DOE awards $10.37M for Computer and Software Stores, awarded competitively
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,366,887 ($10.4M)
Contractor: DS Information Systems Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 1999-09-15
End Date: 2004-09-03
Contract Duration: 1,815 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Place of Performance
Location: OAKLAND, ALAMEDA County, CALIFORNIA, 94612
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $10.4 million to DS INFORMATION SYSTEMS CORPORATION for work described as: Key points: 1. The contract value is $10.37 million over 5 years. 2. Competition was utilized for this award. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and technology obsolescence. 4. The sector is Information Technology.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract was awarded at a firm fixed price. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns. The duration of the contract suggests potential for price escalation over time.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This was a competitive delivery order, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited. The competitive process should have driven price discovery and ensured a reasonable price for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding, which aims to secure goods and services at the best possible price.
Public Impact
Ensures access to necessary computer hardware and software for Department of Energy operations. Supports the IT infrastructure of a major federal agency. The long duration may impact the adoption of newer, more cost-effective technologies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 57 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (5 years)
- Potential for technology obsolescence
Positive Signals
- Competitive award
- Firm fixed price contract
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically for computer and software stores. Spending in this area is crucial for agency operations, but requires careful management to avoid overspending on outdated technology.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were specifically targeted or benefited from this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The competitive nature of the award suggests a degree of oversight in the procurement process. However, ongoing monitoring of performance and pricing throughout the 5-year duration is essential.
Related Government Programs
- Computer and Software Stores
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to outdated technology.
- Potential for price increases or lack of cost savings over the contract term.
- Limited insight into specific items procured and their market value.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
Tags
computer-and-software-stores, department-of-energy, ca, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $10.4 million to DS INFORMATION SYSTEMS CORPORATION. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DS INFORMATION SYSTEMS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 1999-09-15. End: 2004-09-03.
What specific types of computer hardware and software were procured under this contract, and how do their prices compare to market rates at the time of award?
The data provided does not specify the exact items procured. A detailed review of the contract line item numbers (CLINs) and associated pricing would be necessary to compare against market rates. Without this granular data, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money beyond the competitive award itself.
Given the 5-year duration, what mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risk of technology obsolescence and ensure the government is not paying for outdated solutions?
The contract's firm fixed price structure might not inherently include mechanisms for technology refresh. The Department of Energy would likely need to rely on contract modifications or new procurements to adopt newer technologies. Proactive planning and regular reviews of technological advancements are crucial to manage this risk effectively.
How effectively did the competitive process ensure optimal price discovery for these computer and software goods, considering the long-term nature of the contract?
A full and open competitive process generally leads to good price discovery. However, the 5-year duration means initial pricing might not reflect future market shifts or technological advancements. The agency should have processes to periodically review pricing and consider market changes, even within a fixed-price contract, to ensure continued value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Retail Trade › Electronics and Appliance Stores › Computer and Software Stores
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Offers Received: 51
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Contractor Details
Address: 98 025 HEKAHA ST BLDG 2 #224A, AIEA, HI, 96701
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,501,202
Exercised Options: $10,501,202
Current Obligation: $10,366,887
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F4331G
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 1999-09-15
Current End Date: 2004-09-03
Potential End Date: 2004-09-03 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-12-06
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