DHS awards $4.1M contract for records management and accessible technology services to Chenega Enterprise Systems

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,074,859 ($4.1M)

Contractor: Chenega Enterprise Systems & Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-09-30

End Date: 2025-03-29

Contract Duration: 546 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (RIM) AND ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY (508) SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $4.1 million to CHENEGA ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (RIM) AND ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY (508) SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical records management and Section 508 accessibility compliance. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. Duration of 546 days suggests a medium-term need for these services. 4. The contract type is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. 5. Services are labor-hour based, which can offer flexibility but requires careful monitoring of effort. 6. The contractor, Chenega Enterprise Systems & Solutions, LLC, has a track record with federal agencies. 7. Virginia is the primary location for contract performance. 8. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 points to engineering services, which may encompass aspects of the technical requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $4.1 million over 546 days appears reasonable for specialized records management and accessible technology services. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging without more specific service details, but the labor-hour pricing model allows for flexibility. The award to Chenega Enterprise Systems & Solutions, LLC, suggests a competitive selection process where their proposed value was deemed acceptable.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and allowed to bid. The presence of 7 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions as vendors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down costs and ensured the government received a fair market price for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of Homeland Security by ensuring compliance with records management regulations and Section 508 accessibility standards. Delivers essential services for organizing, maintaining, and making accessible government information and technology. Impacts federal employees and the public by ensuring information is managed efficiently and accessible to individuals with disabilities. Workforce implications include the need for skilled personnel in records management, IT accessibility, and potentially engineering support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Labor-hour contracts can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed and monitored for efficiency.
The 'engineering services' NAICS code might indicate a broader scope than initially apparent, requiring careful definition of deliverables.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a potential IDIQ could concentrate risk if the prime contractor faces performance issues.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust vetting of potential providers.
The contractor, Chenega Enterprise Systems & Solutions, LLC, is likely experienced in federal contracting.
Focus on Section 508 compliance demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in government services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically touching on engineering services (NAICS 541330) and IT services. The market for records management and Section 508 compliance is significant within the federal government, driven by regulatory requirements and the increasing digitization of information. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific scope of services, but federal agencies consistently invest in these areas to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary contractor, Chenega Enterprise Systems & Solutions, LLC, is likely a larger entity. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans, but larger prime contractors are often encouraged or required to subcontract portions of their work to small businesses, which could provide opportunities within the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Homeland Security's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS.gov, where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Records Management
Section 508 Accessibility Compliance
IT Services
Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security IT Procurement
Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor-hour pricing model.
Need for robust government oversight to ensure efficient performance.
Scope definition clarity is crucial given the broad service categories.
Contractor performance history requires ongoing monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $4.1 million to CHENEGA ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS, LLC. RECORDS AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (RIM) AND ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY (508) SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHENEGA ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2025-03-29.

What is the specific scope of 'Records and Information Management (RIM) and Accessible Technology (508) Services' covered by this contract?

The provided data offers limited detail on the specific services. 'Records and Information Management' typically involves the creation, organization, maintenance, use, and disposition of records. This could include developing RIM plans, implementing electronic records management systems, ensuring data integrity, and managing archival processes. 'Accessible Technology (508)' refers to compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandates that federal agencies ensure their electronic and information technology is accessible to people with disabilities. This involves ensuring websites, software, hardware, and digital content meet specific accessibility standards. The NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services) suggests that technical or design aspects related to these services might be included, potentially involving system integration, technical consulting, or development of accessible solutions.

How does the $4.1 million contract value compare to similar federal contracts for records management and Section 508 services?

Direct comparison of the $4.1 million value is difficult without knowing the precise deliverables and duration of services. However, federal agencies regularly award contracts for records management and IT accessibility. Larger agencies like DHS often have multi-million dollar contracts in these areas, sometimes spanning several years. Contracts can range from tens of thousands for specific consulting tasks to hundreds of millions for comprehensive IT modernization and records management system implementations. The 546-day duration (approx. 1.5 years) for this $4.1M award suggests a mid-sized engagement. The labor-hour pricing model means the final cost can fluctuate based on actual hours worked, making direct value comparisons less precise than fixed-price contracts.

What are the potential risks associated with a labor-hour contract for these services?

Labor-hour contracts, like this one, carry inherent risks primarily related to cost control and performance oversight. The main risk is that the contractor may bill for more hours than are strictly necessary to complete the work, potentially leading to cost overruns if not managed diligently. This necessitates robust oversight from the government to ensure efficient work practices and that the hours billed align with the progress and quality of deliverables. Another risk is ensuring the contractor possesses the right mix of skilled personnel at the appropriate labor rates. Without clear performance metrics and vigilant monitoring, the government might pay premium rates for less-than-optimal effort or expertise.

What is Chenega Enterprise Systems & Solutions, LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly within DHS?

Chenega Enterprise Systems & Solutions, LLC, is a known entity in the federal contracting space. As part of the larger Chenega Corporation, it has a history of securing and performing on various government contracts across different agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. Publicly available contract databases often show awards to Chenega for IT services, professional services, and support functions. While specific performance details for this particular contract are not yet available due to its recent award, the company's presence suggests a level of established capability and experience required to compete for and win federal solicitations. Further analysis would involve reviewing past performance evaluations and contract histories.

How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' (FOUO) contracting method impact price and vendor selection?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' (FOUO) method, as indicated in the data, is a specific type of competitive procurement. It means that the agency initially considered excluding certain sources but ultimately decided to conduct a full and open competition among all responsible sources. This is distinct from sole-source or limited competition. The 'after exclusion of sources' part might imply a prior consideration for a specific set of vendors or a particular contract vehicle, but the final decision was to open it broadly. This method aims to maximize competition, ensuring a wide range of vendors can participate, which typically leads to better pricing, higher quality solutions, and greater innovation as vendors compete vigorously. The presence of 7 bidders further confirms a competitive environment.

What are the implications of the Virginia (VA) performance location for this contract?

The performance location being Virginia (VA) has several implications. It suggests that the contractor, Chenega Enterprise Systems & Solutions, LLC, likely has a presence or can readily deploy personnel in the region to fulfill the contract requirements for the Department of Homeland Security. This could mean leveraging local talent pools and potentially reducing travel costs compared to a contract performed at a greater distance. For DHS, having a contractor perform services in proximity might facilitate easier communication, oversight, and collaboration between government personnel and the contractor's team. It also indicates that the economic impact of this contract, in terms of jobs and spending, will likely be concentrated within Virginia and surrounding areas.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70RCSJ23R00000003

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 609 INDEPENDENCE PKWY STE 210, CHESAPEAKE, VA, 23320

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,074,859

Exercised Options: $4,074,859

Current Obligation: $4,074,859

Actual Outlays: $3,906,622

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D8152

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline