DHS awards $251.8M contract for Customs and Border Protection's business intelligence support services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $251,830,777 ($251.8M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-09-26

End Date: 2026-09-25

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $138.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: CUSTOM AND BORDER PROTECTION'S TARGETING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEMS PROGRAM DIRECTORATE (TASPD)'S BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT SERVICES (BISS) REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $251.8 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: CUSTOM AND BORDER PROTECTION'S TARGETING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEMS PROGRAM DIRECTORATE (TASPD)'S BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT SERVICES (BISS) REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT Key points: 1. Contract provides critical business intelligence support for CBP's targeting and analysis systems. 2. The contract value represents a significant investment in data analysis capabilities for border security. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 4. Performance is benchmarked against similar IT services contracts within the federal government. 5. The contract duration of five years allows for sustained support and system development. 6. The contractor has a track record in providing advanced systems integration and support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $251.8 million over five years for business intelligence support services appears reasonable given the critical nature of CBP's operations. Benchmarking against similar IT services contracts for data analysis and system design within agencies like DHS suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while requiring careful oversight, allows for flexibility in addressing evolving intelligence needs.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were eligible to bid. The presence of four bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this specialized IT service. This competitive process is expected to drive more favorable pricing and innovative solutions for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that likely secured a fair market price for essential business intelligence support services, ensuring funds are used efficiently for border security.

Public Impact

Enhances the operational capabilities of U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing advanced business intelligence support. Supports the development and maintenance of critical targeting and analysis systems used for border security and trade enforcement. Benefits federal agencies involved in national security and law enforcement by improving data-driven decision-making. The services delivered are crucial for identifying potential threats and optimizing resource allocation at ports of entry and along borders. Impacts the workforce by potentially requiring specialized IT and data analysis skills for contract execution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Time and Materials (T&M) contract type necessitates vigilant oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient labor utilization.
The duration of the contract (5 years) requires ongoing performance monitoring to ensure sustained quality and alignment with evolving CBP needs.
Reliance on a single contractor for such a critical function could pose a risk if performance degrades or if the contractor faces significant operational challenges.

Positive Signals

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market and potentially better value.
The contractor, MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC., has experience in providing advanced systems integration and support, suggesting a capable partner.
The contract supports a vital national security mission for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, aligning with agency priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and business intelligence. The federal market for such services is substantial, with agencies increasingly relying on data analytics to improve operational efficiency and decision-making. Comparable spending benchmarks for IT support services within large federal agencies like DHS often run into hundreds of millions of dollars over several years, reflecting the complexity and criticality of these systems.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The primary contractor is a large business. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract may be limited unless they are part of a larger subcontracting effort initiated by the prime contractor. The overall impact on the small business ecosystem for IT services would depend on whether MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. actively seeks small business partners for this work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection contracting officer and program managers. Performance will be monitored through regular reporting, milestone reviews, and adherence to the contract's terms and conditions, particularly given the Time and Materials (T&M) structure. Transparency is expected through contract award notices and potentially through performance metrics shared within the agency. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General may also conduct audits or investigations into contract performance and spending.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security IT Services
Customs and Border Protection Technology Modernization
Federal Business Intelligence and Analytics Contracts
Computer Systems Design Services
Targeting and Analysis Systems Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Need for continuous monitoring of contractor performance over the five-year period.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical business intelligence functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $251.8 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. CUSTOM AND BORDER PROTECTION'S TARGETING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEMS PROGRAM DIRECTORATE (TASPD)'S BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT SERVICES (BISS) REQUIREMENTS CONTRACT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $251.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-26. End: 2026-09-25.

What is the contractor's past performance record with the federal government, particularly within the Department of Homeland Security?

MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. has a history of performing federal contracts, including those with the Department of Homeland Security. While specific details of past performance are often proprietary, their ability to secure this significant contract suggests a satisfactory or better performance record on previous engagements. Federal procurement databases and past performance evaluations (often not publicly disclosed in detail) would provide a more granular assessment. However, securing a contract of this magnitude typically requires demonstrating a proven track record of successful delivery on similar complex IT projects, including system design, integration, and support services.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar business intelligence support contracts within federal agencies?

The awarded amount of approximately $251.8 million over five years for business intelligence support services for CBP's Targeting and Analysis Systems Program Directorate (TASPD) is substantial but aligns with the scale of IT investments in large federal agencies. Similar contracts for comprehensive IT support, data analytics, and system design within agencies like the Department of Defense or the IRS can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over similar periods. The 'Computer Systems Design Services' (NAICS code 541512) category often involves significant funding due to the complexity of integrating and maintaining sophisticated systems. This contract's value appears consistent with the scope of supporting critical national security and law enforcement functions.

What are the primary risks associated with this Time and Materials (T&M) contract structure?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract is the potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual labor hours and materials used. This can lead to increased costs if the scope of work expands unexpectedly, if labor hours are not efficiently utilized, or if material costs escalate. For this contract, effective oversight by CBP is crucial to monitor labor rates, hours worked, and material expenses to ensure the government receives good value and stays within budget. Clear task orders and performance metrics are essential to mitigate these risks.

How effective are the current targeting and analysis systems at CBP, and how will this contract enhance them?

The effectiveness of CBP's current targeting and analysis systems is a critical component of border security and trade enforcement. This contract aims to enhance these systems by providing essential business intelligence support. This likely involves improving data processing, analytical capabilities, and the user interface for analysts and decision-makers. Enhanced business intelligence can lead to more accurate threat assessments, better resource allocation, and more efficient processing of travelers and cargo. While specific performance metrics of the existing systems are not publicly detailed, the significant investment in this contract signals a commitment to continuous improvement and modernization of these vital tools.

What is the historical spending trend for business intelligence and IT support services at CBP over the last five years?

Historical spending data for business intelligence and IT support services at CBP over the last five years would reveal trends in their investment in data analytics and system maintenance. Agencies like CBP typically show an increasing trend in IT spending, driven by the need to modernize legacy systems, adopt new technologies (like AI and machine learning for analysis), and manage vast amounts of data. Analyzing previous contract awards for similar services would provide context on whether this $251.8 million award represents a significant increase, a continuation of existing investment levels, or a shift in focus within CBP's technology budget. Such analysis helps in understanding the long-term financial commitment to these capabilities.

What are the potential implications of this contract for future technology development within CBP?

This contract has significant implications for future technology development within CBP by ensuring the continued support and potential enhancement of its core targeting and analysis systems. By providing business intelligence support, it lays the groundwork for integrating advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning capabilities. The insights gained and the systems maintained under this contract can inform future technology roadmaps, identifying areas for innovation and investment. It ensures that CBP has the foundational data infrastructure and analytical tools necessary to adapt to evolving threats and operational requirements, potentially driving further modernization efforts.

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 › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 2251 CORPORATE PARK DRIVE, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $272,525,309

Exercised Options: $251,831,777

Current Obligation: $251,830,777

Actual Outlays: $151,148,614

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 16

Total Subaward Amount: $143,950,128

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCK18D0031

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline