ANIKA SYSTEMS INCORPORATED awarded $2.08M for Data Architecture, Standards, and Security Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,079,807 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Anika Systems Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Securities and Exchange Commission

Start Date: 2024-08-29

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 913 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: DATA ARCHITECTURE, STANDARDS AND DATA SECURITY SERVICES SUPPORT CALL ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: LEESBURG, LOUDOUN County, VIRGINIA, 20176

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Securities and Exchange Commission obligated $2.1 million to ANIKA SYSTEMS INCORPORATED for work described as: DATA ARCHITECTURE, STANDARDS AND DATA SECURITY SERVICES SUPPORT CALL ORDER Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical data infrastructure and security, aligning with SEC's mission. 2. Value for money assessed against similar IT services contracts. 3. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, potentially driving competitive pricing. 4. Risk indicators are moderate, typical for IT support services. 5. Performance context is a multi-year BPA call, suggesting ongoing need. 6. Sector positioning within IT services, specifically custom computer programming. 7. Small business participation is not explicitly mandated but possible through subcontracting.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.08 million over approximately 2.5 years appears reasonable for specialized IT support services. Benchmarking against similar custom computer programming contracts (NAICS 541511) suggests that pricing is within expected ranges, especially considering the focus on data architecture, standards, and security. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model, while requiring careful oversight, allows for flexibility in addressing evolving needs. The award amount is not exceptionally high or low compared to industry standards for similar engagements.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but a full and open process generally suggests a healthy level of competition. This approach is designed to ensure the government receives the best value by considering a wide range of potential providers and their offerings, fostering price discovery and innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition maximizes the potential for competitive pricing, which directly benefits taxpayers by ensuring funds are used efficiently and effectively for essential services.

Public Impact

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential support for its data infrastructure. Services delivered include data architecture, standards development, and data security support. The geographic impact is primarily within the SEC's operational locations, likely Washington D.C. and other federal facilities. Workforce implications include the need for skilled IT professionals in data management and cybersecurity.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in Time and Materials contracts if not closely managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical data infrastructure support requires robust performance monitoring.
Ensuring adherence to evolving data security standards and best practices.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing and quality.
Multi-year BPA call indicates a sustained need and established relationship for reliable support.
Focus on data architecture and security is crucial for the SEC's mission effectiveness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming (NAICS 541511). The market for these services is large and competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in data management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure support. The SEC's need for specialized data architecture and security services is common among federal agencies managing vast amounts of sensitive financial data. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT support services at federal agencies often range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. While ANIKA SYSTEMS INCORPORATED may be a small business, the contract itself was not set aside. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether ANIKA SYSTEMS INCORPORATED utilizes small business subcontractors, which is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Securities and Exchange Commission's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract performance period.

Related Government Programs

IT Professional Services
Custom Computer Programming Services
Data Management Services
Cybersecurity Services
IT Infrastructure Support
GSA Schedules

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure support.
Potential for evolving data security threats requiring adaptive solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Securities and Exchange Commission awarded $2.1 million to ANIKA SYSTEMS INCORPORATED. DATA ARCHITECTURE, STANDARDS AND DATA SECURITY SERVICES SUPPORT CALL ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ANIKA SYSTEMS INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Securities and Exchange Commission (Securities and Exchange Commission).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-29. End: 2027-02-28.

What is ANIKA SYSTEMS INCORPORATED's track record with federal contracts, particularly in data architecture and security?

ANIKA SYSTEMS INCORPORATED has a history of federal contract awards, primarily within the IT services domain. While specific details on their past performance in data architecture and security are not fully elaborated in this summary, their ability to secure this BPA call from the SEC suggests they possess the requisite capabilities and experience. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise in these critical areas. Reviewing awards under similar NAICS codes and contract types would offer further insight into their operational strengths and client satisfaction levels.

How does the $2.08 million contract value compare to similar data architecture and security support contracts awarded by the SEC or other agencies?

The $2.08 million contract value for approximately 2.5 years of support for data architecture, standards, and data security services is within a reasonable range for specialized IT services. When compared to similar contracts for custom computer programming (NAICS 541511) and IT support services awarded by agencies like the SEC or other federal entities, this amount appears competitive. Factors influencing cost include the specific scope of work, the level of expertise required, and the duration of the contract. Without detailed scope-of-work comparisons, it's challenging to provide a precise benchmark, but the value does not appear to be an outlier, suggesting fair market pricing given the nature of the services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks include potential scope creep, given the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, which could lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed. Another risk is the reliance on a single contractor for critical data infrastructure and security, making performance issues or security breaches highly impactful. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight, detailed performance work statements, regular progress reviews, and clear communication channels between the contractor and the government. The SEC's contracting officers and program managers are responsible for monitoring performance, managing scope, and ensuring adherence to security protocols. Establishing clear deliverables and key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for managing these risks effectively.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach in ensuring value for money for this specific IT support contract?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal contracting, as it allows the widest possible pool of qualified vendors to compete. This broad competition drives down prices and encourages innovation as contractors strive to offer the best technical solutions at the most competitive rates. For this IT support contract, a full and open competition likely resulted in a range of proposals, allowing the SEC to select a vendor based on a balance of technical merit, past performance, and price. The effectiveness is maximized when the solicitation is well-defined and evaluation criteria are clearly articulated, ensuring that the lowest price technically acceptable or best value determination truly reflects optimal taxpayer investment.

What are the historical spending patterns for data architecture, standards, and security services at the SEC, and how does this contract fit in?

Historical spending patterns for data architecture, standards, and security services at the SEC would reveal the agency's ongoing investment in these critical areas. Agencies like the SEC, which handle vast amounts of sensitive financial data, typically allocate significant resources to maintaining robust data infrastructure and security. This $2.08 million contract represents a specific, multi-year investment within this broader category. Analyzing past expenditures on similar services would indicate whether this award is consistent with previous levels of investment, potentially higher or lower due to evolving needs, technological advancements, or changes in agency priorities. Understanding these patterns helps contextualize the current contract's significance and financial commitment.

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: 50310224Q0080

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 161 FORT EVANS RD NE STE 210, LEESBURG, VA, 20176

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small 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: $4,389,307

Exercised Options: $2,079,807

Current Obligation: $2,079,807

Actual Outlays: $1,080,281

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 50310223A0014

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline