Department of Education awards $25.4M for Splunk licenses and support to Epoch Concepts LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,356,791 ($25.4M)
Contractor: Epoch Concepts LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2021-09-24
End Date: 2024-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,194 days
Daily Burn Rate: $21.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: SPLUNK LICENSES AND SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: LITTLETON, ARAPAHOE County, COLORADO, 80120
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $25.4 million to EPOCH CONCEPTS LLC for work described as: SPLUNK LICENSES AND SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract is for Splunk software licenses and support services. 2. Epoch Concepts LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract spans over three years, ending in December 2024. 4. The NAICS code 541519 indicates 'Other Computer Related Services'.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award amount is $25.4 million. Benchmarking against similar Splunk contracts is difficult without specific usage details, but the duration and scope suggest a moderate price point.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may not have resulted in the most competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid more than necessary due to the limited competition in the award process.
Public Impact
Educational institutions rely on data analytics tools like Splunk for operational efficiency. The contract ensures continued access to critical software for the Department of Education. Potential for cost savings if better pricing could have been achieved through broader competition.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- Lack of transparency in pricing due to limited competition.
Positive Signals
- Ensures continuity of essential software services.
- Supports data analysis for educational initiatives.
Sector Analysis
The IT sector, particularly software licensing and support, is a significant area of government spending. Benchmarks for similar multi-year software contracts vary widely based on vendor, product, and user volume.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Epoch Concepts LLC, is not identified as a small business in the provided data. This contract does not appear to have specific provisions for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded under a limited competition framework. Further oversight is needed to ensure the pricing is fair and reasonable given the circumstances.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for overpayment
- Lack of small business participation
- Unclear justification for source exclusion
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-education, co, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $25.4 million to EPOCH CONCEPTS LLC. SPLUNK LICENSES AND SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EPOCH CONCEPTS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-09-24. End: 2024-12-31.
What was the justification for excluding other sources in this 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award?
The justification for excluding other sources is crucial for understanding the competitive landscape. Without this information, it's difficult to assess if the limited competition was warranted or if it resulted in a suboptimal price for the government. Further investigation into the specific reasons cited for source exclusion is recommended.
How does the per-unit cost of Splunk licenses and support compare to industry benchmarks for similar government agencies?
A detailed comparison of per-unit costs against industry benchmarks is challenging without granular data on the specific Splunk products, user counts, and support levels. However, given the limited competition, it's plausible that the negotiated price might be higher than what could be achieved through a broader, more competitive bidding process.
What is the long-term value proposition of this contract for the Department of Education's mission?
The long-term value lies in the continued availability of Splunk's data analytics capabilities, which are essential for the Department of Education's operations, research, and policy development. Ensuring uninterrupted access to these tools supports the agency's ability to manage and analyze educational data effectively.
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: 91990021Q0060
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1510 W CANAL CT STE 1000, LITTLETON, CO, 80120
Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,208,125
Exercised Options: $25,356,791
Current Obligation: $25,356,791
Actual Outlays: $25,358,035
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD30B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-09-24
Current End Date: 2024-12-31
Potential End Date: 2024-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-09-23
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