DHS awards $14.2M for FEMA Field Assessment Tools Technical Services to Ardent Management Consulting
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,219,540 ($14.2M)
Contractor: Ardent Management Consulting, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2020-08-05
End Date: 2025-09-23
Contract Duration: 1,875 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: FEMA FIELD ASSESSMENT TOOLS TECHNICAL SERVICES (FTTS)
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22209
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $14.2 million to ARDENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, LLC for work described as: FEMA FIELD ASSESSMENT TOOLS TECHNICAL SERVICES (FTTS) Key points: 1. Contract value of $14.2 million over approximately 5 years. 2. Competition method was Full and Open, indicating broad market access. 3. Risk appears moderate given the contract type and duration. 4. Sector is IT services, specifically custom computer programming.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $14.2 million for custom computer programming services over nearly 5 years appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar IT service contracts of this scope and duration would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under Full and Open Competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. The BPA Call award mechanism implies a pre-competed framework, potentially leading to efficient pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by leveraging market competition to secure favorable pricing.
Public Impact
Supports FEMA's operational capabilities through essential technical services. Ensures continued development and maintenance of critical assessment tools. Impacts disaster response and recovery efforts by providing necessary technology.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Positive Signals
- Full and Open Competition utilized.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
- Supports critical FEMA operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically custom computer programming services. IT services represent a significant portion of federal spending, with custom programming often supporting unique agency needs.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this specific award, as the contract was not set aside for small businesses and the awardee is not listed as such.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded via a BPA Call, suggesting it may have undergone some level of pre-competition or established framework oversight. Further review of the specific BPA and call order would clarify oversight mechanisms.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for technological obsolescence over the contract's 5-year term.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical technical services.
- Risk of scope creep if requirements evolve significantly.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, bpa-call, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $14.2 million to ARDENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, LLC. FEMA FIELD ASSESSMENT TOOLS TECHNICAL SERVICES (FTTS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ARDENT MANAGEMENT CONSULTING, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $14.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-08-05. End: 2025-09-23.
What specific technical services are provided under this contract, and how do they directly contribute to FEMA's mission effectiveness?
The contract provides custom computer programming services for FEMA's Field Assessment Tools Technical Services (FTTS). These services likely involve the development, maintenance, and enhancement of software and systems used by FEMA personnel during field assessments. This directly supports FEMA's mission by ensuring that assessment tools are functional, up-to-date, and capable of efficiently gathering critical data for disaster response and recovery operations.
Given the 5-year duration, what are the primary risks associated with the technology and vendor performance for this contract?
Primary risks include technological obsolescence, as IT systems can quickly become outdated over a 5-year period, potentially requiring costly upgrades or re-competition. Vendor performance risk exists, as delays or quality issues from Ardent Management Consulting could impact FEMA's ability to conduct timely and accurate field assessments. Furthermore, changes in FEMA's operational requirements or federal IT policies could necessitate contract modifications, introducing scope creep or cost increases.
How does the firm fixed price contract type ensure value for money and mitigate cost overruns for the government?
A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, Ardent Management Consulting. This incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently and accurately estimate project expenses upfront. For the government, FFP provides cost certainty, making budgeting more predictable and protecting against unexpected price increases during contract performance, thereby ensuring better value for taxpayer money.
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: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1945 OLD GALLOWS RD STE 540B, VIENNA, VA, 22182
Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,835,922
Exercised Options: $14,561,849
Current Obligation: $14,219,540
Actual Outlays: $7,544,813
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 70RTAC19A00000004
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-08-05
Current End Date: 2025-09-23
Potential End Date: 2025-09-23 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-10
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