Inquisit LLC awarded $6.9M for Other Computer Related Services by Export-Import Bank, with 2 bids received

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,934,050 ($6.9M)

Contractor: Inquisit LLC

Awarding Agency: Export-Import Bank of the United States

Start Date: 2025-04-16

End Date: 2026-04-15

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: OY1 AWARD

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20571

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Export-Import Bank of the United States obligated $6.9 million to INQUISIT LLC for work described as: OY1 AWARD Key points: 1. The contract value of $6.9M appears reasonable for the scope of 'Other Computer Related Services' over a one-year period. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. The fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the agency. 4. Performance is scheduled to conclude within a year, allowing for timely evaluation. 5. This contract falls within the IT services sector, a common area for federal procurement. 6. The award was made to Inquisit LLC, a contractor with a track record in federal IT services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $6.9 million for a one-year period of 'Other Computer Related Services' seems aligned with typical IT service contracts of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for IT support and consulting services within the federal government suggests this award is within a reasonable range. The firm fixed-price structure further supports value for money by establishing a clear cost ceiling, encouraging the contractor to manage expenses efficiently.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. With two bids received, the level of competition was moderate. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, two bids suggest that the market was sufficiently aware of and interested in the opportunity, providing a basis for price comparison and selection.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition, even with two bidders, provides a degree of assurance that taxpayer funds are being used efficiently by allowing multiple companies to vie for the contract, potentially leading to better pricing than a sole-source award.

Public Impact

The Export-Import Bank of the United States benefits from receiving essential computer-related services to support its operations. The contract will deliver 'Other Computer Related Services,' which likely encompass IT support, system maintenance, or specialized technical assistance. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia, where the Export-Import Bank is headquartered. The contract supports the IT workforce by engaging a private sector contractor for specialized services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition (2 bids) could potentially lead to less aggressive pricing than a larger pool of bidders.
The specific nature of 'Other Computer Related Services' is broad and may require close monitoring to ensure the services delivered align with agency needs.

Positive Signals

The contract is firm fixed-price, which caps the government's financial exposure.
Full and open competition was utilized, adhering to best practices for procurement.
The contract duration is one year, allowing for regular performance reviews and adjustments.
The award was made to a known entity, Inquisit LLC, suggesting a degree of familiarity with their capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is a significant component of federal spending, encompassing a wide array of support, development, and maintenance activities. Contracts for 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) are common and can range from cybersecurity to cloud computing and general IT consulting. The market for these services is robust, with numerous small and large businesses capable of fulfilling federal requirements. This contract fits within the broader trend of agencies outsourcing specialized IT functions to leverage external expertise and manage fluctuating workloads.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses indicated in the provided data. The award to Inquisit LLC, a company that may or may not be classified as a small business, means that the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not explicitly defined by this award alone. Further analysis of Inquisit LLC's size status and any subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess its implications for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The Export-Import Bank of the United States is responsible for the oversight of this contract. As a firm fixed-price contract, financial oversight will focus on ensuring that the delivered services meet the agreed-upon scope and quality standards. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, with performance expectations tied to payment. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

IT Professional Services
Computer Systems Design Services
Information Technology Support Services
General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedules

Risk Flags

Limited competition (2 bids)
Broad service category ('Other Computer Related Services')

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Export-Import Bank of the United States awarded $6.9 million to INQUISIT LLC. OY1 AWARD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INQUISIT LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Export-Import Bank of the United States (Export-Import Bank of the United States).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-16. End: 2026-04-15.

What is the specific nature of the 'Other Computer Related Services' being procured?

The provided data classifies the service under NAICS code 541519, 'Other Computer Related Services.' This is a broad category that can encompass a wide range of IT activities not specifically covered by other computer-related service codes. Examples include IT consulting, custom software development, IT project management, data processing services, and IT support not directly tied to the sale of computer hardware or software. Without the detailed statement of work (SOW) for this specific contract, the precise services remain general. However, given the agency (Export-Import Bank), it likely pertains to supporting their internal IT infrastructure, systems, or specific technology-driven initiatives essential for their trade finance and export support functions.

How does the $6.9 million contract value compare to similar IT service contracts awarded by the Export-Import Bank or other agencies of similar size?

The contract value of $6.9 million for a one-year term for 'Other Computer Related Services' is a moderate-sized award within the federal IT procurement landscape. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze the Export-Import Bank's historical IT spending and benchmark against contracts with similar scopes (e.g., IT support, consulting, system maintenance) awarded by agencies of comparable size and mission. However, generally speaking, this value is not exceptionally high or low for a year of specialized IT services. The firm fixed-price nature suggests a defined scope, which aids in assessing value. A deeper dive into the agency's procurement history and the specific services rendered would offer more definitive value-for-money insights.

What is Inquisit LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly in IT services?

Inquisit LLC has a history of receiving federal contracts. A review of public federal procurement data (such as FPDS or SAM.gov) would reveal the extent and nature of their past awards. Typically, for a contractor like Inquisit LLC to be awarded a contract of this value, they would have demonstrated relevant experience and past performance. Federal agencies often evaluate a contractor's track record, including their ability to deliver on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, as part of the source selection process. Further investigation into their contract history would clarify their specific expertise within 'Other Computer Related Services' and their overall performance ratings.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm fixed-price contract for IT services?

While firm fixed-price (FFP) contracts are generally favored for their cost control benefits, they can introduce risks, particularly in IT services where requirements can evolve. The primary risk is that the contractor may cut corners on quality or scope to maintain profitability if unforeseen technical challenges arise or if the initial cost estimate was too low. Conversely, if the government's requirements change significantly, scope adjustments under an FFP contract can be complex and may lead to disputes or additional costs if not managed carefully through formal change order processes. Effective project management and clear communication are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives the intended value.

Given only two bids were received, what does this imply about the market for these specific 'Other Computer Related Services'?

Receiving only two bids under a full and open competition can suggest several possibilities regarding the market for these specific 'Other Computer Related Services.' It might indicate that the market is relatively niche, with a limited number of qualified vendors capable of meeting the precise requirements. Alternatively, the solicitation may have had specific, potentially demanding, requirements that deterred broader participation, or the timing of the solicitation might have coincided with other major opportunities, drawing vendor attention elsewhere. It could also suggest that the incumbent contractor (if applicable) was particularly well-positioned. While two bids provide a basis for competition, a larger number typically offers greater assurance of optimal pricing and solution diversity.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 140D0423Q0343

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Inquisit, LLC

Address: 44715 BRIMFIELD DR, ASHBURN, VA, 20147

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $23,957,931

Exercised Options: $6,934,050

Current Obligation: $6,934,050

Actual Outlays: $5,031,435

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0447T

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline