USSS Awards AT&T $16.8M for ETS Network and DC Voice Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,822,172 ($16.8M)

Contractor: AT&T Enterprises, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: USSS EIS TO2 - ETS NETWORK AND WASHINGTON DC VOICE SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20223

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $16.8 million to AT&T ENTERPRISES, LLC for work described as: USSS EIS TO2 - ETS NETWORK AND WASHINGTON DC VOICE SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to AT&T Enterprises, LLC for essential network and voice services. 2. The contract has a firm fixed price structure, indicating clear cost expectations. 3. Competition method is 'Full and Open', suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is 4 years, aligning with typical IT service agreements. 5. The value of $16.8M is moderate for a 4-year IT services contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $16.8M over 4 years appears reasonable for comprehensive network and voice services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale telecommunications contracts for federal agencies would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'Full and Open Competition' method suggests that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, which typically drives competitive pricing. The award to AT&T indicates they offered the best value under the established criteria.

Taxpayer Impact: Competitive bidding in this full and open process is expected to yield fair market pricing, ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical infrastructure.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of critical communication services for the U.S. Secret Service. Supports the operational needs of a key federal law enforcement agency. Provides essential network infrastructure for Washington D.C. operations. The contract's success is vital for national security and public safety.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if services are highly specialized.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical infrastructure.
Need for ongoing performance monitoring to ensure service quality.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty.
Long-term contract ensures service stability.
Supports a vital national security agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519), encompassing a broad range of IT support. Spending in this category is substantial across government, with values varying widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). While this specific award may not directly benefit SMBs, the overall IT services market often includes subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Secret Service are responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight mechanisms, including performance reviews and audits, are crucial to ensure service delivery and fiscal responsibility.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Secret Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs.
Risk of service disruption during transition or maintenance.
Dependence on a single large provider for critical communications.
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities inherent in network infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $16.8 million to AT&T ENTERPRISES, LLC. USSS EIS TO2 - ETS NETWORK AND WASHINGTON DC VOICE SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AT&T ENTERPRISES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Secret Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What specific network and voice technologies are included in this contract, and how do they align with current federal IT modernization goals?

The contract covers 'ETS Network and Washington DC Voice Services'. While specific technologies aren't detailed, it implies core telecommunications infrastructure. Alignment with modernization would depend on whether these services are leveraging cloud-based solutions, advanced cybersecurity measures, and interoperable platforms, rather than legacy systems. Further details on the technical architecture would be needed for a full assessment.

What is the benchmarked cost per user or per service unit for similar federal contracts to assess the value of AT&T's $16.8M award?

Without specific details on the number of users, bandwidth, or types of voice services, a precise per-unit cost benchmark is difficult. However, for large federal agencies, multi-year telecommunications contracts often range from tens to hundreds of dollars per user per month, depending on the service mix. The $16.8M over 4 years ($4.2M annually) suggests a significant user base or complex service requirements.

How will the performance of AT&T's services be measured to ensure effectiveness and taxpayer value throughout the contract's duration?

Performance will likely be measured against Service Level Agreements (SLAs) outlined in the contract. These SLAs typically define metrics for network uptime, call quality, response times for outages, and security compliance. Regular performance reviews by the U.S. Secret Service contracting officer's representative (COR) and potential use of independent monitoring tools are standard practices to ensure effectiveness and value.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - NETWORK

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70US0921R20070054

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Tyto Athene, LLC

Address: 3033 CHAIN BRIDGE RD, OAKTON, VA, 22124

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $31,994,181

Exercised Options: $16,822,172

Current Obligation: $16,822,172

Actual Outlays: $6,826,494

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline