EPA awards $4.8M IT services contract to Comptech, highlighting regional support needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,822,916 ($4.8M)

Contractor: Comptech Computer Technologies, Inc

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2023-04-01

End Date: 2025-05-31

Contract Duration: 791 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: REGIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOR REGION 5: AUDIO/TELECOMMUNICATION SUPPORT, NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER SUPPORT, HELPDESK AND USER SUPPORT, DATABASE ADMINISTRATION, AND SECURITY SUPPORT.

Place of Performance

Location: CHICAGO, COOK County, ILLINOIS, 60604

State: Illinois Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $4.8 million to COMPTECH COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES, INC for work described as: REGIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOR REGION 5: AUDIO/TELECOMMUNICATION SUPPORT, NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER SUPPORT, HELPDESK AND USER SUPPORT, DATABASE ADMINISTRATION, AND SECURITY SUPPORT. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential IT services including telecommunications, network operations, helpdesk, database, and security. 2. Comptech Computer Technologies, Inc. secured the award, indicating a competitive landscape for IT support. 3. The contract's duration and scope suggest a significant reliance on external IT expertise for Region 5. 4. Spending on IT services like this is crucial for agency operational efficiency and data security.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.8M over approximately 2.6 years appears reasonable for comprehensive IT services. Benchmarking against similar regional IT support contracts would provide a more precise assessment of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' indicates a competitive bidding process was utilized, which generally promotes price discovery and fair market value. The exclusion of sources, if any, needs further scrutiny to ensure it didn't unduly limit competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently, securing necessary IT services at a fair price.

Public Impact

Ensures continued IT operations and support for EPA Region 5, impacting employees and potentially public-facing services. Supports critical functions like network security and database administration, vital for data integrity and agency operations. The contract provides essential telecommunication and helpdesk services, facilitating communication and problem resolution for users. Regional IT infrastructure stability is maintained, preventing disruptions to EPA's environmental protection activities in Illinois.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical IT functions.
Need for clear performance metrics and oversight.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process.
Focus on essential IT services.
Clear contract duration and defined services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically Other Computer Related Services (NAICS 541519). Spending in this area is substantial across federal agencies, supporting everything from basic helpdesk functions to complex cybersecurity operations. Benchmarks vary widely based on service scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Comptech Computer Technologies, Inc. Further analysis is needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if the prime contractor is itself a small business, as this award does not indicate direct small business set-aside.

Oversight & Accountability

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the contracting agency. Oversight will involve monitoring contract performance, ensuring adherence to terms, and managing any modifications to guarantee effective service delivery and responsible use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
Environmental Protection Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Dependence on third-party for critical IT infrastructure.
Need for robust performance monitoring.
Cybersecurity risks associated with external IT support.
Potential impact of service disruptions on agency operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $4.8 million to COMPTECH COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. REGIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOR REGION 5: AUDIO/TELECOMMUNICATION SUPPORT, NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER SUPPORT, HELPDESK AND USER SUPPORT, DATABASE ADMINISTRATION, AND SECURITY SUPPORT.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COMPTECH COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-01. End: 2025-05-31.

How does the pricing compare to similar regional IT support contracts awarded by other federal agencies?

A detailed comparison requires access to benchmark data for comparable contracts. Factors like service level agreements, geographic location, and specific technologies deployed significantly influence pricing. Without specific benchmark data, it's difficult to definitively assess if this $4.8M award represents optimal value, though the competitive award process suggests a market-driven price.

What are the specific risks associated with relying on Comptech for critical IT functions in Region 5?

Key risks include potential vendor lock-in, performance issues impacting EPA operations, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities if Comptech's security practices are inadequate. The contract's duration necessitates robust performance monitoring and contingency planning to mitigate disruptions should Comptech fail to meet its obligations or experience internal issues.

How effectively will this contract support the EPA's mission in Region 5, particularly concerning data security and operational continuity?

The contract's focus on security support, network operations, and database administration directly addresses mission-critical needs. Its effectiveness hinges on the quality of Comptech's service delivery, adherence to security protocols, and the EPA's oversight mechanisms. Successful execution should ensure operational continuity and data integrity for Region 5.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 68HE0523R0005

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7777 WASHINGTON VILLAGE DRIVE, DAYTON, OH, 45459

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,822,916

Exercised Options: $4,822,916

Current Obligation: $4,822,916

Actual Outlays: $4,822,968

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 68HE0920D0004

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline