DHS Awards $4.9M Network-as-a-Service Contract to AT&T for CBP Communications Equipment Repair

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,916,473 ($4.9M)

Contractor: AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-08-20

End Date: 2026-02-13

Contract Duration: 908 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: NEASS NETWORK AS A SERVICE

Place of Performance

Location: OAKTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22124

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $4.9 million to AT&T TECHNICAL SERVICES COMPANY, INC for work described as: NEASS NETWORK AS A SERVICE Key points: 1. Contract value of $4.9 million for network services. 2. AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc. is the awardee. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 4. The contract falls under the IT sector, specifically communication equipment repair and maintenance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $4.9 million appears reasonable for a multi-year network-as-a-service agreement. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts would provide a more definitive assessment of pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and allows for a broad range of potential offerors. This method is generally effective in achieving fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential communication network services, with the competitive award process aiming to ensure efficient use of these funds.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical communication networks for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Supports border security and law enforcement operations through reliable network infrastructure. Potential impact on AT&T's market share in government IT services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in with long-term network services.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a critical government agency (DHS/CBP).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on communication equipment repair and maintenance. Spending in this area is crucial for government operations, and benchmarks vary widely based on the complexity and scope of services.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if opportunities were missed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be managed by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The effectiveness of oversight depends on the agency's contract management capabilities and performance monitoring.

Related Government Programs

Communication Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the award notice.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical communication infrastructure.
Need for ongoing cost-benefit analysis throughout the contract duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $4.9 million to AT&T TECHNICAL SERVICES COMPANY, INC. NEASS NETWORK AS A SERVICE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AT&T TECHNICAL SERVICES COMPANY, 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 $4.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-20. End: 2026-02-13.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this network-as-a-service contract, and how will they be measured to ensure service quality and value for money?

Key performance indicators are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of network-as-a-service contracts. These typically include metrics like network uptime, latency, packet loss, and response times for repairs. Robust measurement mechanisms and regular reporting are essential to ensure the contractor meets agreed-upon service levels and that taxpayer funds are delivering the expected value.

What is the potential risk of vendor lock-in with AT&T for these network services, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Vendor lock-in is a potential risk in long-term IT service contracts, especially for specialized network infrastructure. Mitigation strategies could include clearly defined exit clauses, data portability requirements, and ensuring interoperability with other systems. Regular market reviews and contingency planning can also help reduce the impact of potential lock-in.

How does the pricing structure of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar network-as-a-service offerings, considering the specific requirements of CBP?

A comprehensive comparison requires detailed knowledge of the service level agreements and technical specifications. However, given the full and open competition, the pricing is likely competitive. Benchmarking against similar government or commercial contracts for comparable network services, adjusted for scale and complexity, would provide a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Communication Equipment Repair and Maintenance

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - COMPUTE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3033 CHAIN BRIDGE RD, OAKTON, VA, 22124

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,916,473

Exercised Options: $4,916,473

Current Obligation: $4,916,473

Actual Outlays: $4,912,673

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70B04C19D00000058

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline