DHS Awards $8.36M Contract for VINE Support to Data Systems Analysts Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,356,199 ($8.4M)

Contractor: Data Systems Analysts Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-07-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: AMB #21163 NEW CONTRACT FOR VICTIM INFORMATION NOTIFICATION EXCHANGE (VINE) SUPPORT ANTICIPATED POP: 7/1/2024 - 6/30/2025 ACOR: ATA HAFEEZ, ATA.HAFEEZ@ICE.DHS.GOV, (202) 421-6222

Place of Performance

Location: FEASTERVILLE TREVOSE, BUCKS County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19053

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $8.4 million to DATA SYSTEMS ANALYSTS INC for work described as: AMB #21163 NEW CONTRACT FOR VICTIM INFORMATION NOTIFICATION EXCHANGE (VINE) SUPPORT ANTICIPATED POP: 7/1/2024 - 6/30/2025 ACOR: ATA HAFEEZ, ATA.HAFEEZ@ICE.DHS.GOV, (202) 421-6222 Key points: 1. The contract supports the Victim Information Notification Exchange (VINE) system. 2. Data Systems Analysts Inc. is the incumbent contractor. 3. The contract is for Computer Systems Design Services. 4. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.36 million for a 2-year period appears reasonable for specialized IT support services. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for victim notification systems or case management IT support would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, potentially driving down costs and ensuring fair market value.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential government services like victim support.

Public Impact

Ensures continued support for the VINE system, which provides critical information to victims of crime. Maintains operational continuity for a vital law enforcement and victim assistance technology. Supports the Department of Homeland Security's mission in processing and managing information related to victims. The contract's success directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of victim notification processes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if VINE system is highly specialized.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT support.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition promotes fair pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Incumbent contractor likely brings institutional knowledge.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this area is substantial across federal agencies, supporting a wide range of mission-critical functions. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts vary widely based on complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Data Systems Analysts Inc., and the data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside or requirement for this particular award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within DHS. Standard oversight mechanisms for IT contracts, including performance monitoring and deliverable reviews, would apply. The contracting officer's point of contact is provided for inquiries.

Related Government Programs

Computer Systems Design Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in
Reliance on incumbent knowledge
Need for ongoing performance monitoring
Ensuring data security and privacy for victim information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $8.4 million to DATA SYSTEMS ANALYSTS INC. AMB #21163 NEW CONTRACT FOR VICTIM INFORMATION NOTIFICATION EXCHANGE (VINE) SUPPORT ANTICIPATED POP: 7/1/2024 - 6/30/2025 ACOR: ATA HAFEEZ, ATA.HAFEEZ@ICE.DHS.GOV, (202) 421-6222

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DATA SYSTEMS ANALYSTS 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 $8.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific functionality and criticality of the VINE system to DHS operations?

The Victim Information Notification Exchange (VINE) system is crucial for providing timely and accurate information to victims of crime regarding the custody status and legal proceedings of offenders. For DHS, this likely involves managing notifications related to immigration detainees and ensuring victims are informed, which is vital for transparency, safety, and due process. Its criticality lies in maintaining public trust and supporting victims' rights.

Are there any identified risks associated with the incumbent contractor continuing to provide VINE support?

While the incumbent contractor likely possesses valuable institutional knowledge, potential risks include complacency, lack of innovation, or vendor lock-in if the VINE system's architecture is proprietary or highly specialized. A thorough performance review of past contracts and market research for alternative solutions would mitigate these risks. Ensuring clear performance metrics and transition plans is also key.

How does the cost of this VINE support contract compare to similar IT support services for victim notification or case management systems?

Without specific benchmark data for comparable victim notification IT support contracts, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the $8.36 million for two years suggests a significant investment. Factors like the system's complexity, user base, integration requirements, and the level of specialized expertise needed will influence its cost-effectiveness relative to industry standards.

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: 8 NESHAMINY INTERPLEX DR STE 209, FEASTERVILLE TREVOSE, PA, 19053

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,679,396

Exercised Options: $8,356,199

Current Obligation: $8,356,199

Actual Outlays: $4,780,005

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200041W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline