USDA's $27.9M Program Office Support Contract Awarded to Bering Straits IT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,913,201 ($27.9M)

Contractor: Bering Straits Information Technology, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2007-09-21

End Date: 2010-09-23

Contract Duration: 1,098 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT CONTRACT

Place of Performance

Location: KANSAS CITY, JACKSON County, MISSOURI, 64133

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $27.9 million to BERING STRAITS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, LLC for work described as: PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT CONTRACT Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $27.9 million, was awarded to Bering Straits Information Technology, LLC. 2. This contract falls under Computer Facilities Management Services (NAICS 541513). 3. The award was made on a 'not available for competition' basis, raising questions about market research and price discovery. 4. The contract duration was 1098 days, ending in September 2010. 5. The total value of the contract was $27,913,201.35.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Contract pricing is not available for detailed assessment. The 'not available for competition' status limits the ability to benchmark against similar contracts or market rates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under a limited competition, specifically 'not available for competition.' This significantly restricts the opportunity for competitive bidding and may lead to suboptimal price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of robust competition could result in higher costs for taxpayers than if the contract had been fully competed.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may have paid more due to limited competition. The contract supported essential program office functions within the Farm Service Agency. The duration of the contract (nearly 3 years) indicates a need for sustained support services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about value for money.
Lack of transparency in pricing due to limited competition.
Contract awarded in 2007, data may be outdated.

Positive Signals

Contract provided necessary program office support.
Awarded to a specific IT company, potentially fulfilling a specialized need.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector is highly competitive. However, this contract's 'not available for competition' status bypasses typical market dynamics, making direct sector benchmarks difficult without more pricing data.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Bering Straits Information Technology, LLC. Further analysis is needed to determine if this company is a small business and if subcontracting opportunities were provided to other small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'not available for competition' designation warrants further review to ensure adequate justification and adherence to procurement regulations. Oversight should focus on the necessity of this procurement approach.

Related Government Programs

Computer Facilities Management Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Farm Service Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Lack of pricing transparency
Potential for inflated costs
Outdated contract data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $27.9 million to BERING STRAITS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, LLC. PROGRAM OFFICE SUPPORT CONTRACT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BERING STRAITS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Farm Service Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-21. End: 2010-09-23.

What was the specific justification for awarding this contract on a 'not available for competition' basis?

The justification for awarding the contract on a 'not available for competition' basis is not provided in the data. Typically, such awards require a strong rationale, such as the existence of a sole-source provider with unique capabilities or an urgent need that cannot be met through competitive means. Without this information, it's impossible to assess the validity of the limited competition.

How did the limited competition impact the overall cost-effectiveness of this contract for the government?

The limited competition likely had a negative impact on cost-effectiveness. When agencies restrict competition, they forgo the benefits of multiple bids driving down prices. This can lead to higher contract costs for taxpayers. Without a competitive process, the agency may not have secured the best possible price for the Computer Facilities Management Services provided.

What specific program office support functions were covered under this contract, and were they critical to the Farm Service Agency's mission?

The contract covered 'Program Office Support' and was categorized under 'Computer Facilities Management Services.' While the exact functions are not detailed, these services are generally critical for maintaining IT infrastructure, supporting user needs, and ensuring the smooth operation of an agency's technological backbone, which is essential for the Farm Service Agency's mission delivery.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4720 BUSINESS PARK BLVD, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $55,405,462

Exercised Options: $27,913,201

Current Obligation: $27,913,201

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline