DHS Awards $31.17M for RAVEN Analytical Platform Support to Booz Allen Hamilton

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,174,126 ($31.2M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2018-09-20

End Date: 2022-03-06

Contract Duration: 1,263 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: AMB #12549, AAP #F2018041019 - NEW CONTRACT AWARD FOR REPOSITORY FOR ANALYTICS IN A VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) ANALYTICAL PLATFORM&TOOL SUPPORT;

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $31.2 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: AMB #12549, AAP #F2018041019 - NEW CONTRACT AWARD FOR REPOSITORY FOR ANALYTICS IN A VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) ANALYTICAL PLATFORM&TOOL SUPPORT; Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical analytics platform support. 2. Booz Allen Hamilton, a large incumbent, secured the award. 3. Potential for cost overruns exists given the labor-hour contract type. 4. Spending falls within the IT services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's labor-hour pricing structure makes direct comparison difficult. However, the estimated value of $31.17M over approximately 3.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend for specialized analytical platform support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. However, the use of labor hours can sometimes lead to less predictable final costs compared to fixed-price contracts.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to procure essential analytical capabilities for immigration and customs enforcement, aiming to improve operational efficiency and data analysis.

Public Impact

Enhances data analysis capabilities for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Supports the RAVEN analytical platform, crucial for intelligence and operations. Ensures continued functionality and tool support for a key government system. Potential impact on border security and immigration enforcement effectiveness.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Labor hour contract type can lead to cost uncertainty.
Sole reliance on one vendor for platform support could create lock-in.
Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing monitoring.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Supports a critical national security function.
Vendor has a strong track record in government contracting.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services. Spending benchmarks for similar analytical platform support contracts vary widely based on complexity and scope, but this award appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized services.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton, a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors in this specific award, suggesting limited direct benefit to the small business sector.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to manage the labor-hour costs effectively and ensure the contractor meets performance requirements. The Department of Homeland Security's contracting office is responsible for monitoring this award.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Labor hour contract type
Potential for cost creep
Lack of small business participation
Long contract duration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $31.2 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. AMB #12549, AAP #F2018041019 - NEW CONTRACT AWARD FOR REPOSITORY FOR ANALYTICS IN A VIRTUALIZED ENVIRONMENT (RAVEN) ANALYTICAL PLATFORM&TOOL SUPPORT;

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-20. End: 2022-03-06.

What is the estimated total cost per labor hour, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks for similar skill sets?

The provided data does not specify the hourly rates. To assess value, a detailed breakdown of labor categories and their corresponding rates would be needed. Comparing these rates against government-wide contract vehicles or commercial benchmarks for comparable IT and analytical services would reveal potential overpricing or cost savings.

What are the specific performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will they be measured to ensure effectiveness?

The data does not detail specific performance metrics. Effective oversight requires clearly defined KPIs related to platform uptime, analytical output accuracy, response times for tool support, and successful implementation of new features. Regular performance reviews against these KPIs are essential to gauge contractor effectiveness and ensure mission objectives are met.

Given the full and open competition, what was the range of bids received, and how did Booz Allen Hamilton's proposal compare in terms of technical approach and price?

The bid range is not provided. A comprehensive analysis would require reviewing the source selection decision document to understand the competitive landscape. Evaluating the technical merits and pricing strategies of all competing proposals would clarify the justification for selecting Booz Allen Hamilton and confirm the best value was obtained for the government.

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 › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (UEI: 964725688)

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,393,188

Exercised Options: $31,174,126

Current Obligation: $31,174,126

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F386DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline