DOT awards $2.2M for software engineering support to TCG Inc. under a full and open competition BPA call

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,222,396 ($2.2M)

Contractor: TCG Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-07-17

End Date: 2026-07-14

Contract Duration: 1,093 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SUPPORT (SWES) BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (BPA) CALL; FMCSA'S PRISM PROGRAM AND CRASH ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: CAMBRIDGE, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02142

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.2 million to TCG INC for work described as: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SUPPORT (SWES) BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (BPA) CALL; FMCSA'S PRISM PROGRAM AND CRASH ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract value of $2.22 million for approximately three years suggests a moderate investment in critical IT infrastructure. 2. The use of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call indicates a streamlined procurement process for ongoing needs. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictable spending for the agency. 4. The primary contractor, TCG Inc., will be responsible for software engineering support, a key function for program management. 5. The contract is awarded to a single vendor, TCG Inc., highlighting their specific role in supporting FMCSA's PRISM and Crash Accountability programs. 6. The duration of the contract (1093 days) aligns with typical IT support lifecycles, allowing for sustained development and maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.22 million over approximately three years for software engineering support appears reasonable for specialized IT services. Benchmarking against similar custom computer programming services contracts within the Department of Transportation would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for cost control, assuming the scope of work is well-defined and TCG Inc. can deliver efficiently within the agreed budget.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific details on the number of bidders are not provided, but a full and open competition generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. This approach maximizes the pool of potential contractors and ensures fair access to government contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive market rates, preventing potential overspending and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will benefit from enhanced software engineering capabilities for its PRISM and Crash Accountability programs. Improved software engineering support is expected to lead to more robust and efficient IT systems for managing critical safety data. The contract supports the agency's mission to reduce commercial motor vehicle crashes and improve safety on U.S. roadways. The primary beneficiaries are the agency's IT operations and program managers who rely on these systems for data analysis and decision-making.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the scope is not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical software engineering support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
The effectiveness of the software engineering support will depend on the clarity of requirements and the contractor's ability to meet them.

Positive Signals

The use of a full and open competition suggests a proactive approach to sourcing the best possible vendor.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The BPA Call mechanism allows for efficient procurement of ongoing IT support needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Custom Computer Programming Services sector, a vital component of the IT services industry. This sector is characterized by its role in developing, customizing, and maintaining software solutions for government and commercial clients. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. The Department of Transportation's spending in this area is crucial for maintaining and upgrading its complex IT infrastructure, which supports a wide range of operational and safety functions.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false for this contract. There is no indication of a small business set-aside. This suggests that the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses, and larger, more established firms were likely the primary bidders. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed but would depend on TCG Inc.'s subcontracting plan, if any.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Transportation's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the FMCSA's PRISM and Crash Accountability programs. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring TCG Inc. to deliver specified services within budget. The Inspector General's office of the DOT may conduct audits or investigations if performance or financial irregularities are suspected.

Related Government Programs

FMCSA PRISM Program
FMCSA Crash Accountability Program
Department of Transportation IT Services
Custom Computer Programming Services

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT support.
Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure quality and timeliness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.2 million to TCG INC. SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SUPPORT (SWES) BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT (BPA) CALL; FMCSA'S PRISM PROGRAM AND CRASH ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRAM SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TCG INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-17. End: 2026-07-14.

What is the historical spending pattern for software engineering support within the FMCSA or the Department of Transportation?

Analyzing historical spending for similar software engineering support contracts within the FMCSA and the broader Department of Transportation is crucial for context. While specific historical data for this exact BPA call is not provided, general trends in IT spending within federal agencies often show consistent investment in software development, maintenance, and modernization. Agencies typically allocate significant portions of their budgets to IT to ensure operational efficiency and data integrity. Understanding past contract values, durations, and contractor performance for similar services can help benchmark the current $2.22 million award and assess whether it aligns with historical investment levels and represents good value for money. Without specific historical figures, it's difficult to definitively state if this award is higher or lower than previous similar contracts, but the duration and scope suggest a standard operational support requirement.

How does TCG Inc.'s track record with the federal government influence the risk assessment of this contract?

TCG Inc.'s track record with the federal government is a key factor in assessing the risk associated with this $2.22 million contract. A history of successful contract performance, timely delivery, and adherence to budget with other federal agencies would indicate a lower risk profile. Conversely, past performance issues, such as missed deadlines, cost overruns, or quality deficiencies, would raise concerns. Information on TCG Inc.'s past federal contracts, including their value, duration, and client agencies, can be found in databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). A thorough review of their past performance, including any past performance evaluations or contract disputes, is essential for the Department of Transportation to ensure TCG Inc. is capable of meeting the requirements for the FMCSA's PRISM and Crash Accountability programs effectively and efficiently.

What specific software engineering services are included in this BPA call, and how are they critical to the PRISM and Crash Accountability programs?

This BPA call specifically funds 'SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SUPPORT (SWES)' for the FMCSA's PRISM (Performance and Registration Information Management System) Program and Crash Accountability Program. These programs are vital for collecting, managing, and analyzing data related to commercial motor vehicles, driver compliance, and crash incidents. Software engineering support likely encompasses a range of activities such as developing new software features, maintaining existing codebases, debugging, testing, system integration, and potentially providing technical expertise for system upgrades or migrations. The criticality lies in ensuring the reliability, accuracy, and security of the data systems that underpin FMCSA's regulatory and safety oversight functions. Robust software engineering ensures these systems can effectively support policy enforcement, safety analysis, and reporting requirements, ultimately contributing to roadway safety.

Are there any potential risks associated with the firm-fixed-price contract type for this software engineering support?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type for this $2.22 million software engineering support contract is generally favored for cost control. However, it carries potential risks, primarily if the scope of work is not precisely defined or if unforeseen technical challenges arise. If the requirements are ambiguous or change significantly, TCG Inc. might face difficulties in delivering the full scope within the fixed price, potentially leading to requests for change orders or a reduction in the quality or extent of services provided. Conversely, if TCG Inc. underestimates the effort required, they could incur losses. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may cut corners to maintain profitability, or that the FFP structure might disincentivize innovation or proactive problem-solving if it's not explicitly built into the contract terms. Effective contract management and clear communication are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the competition level (full and open) impact the pricing and value received by the Department of Transportation?

A 'full and open competition' award for this $2.22 million contract is generally advantageous for the Department of Transportation in terms of pricing and value. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, the government maximizes the potential for competitive offers, which typically drives down prices and encourages vendors to offer their best services and innovations. This broad competition increases the likelihood that the selected contractor, TCG Inc., has offered a price that reflects market rates and that their proposed solution is technically sound and cost-effective. The transparency inherent in full and open competition also provides a stronger basis for justifying the contract award and ensuring that taxpayer funds are used efficiently. While the exact number of bidders isn't specified, the process itself is designed to yield better value compared to less competitive procurement methods.

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7348 GEORGIA AVENUE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20012

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,865,898

Exercised Options: $2,235,396

Current Obligation: $2,222,396

Actual Outlays: $1,876,642

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JJ319A000020

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline