DHS awards $8.6M for SEVIS IT services to Insight Technology Solutions, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,663,868 ($8.7M)

Contractor: Insight Technology Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-04-22

End Date: 2026-04-21

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION SYSTEM (SEVIS) LEVEL II APPLICATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20002

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $8.7 million to INSIGHT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION SYSTEM (SEVIS) LEVEL II APPLICATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. 2. The contract duration of 1460 days suggests a long-term need for these IT services. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 4. The award is for Computer Systems Design Services, a critical area for government operations. 5. The geographic location is Washington D.C., a common hub for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.6 million over approximately four years for IT application services appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar IT services contracts for government agencies suggests this is within a typical range. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost overruns, providing a degree of value certainty for the government. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process lends confidence.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This specific procurement method implies that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded prior to the solicitation. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but the method suggests a deliberate selection process. The level of competition, while not fully open, likely still provided some price discovery and encouraged competitive proposals from the included sources.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of certain sources could potentially limit the full range of competitive pricing available to taxpayers. However, the 'full and open' aspect indicates an intent to solicit broadly from eligible entities, aiming for a fair market price.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) benefits through enhanced IT application services for the SEVIS system. This contract supports the critical function of managing student and exchange visitor information. The services delivered are essential for maintaining accurate records and compliance for international visitors. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia, where the agency is located.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes assessing efficiency difficult.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical system could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract helps control costs.
Awarded to a single entity, potentially leading to streamlined communication and execution.
Long contract duration suggests stability and a clear path for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector for government contracts is highly competitive and diverse. This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a sub-sector focused on developing and implementing IT solutions. The market size for federal IT services is substantial, with agencies constantly seeking to modernize and maintain their systems. This contract for SEVIS Level II Application Services fits within the broader trend of agencies outsourcing specialized IT functions to private sector firms to leverage expertise and manage workload.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific impacts on the small business ecosystem stemming from a set-aside. The prime contractor, Insight Technology Solutions, LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data, suggesting it may be a larger entity.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within DHS. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General for DHS would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
Department of Homeland Security IT Modernization Efforts
Federal Case Management Systems

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
Contract performance risk associated with a single vendor for critical IT services.
Dependency on contractor expertise for maintaining a complex government system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $8.7 million to INSIGHT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC. STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION SYSTEM (SEVIS) LEVEL II APPLICATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INSIGHT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC.

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 $8.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-04-22. End: 2026-04-21.

What is the track record of Insight Technology Solutions, LLC with federal contracts, particularly within DHS?

Insight Technology Solutions, LLC has a history of performing federal contracts, including work with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While the provided data focuses on this specific contract, a deeper dive into their contract history would reveal their performance across various agencies and contract types. Analyzing past performance ratings, any contract disputes, or awards for similar services would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their reliability and expertise. Their ability to secure this contract suggests a positive assessment of their capabilities by DHS, but a review of their broader federal contracting portfolio is recommended for a complete picture.

How does the $8.6 million value compare to similar IT application services contracts awarded by DHS or other federal agencies?

The $8.6 million contract value for SEVIS Level II Application Services over approximately four years appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized IT support within a federal agency. Benchmarking against similar contracts for system design, development, and maintenance services for large-scale government systems often shows values in the millions of dollars, depending on the scope and duration. For instance, contracts for maintaining and enhancing critical databases or citizen-facing portals can easily reach these figures. The firm fixed-price nature of this award also suggests a degree of cost certainty that is valued by agencies. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts with detailed service descriptions, a precise comparison is difficult, but the award size is not inherently indicative of overpricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Key risks include potential performance issues from the contractor, leading to disruptions in SEVIS operations, and the possibility of cost overruns if the fixed-price model is not strictly managed. Another risk is vendor lock-in, given the specialized nature of the services and the long-term contract. Mitigation strategies likely include robust performance monitoring by ICE, clearly defined service level agreements (SLAs), and contingency planning for service continuity. The competitive award process, even with exclusions, aims to select a capable vendor. Regular contract reviews and clear communication channels are crucial for managing the relationship and addressing issues proactively.

How effective is the SEVIS system, and how does this contract contribute to its overall program effectiveness?

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a critical component of U.S. immigration policy, responsible for tracking international students and exchange visitors. Its effectiveness is paramount for national security, border control, and the integrity of educational and cultural exchange programs. This contract for SEVIS Level II Application Services directly contributes to the system's effectiveness by ensuring its ongoing functionality, maintenance, and potential enhancements. Reliable IT application services are fundamental to SEVIS's ability to accurately process data, generate necessary reports, and maintain compliance with evolving regulations, thereby supporting the broader goals of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

What are the historical spending patterns for SEVIS IT support, and how does this award fit within them?

Historical spending on SEVIS IT support has likely been consistent, given the system's critical and ongoing nature. Agencies typically allocate significant budgets to maintain and upgrade core IT infrastructure. This $8.6 million award represents a specific funding allocation for a defined period (approximately four years) for Level II application services. It should be viewed in the context of the total SEVIS operational budget, which includes personnel, infrastructure, and other support services. Understanding the trend of IT spending for SEVIS over the past several years would provide better context on whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in this area.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Insight Enterprises Inc

Address: 17251 MELFORD BLVD STE 100, BOWIE, MD, 20715

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,080,648

Exercised Options: $10,810,583

Current Obligation: $8,663,868

Actual Outlays: $6,660,890

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 75N98120D00163

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline