DHS Awards $2.45M for Law Enforcement Subscription Services to RELX Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,447,616 ($2.4M)
Contractor: Relx Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2023-09-30
End Date: 2025-03-29
Contract Duration: 546 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: LAW ENFORCEMENT SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: ALPHARETTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30005
State: Georgia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.4 million to RELX INC. for work described as: LAW ENFORCEMENT SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to RELX Inc. for $2.45 million. 2. Services fall under 'All Other Information Services' (NAICS 519190). 3. Competition was conducted under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP). 4. The contract duration is 546 days. 5. This award represents a small portion of overall DHS spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $2.45 million for 546 days suggests a moderate per-day cost. Benchmarking against similar information service contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but the SAP competition method may limit aggressive price negotiation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves fewer vendors and potentially less robust price discovery than full and open competition. This method can lead to higher prices if not managed carefully.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential law enforcement information services. The SAP competition method warrants scrutiny to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Provides critical data access for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) operations. Supports law enforcement activities by enabling access to vital information. The contract duration extends into March 2025, ensuring continuity of service. Potential for data privacy and security concerns inherent in subscription services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP
- Potential for price escalation in subscription services
- Lack of detailed cost breakdown
Positive Signals
- Supports critical government functions
- Awarded to a known vendor
- Fixed price contract limits cost overruns
Sector Analysis
The 'All Other Information Services' sector encompasses a broad range of data providers. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on agency needs, with subscription models being common for ongoing data access.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this procurement. SAP competitions can sometimes favor larger, established vendors, but opportunities for small businesses may exist in subcontracting roles.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of this contract would involve monitoring service delivery, ensuring compliance with terms, and verifying that the subscription services meet the stated needs of USCIS. The fixed-price nature simplifies some aspects of financial oversight.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Information Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for price creep
- Lack of transparency in pricing
- Reliance on a single vendor
Tags
all-other-information-services, department-of-homeland-security, ga, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.4 million to RELX INC.. LAW ENFORCEMENT SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RELX INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-30. End: 2025-03-29.
What specific law enforcement capabilities are enabled by these subscription services, and how critical are they to USCIS operations?
These services likely provide access to databases, intelligence reports, and analytical tools crucial for immigration enforcement, border security, and vetting processes. Their criticality lies in enabling USCIS officers to make informed decisions, identify risks, and maintain national security by accessing timely and comprehensive information.
What are the risks associated with relying on a single vendor (RELX Inc.) for these essential information services, particularly given the limited competition?
The primary risk is vendor lock-in and potential price increases in future renewals, as RELX Inc. may have limited competition. Dependence on one provider could also pose a risk if the vendor experiences service disruptions or changes its offerings. The limited competition under SAP exacerbates these concerns.
How effectively does the fixed-price contract structure ensure value for money, considering the nature of subscription-based information services?
A fixed-price contract provides cost certainty and limits the government's exposure to cost overruns. However, for subscription services, it's crucial to ensure the price reflects the actual value and usage of the information provided. Without detailed performance metrics or competitive benchmarking, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Information › Other Information Services › All Other Information Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Relx PLC
Address: 9443 SPRINGBORO PIKE, MIAMISBURG, OH, 45342
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,447,616
Exercised Options: $2,447,616
Current Obligation: $2,447,616
Actual Outlays: $2,446,997
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 03310319D0028
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-30
Current End Date: 2025-03-29
Potential End Date: 2025-03-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-31
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