USDA Forest Service awards $34.3M for background check services to Carahsoft Technology Corp

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,350,451 ($34.4M)

Contractor: Carahsoft Technology Corp

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2005-09-27

End Date: 2012-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,560 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.4K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CONTRACT FOR AVUE TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES (SUBCONTRACTOR)

Place of Performance

Location: RESTON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20191

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $34.4 million to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP for work described as: CONTRACT FOR AVUE TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES (SUBCONTRACTOR) Key points: 1. The contract value is $34.3 million over its period of performance. 2. Carahsoft Technology Corp. is the prime contractor, with Avue Technologies as a subcontractor. 3. The contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, suggesting some level of price discovery. 4. The sector is primarily IT services, specifically background check services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $34.3 million for background check services appears to be within a reasonable range for a multi-year federal contract of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for investigation and personal background check services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

Awarded as a competitive delivery order, this method implies that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid, leading to a more competitive pricing environment. The specific competition details and the number of bids received would further clarify the price discovery effectiveness.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayers likely received a fair price for the services rendered, avoiding potential overpayment associated with sole-source contracts.

Public Impact

Ensures the integrity of personnel within the Forest Service by conducting thorough background checks. Supports national security and public safety by vetting individuals in sensitive positions. Provides essential services for hiring and maintaining a qualified workforce within a key federal agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Subcontractor reliance may introduce risk if Avue Technologies faces performance issues.
Long contract duration (2005-2012) may not reflect current market pricing or technological advancements.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess service quality.

Positive Signals

Competitive award process likely ensured reasonable pricing.
Services are critical for agency operations and personnel security.
Established prime contractor (Carahsoft) suggests a level of reliability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the IT and professional services sector, specifically focusing on investigation and personal background check services. Federal spending in this area is significant, driven by security requirements and personnel vetting needs across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that neither the prime nor the subcontractor were small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This contract did not appear to include specific set-asides or goals for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded as a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. Oversight would typically be managed by the Forest Service contracting officer, with potential for review by agency-level oversight bodies and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) if issues arise.

Related Government Programs

Investigation and Personal Background Check Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Forest Service Programs

Risk Flags

Subcontractor dependency
Lack of specific performance metrics
Long contract duration potentially leading to outdated pricing
No indication of small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $34.4 million to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP. CONTRACT FOR AVUE TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES (SUBCONTRACTOR)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Forest Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-09-27. End: 2012-09-30.

What was the specific pricing structure and how did it compare to market rates at the time of award?

The contract utilized a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) structure, which is generally favorable for cost control. However, without detailed pricing breakdowns or access to market analysis conducted during the procurement, a precise comparison to market rates is challenging. The competitive nature of the award suggests an effort to achieve fair market value, but the actual cost-effectiveness depends on the specific services delivered and the volume of checks performed.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) for Avue Technologies' services, and were they consistently met?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) established for Avue Technologies' background check services. Assessing consistent performance would require access to contract performance reports, quality assurance reviews, and any documented issues or commendations. The absence of this information limits the ability to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the subcontractor's performance throughout the contract's lifecycle.

How did the reliance on a subcontractor (Avue Technologies) impact the overall cost and efficiency of the background check services?

The use of Avue Technologies as a subcontractor introduces an additional layer to the service delivery, potentially increasing overall costs due to markups. However, it could also enhance efficiency if Avue possesses specialized expertise or capacity that Carahsoft Technology Corp. lacks. Without detailed cost allocation between the prime and subcontractor, and performance data from both, it's difficult to definitively assess the net impact on cost and efficiency.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Investigation and Personal Background Check Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1860 MICHAEL FARADAY DR, SUITE 100, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,350,451

Exercised Options: $34,350,451

Current Obligation: $34,350,451

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS02F0263P

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline