DOE awards $2.67M for SDE Project Management Support, highlighting IT systems design services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,665,365 ($2.7M)
Contractor: Abaco Strategy, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2023-03-20
End Date: 2027-03-19
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $1.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20426
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $2.7 million to ABACO STRATEGY, LLC for work described as: SDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.67M for project management support services. 2. Services fall under Computer Systems Design, indicating an IT focus. 3. Contract awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 4. Duration of 1460 days suggests a long-term need for these services. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs. 6. The contract is a Delivery Order, likely part of a larger IDIQ. 7. Small business set-aside is not applicable. 8. Contractor ABACO STRATEGY, LLC is the sole awardee for this order.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $2.67M for project management support services over approximately four years appears reasonable given the scope of IT systems design and support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for project management in the IT sector would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. Without specific performance metrics or comparison data, a definitive assessment of excellence is difficult, but the contract appears to be structured to achieve good value.
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,' which implies that while the competition was open, specific sources may have been excluded based on predefined criteria. This suggests a competitive process was intended, but the exact number of bidders or the rationale for excluding certain sources is not detailed. The level of competition, even with exclusions, should generally lead to competitive pricing and a fair market assessment.
Taxpayer Impact: This procurement method, when executed properly, should ensure that taxpayers receive competitive pricing by allowing multiple qualified vendors to bid, thereby driving down costs.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy (DOE) benefits from enhanced project management for its SDE initiatives. Services delivered include computer systems design and project management, crucial for IT infrastructure. The contract's impact is primarily within the federal IT sector, supporting agency operations. Workforce implications include the need for skilled project managers and IT specialists, potentially benefiting the IT services industry.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if the excluded sources were highly specialized.
- Lack of transparency regarding the specific criteria for excluding sources could obscure competitive dynamics.
- Reliance on a single contractor for this delivery order may limit flexibility if needs change rapidly.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Full and open competition, even with exclusions, suggests an effort to achieve market-based pricing.
- The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term requirement, allowing for focused project execution.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and project management. The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in system modernization and support. This contract for $2.67M represents a modest investment within the broader federal IT spending landscape. Comparable contracts often involve IT consulting, system integration, and software development, where project management is a critical component.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, as indicated by 'ss': false and 'sb': false. The award to ABACO STRATEGY, LLC, without a small business designation, suggests it is likely a larger entity or that the specific requirements did not align with small business set-aside criteria. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data, so the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages them.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified services within budget. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS, where contract awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- IT Project Management Services
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Contracts
- Department of Energy IT Support
- Information Technology Consulting
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion criteria.
- Reliance on a single contractor for this delivery order.
- Need for clear performance metrics to ensure value for money.
Tags
it-services, project-management, computer-systems-design, department-of-energy, federal-energy-regulatory-commission, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, district-of-columbia, it-support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $2.7 million to ABACO STRATEGY, LLC. SDE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is ABACO STRATEGY, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-03-20. End: 2027-03-19.
What is the track record of ABACO STRATEGY, LLC in performing similar IT project management services for the federal government?
ABACO STRATEGY, LLC has been awarded federal contracts primarily in the IT and management consulting space. While specific details on past performance for 'SDE Project Management Support Services' are not provided in this snippet, their contract history would need to be reviewed to assess their experience with similar projects, agencies, and contract types. A deeper dive into their past performance evaluations and contract completion history would reveal their reliability, quality of service, and ability to manage complex IT projects within budget and schedule constraints. Federal procurement data often includes past performance information that can be used to gauge a contractor's suitability for new awards.
How does the $2.67M contract value compare to similar IT project management support contracts awarded by the Department of Energy or other federal agencies?
The $2.67M contract value for approximately four years of IT project management support services appears to be within a reasonable range for federal IT contracts of this nature. However, a precise comparison requires benchmarking against contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity. Factors such as the specific IT systems involved (e.g., legacy vs. modern, scale of implementation), the level of project management required (e.g., agile vs. waterfall, number of stakeholders), and the specific agency's IT environment influence pricing. Without access to a detailed database of comparable contracts, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents excellent or merely fair value. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests an effort to establish a clear cost expectation.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?
Key risks include potential scope creep, contractor underperformance, and challenges in adapting to evolving technological requirements. Scope creep can be mitigated through clear contract definition, robust change control processes, and active project management. Contractor underperformance risks are addressed by the firm fixed-price structure, which incentivizes timely and quality delivery, and by the potential for contract termination or non-renewal based on performance evaluations. Adapting to technological changes is managed by ensuring the contract allows for flexibility or by incorporating mechanisms for technology refresh or updates. The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' might introduce a risk if the exclusion criteria were overly restrictive, limiting the pool of qualified bidders and potentially impacting innovation or price.
How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method in ensuring competitive pricing and optimal resource allocation for the government?
The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' method aims to balance broad competition with specific requirements. It allows multiple vendors to bid while potentially excluding those who do not meet stringent technical, security, or past performance criteria. This can lead to competitive pricing by engaging a wide range of qualified vendors. However, if the exclusion criteria are too narrow or subjective, it could inadvertently limit competition, potentially leading to higher prices or fewer innovative solutions. The effectiveness hinges on the justification and transparency of the exclusion process. When executed appropriately, it can ensure that the government selects the best value solution from a competitive field.
What are the historical spending patterns for IT project management support services at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) or the Department of Energy (DOE)?
Historical spending patterns for IT project management support services at FERC and DOE would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and types of services procured. Analyzing past data can indicate whether spending in this area has been consistent, increasing, or decreasing, and whether it aligns with broader federal IT modernization initiatives. Understanding these patterns helps in forecasting future needs, budgeting, and identifying potential areas for cost savings or efficiency improvements. For instance, a consistent increase in spending might signal growing IT complexity or a strategic push for digital transformation within the agency.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - DELIVERY
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 89603023Q0013
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 107 HARRISON ST NE, LEESBURG, VA, 20176
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,665,365
Exercised Options: $2,665,365
Current Obligation: $2,665,365
Actual Outlays: $2,129,264
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QTCB21D0189
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-03-20
Current End Date: 2027-03-19
Potential End Date: 2027-03-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-13
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