DOT Awards $6.5M IT SWAT Team Contract to Changeis Inc. for Mission-Critical Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,517,514 ($6.5M)

Contractor: Changeis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-09-30

End Date: 2026-08-21

Contract Duration: 1,056 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THIS IS A FFP TASK ORDER TO PROVIDE AN IT SWAT TEAM TO LEVERAGE THE TECHNICAL, PROGRAMMATIC, AND EXPERIENTIAL EXPERTISE TO SOLVE MISSION-CRITICAL CHALLENGES VIA RAPID DESIGN OR DEPLOYMENT OF PRODUCTS. THIS TASK ORDER IS AWARDED AGAINST CHANGEIS INCS

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22209

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $6.5 million to CHANGEIS, INC. for work described as: THIS IS A FFP TASK ORDER TO PROVIDE AN IT SWAT TEAM TO LEVERAGE THE TECHNICAL, PROGRAMMATIC, AND EXPERIENTIAL EXPERTISE TO SOLVE MISSION-CRITICAL CHALLENGES VIA RAPID DESIGN OR DEPLOYMENT OF PRODUCTS. THIS TASK ORDER IS AWARDED AGAINST CHANGEIS INCS Key points: 1. Contract focuses on rapid IT product design and deployment for mission-critical challenges. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs for the $6.5M task order. 4. IT services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design, is a significant area of federal spending.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $6.5M task order for IT SWAT services appears reasonable given the scope of rapid design and deployment for mission-critical challenges. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts would provide further clarity on pricing effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives best value.

Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed price structure helps ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by capping the total cost of the services provided.

Public Impact

Ensures critical IT challenges within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are addressed promptly. Supports the development and deployment of new technologies to improve agency operations. Leverages specialized expertise for complex technical and programmatic issues. Potential for improved efficiency and effectiveness in agency mission delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Duration of contract (nearly 3 years) may lead to potential scope creep or evolving needs.
Reliance on a single vendor for mission-critical IT support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
Focus on rapid deployment addresses urgent mission needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512). Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting a wide range of agency functions from infrastructure to specialized software development.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there is no direct benefit to small businesses from this specific award, though they may participate as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The award is a delivery order against an existing contract, implying some level of pre-qualification and oversight. Further review of the parent contract and specific task order performance metrics would be needed to assess full oversight effectiveness.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Risk of scope creep impacting budget and timeline.
Dependence on external expertise for critical functions.
Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $6.5 million to CHANGEIS, INC.. THIS IS A FFP TASK ORDER TO PROVIDE AN IT SWAT TEAM TO LEVERAGE THE TECHNICAL, PROGRAMMATIC, AND EXPERIENTIAL EXPERTISE TO SOLVE MISSION-CRITICAL CHALLENGES VIA RAPID DESIGN OR DEPLOYMENT OF PRODUCTS. THIS TASK ORDER IS AWARDED AGAINST CHANGEIS INCS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHANGEIS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2026-08-21.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the success of the IT SWAT team in solving mission-critical challenges?

Success metrics should focus on tangible outcomes such as the speed of problem resolution, the effectiveness of deployed solutions in addressing the identified challenges, and the overall impact on agency operational efficiency. Quantifiable improvements in system performance, reduction in downtime, or successful implementation of new functionalities would serve as key indicators of success for this IT SWAT team engagement.

How will the agency ensure continued value and prevent cost overruns with a nearly three-year contract for IT services?

The agency can mitigate risks by establishing clear performance milestones and regular progress reviews. Implementing a phased approach to deliverables, with defined acceptance criteria at each stage, will allow for course correction. Robust contract management, including vigilant monitoring of resource allocation and adherence to the firm fixed price, will be crucial in preventing cost overruns and ensuring the project remains within budget.

What is the process for transitioning knowledge and capabilities from the SWAT team to internal agency staff upon contract completion?

A structured knowledge transfer plan should be integrated into the contract from the outset. This plan should include regular training sessions, documentation of all developed solutions and processes, and opportunities for internal staff to shadow or collaborate with the SWAT team. Establishing clear handover procedures and ensuring dedicated internal resources are assigned to receive this knowledge will facilitate a smooth and effective transition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design 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: 1530 WILSON BLVD, ARLINGTON, VA, 22209

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, 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: $6,517,514

Exercised Options: $6,517,514

Current Obligation: $6,517,514

Actual Outlays: $5,239,328

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA18D0078

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline