NASA awards $31.4M contract for HPE Nimble support, highlighting IT services for agency operations
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $31,363 ($31.4K)
Contractor: Alliance Technology Group, LLC
Awarding Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Start Date: 2026-04-20
End Date: 2028-07-31
Contract Duration: 833 days
Daily Burn Rate: $38/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: FY26 HPE NIMBLE SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: HANOVER, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21076
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
National Aeronautics and Space Administration obligated $31,362.6 to ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC for work described as: FY26 HPE NIMBLE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract focuses on essential IT infrastructure support, crucial for NASA's mission continuity. 2. Competition was robust, suggesting potential for competitive pricing and value. 3. The contract duration extends over two years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 5. This award falls within the broader category of IT services supporting federal agencies. 6. The specific service code points to specialized computer-related services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $31.4 million for approximately 2.6 years of support appears reasonable for specialized IT infrastructure services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for HPE Nimble support or comparable storage and data management solutions would provide a more precise value assessment. However, given the firm-fixed-price structure and the competitive nature of the award, it suggests a commitment to achieving value for money. The scope likely includes maintenance, technical support, and potentially upgrades for critical NASA IT systems.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that multiple vendors were allowed to bid after an initial exclusion period or process. With five bidders participating, the competition level appears healthy, which typically drives more competitive pricing and encourages vendors to offer their best value propositions. This approach suggests NASA sought a broad range of potential solutions and providers.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process for this IT support contract helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation from multiple vendors.
Public Impact
NASA personnel and mission operations will benefit from reliable and supported IT infrastructure. Services delivered will ensure the continued functionality of HPE Nimble storage and data management systems. The geographic impact is primarily centered around NASA facilities where the supported systems are deployed. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized IT technicians and support staff, both within NASA and at the contractor's organization.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if specialized knowledge is required for future support.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT infrastructure support could pose risks.
- Ensuring adequate knowledge transfer and documentation is crucial for long-term maintainability.
Positive Signals
- Firm-fixed-price contract mitigates cost escalation risks.
- Robust competition suggests a favorable pricing environment.
- Long-term support contract ensures continuity of essential IT services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on computer hardware support and related services. The market for IT infrastructure support is vast and highly competitive, with numerous vendors offering specialized services for various hardware and software platforms. NASA's spending in this area is consistent with the needs of large federal agencies that rely heavily on robust and well-maintained IT systems to support their complex missions. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing IT support contracts across other agencies for similar hardware or service scopes.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the prime contractor, ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in this context. Therefore, the direct impact on small business set-asides is minimal. However, the prime contractor may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill parts of the contract, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by NASA's contracting officers and program managers, ensuring adherence to the terms and conditions. Accountability measures are embedded within the firm-fixed-price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.
Related Government Programs
- NASA IT Infrastructure Support
- Federal Data Storage Solutions
- HPE Hardware Maintenance Contracts
- IT Services for Aerospace Agencies
- Computer Systems Support Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Dependency on critical IT infrastructure support
- Ensuring adequate knowledge transfer and documentation
Tags
it-services, nasa, hpe-nimble-support, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, computer-related-services, maryland, fy26
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
National Aeronautics and Space Administration awarded $31,362.6 to ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC. FY26 HPE NIMBLE SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $31,362.6.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-04-20. End: 2028-07-31.
What is the track record of ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC in supporting NASA contracts, particularly for IT infrastructure?
A review of federal procurement data indicates that ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC has a history of receiving contracts from various federal agencies, including NASA. While specific details on their performance for HPE Nimble support within NASA require deeper investigation into past performance evaluations and contract close-outs, their presence as a prime contractor suggests they possess the necessary qualifications and experience. Analyzing past awards and any associated performance metrics or feedback would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and expertise in fulfilling similar IT support requirements for NASA's complex technological environment.
How does the $31.4 million value compare to similar IT support contracts awarded by NASA or other agencies for comparable hardware?
The $31.4 million contract value for approximately 2.6 years of HPE Nimble support is a significant investment. To benchmark its value, one would compare it against contracts for similar enterprise storage solutions and IT infrastructure maintenance awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense, GSA, or other civilian agencies. Factors such as the number of support units, service level agreements (SLAs), and the specific model of HPE Nimble hardware would need to be matched. A preliminary assessment suggests this value is within a reasonable range for specialized, long-term IT support for critical infrastructure, especially given the firm-fixed-price nature which caps potential cost increases.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include potential vendor lock-in, where NASA becomes overly reliant on ALLIANCE TECHNOLOGY GROUP, LLC for specialized knowledge, making future transitions difficult or costly. Another risk is the dependency on a single provider for critical IT infrastructure, which could impact mission continuity if the contractor fails to perform. Mitigation strategies include the firm-fixed-price contract type, which transfers some cost risk to the contractor, and the competitive award process, which ideally selects a capable vendor. NASA's oversight mechanisms, including performance monitoring and defined SLAs, are also crucial for mitigating performance-related risks.
How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring optimal value for taxpayer money in this IT support context?
This competition approach aims to maximize value by allowing a broad range of qualified vendors to participate after an initial screening or exclusion phase. By having five bidders, NASA likely benefited from a competitive environment that pressured pricing and encouraged innovative solutions. This method is generally effective in promoting price discovery and ensuring that the chosen vendor offers a strong balance of cost and performance. The success hinges on clear solicitation requirements and thorough evaluation criteria to ensure the best technical solution is selected at a fair price.
What is the historical spending pattern for IT support services at NASA, and how does this contract fit within that trend?
NASA, like other large federal agencies, consistently spends significant amounts on IT infrastructure and support services to maintain its complex operational and research capabilities. Historical data would likely show a steady investment in areas such as network management, data storage, cybersecurity, and specialized hardware support. This $31.4 million contract for HPE Nimble support fits within this trend as a specific allocation for maintaining critical data management infrastructure. Analyzing past spending on similar services would reveal whether this award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment in this particular IT domain.
Are there any specific performance metrics or KPIs defined in the contract that will be used to measure the success of HPE Nimble support?
While the provided data does not detail specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or metrics, firm-fixed-price contracts for IT support typically include Service Level Agreements (SLAs). These SLAs outline expected performance standards, such as system uptime, response times for technical issues, and resolution times. NASA's program managers and contracting officers would monitor the contractor's adherence to these SLAs. Failure to meet defined performance standards could result in penalties or impact future contract awards, serving as a crucial accountability mechanism.
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 - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 80NSSC26929167Q
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7010 HI TECH DRIVE, HANOVER, MD, 21076
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $31,363
Exercised Options: $31,363
Current Obligation: $31,363
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD62B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-04-20
Current End Date: 2028-07-31
Potential End Date: 2028-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-02
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