract exceeding its ceiling value. Another risk is the difficulty in accurately estimating the total cost upfront, making budget planning more challenging. Furthermore, effective management requires diligent monitoring of hours worked by each labor category to ensure efficiency and prevent 'gold plating' or unnecessary work. The government must have robust mechanisms in place to track progress, verify the necessity of hours billed, and manage any scope changes rigorously to mitigate these risks.

What is Spatial Front Inc.'s track record with federal IT contracts, particularly with the National Science Foundation?

Spatial Front Inc. has a history of performing federal IT contracts. While specific details of their past performance with the National Science Foundation (NSF) are not provided in this award notice, a comprehensive review of federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would reveal their contract history. This would include the types of services rendered, contract values, performance ratings, and any past performance issues or commendations. Examining their portfolio would indicate their experience with custom computer programming, IT support, and other related services. Understanding their past performance, especially on similar-sized or complex projects, is crucial for assessing their capability to successfully execute the ITBAS TO#1 contract and deliver value to the NSF.

How does the use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call impact the competition and cost-effectiveness of this award?

The use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call signifies that the underlying BPA was previously competed, establishing pre-negotiated terms, conditions, and potentially pricing structures. When a BPA Call is issued, it allows agencies to place orders against the established BPA, often with streamlined procurement processes. This can enhance cost-effectiveness by leveraging pre-negotiated rates and reducing the administrative burden of individual contract competitions. Regarding competition, the initial BPA competition would have involved multiple vendors. Subsequent BPA Calls may or may not involve further competition among the BPA holders, depending on the specific BPA's terms and the agency's policy. If the BPA allows for direct ordering or if the call is competed among a subset of BPA holders, it can still foster competition, albeit potentially less broad than a full and open competition for a new contract. This approach balances efficiency with competitive principles.

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: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6550 ROCK SPRING DR, BETHESDA, MD, 20817

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,565,069

Exercised Options: $10,254,950

Current Obligation: $7,191,667

Actual Outlays: $2,734,936

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 49100424A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline