DOJ's $133.7M HRIS contract awarded to Accenture Federal Services for IT systems design

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $133,726,156 ($133.7M)

Contractor: Accenture Federal Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2016-09-28

End Date: 2023-09-29

Contract Duration: 2,557 days

Daily Burn Rate: $52.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM (HRIS), HR SOURCE AWARDED THROUGH NIH CIO-SP3 CONTRACT. IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $133.7 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC for work described as: HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM (HRIS), HR SOURCE AWARDED THROUGH NIH CIO-SP3 CONTRACT. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded via a large, established IT vehicle (CIO-SP3) suggests a degree of pre-vetting. 2. The contract's duration of over 7 years indicates a long-term need for HRIS support. 3. The use of a Delivery Order under a prime contract implies a streamlined procurement process. 4. Focus on Computer Systems Design Services highlights the technical nature of the requirement. 5. The contract's value places it in the mid-to-large range for IT service contracts. 6. No small business set-aside or subcontracting was indicated, suggesting prime contractor performance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $133.7 million over approximately seven years for HRIS systems design appears reasonable, especially considering it was awarded under the NIH CIO-SP3 GWAC, a competitive vehicle known for its broad scope and established pricing. Benchmarking against similar large-scale HRIS implementations within federal agencies suggests this price point is within expected ranges for comprehensive system design and support services. The use of labor hours (pt: LABOR HOURS) allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a Delivery Order under the NIH CIO-SP3 GWAC, which is a Best-in-Class indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. The CIO-SP3 contract itself underwent a full and open competition, meaning a wide range of qualified vendors could bid. While the specific number of bidders for this particular Delivery Order is not provided, the nature of the GWAC implies significant competition at the prime contract level, which generally translates to better pricing and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition inherent in the CIO-SP3 vehicle helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation.

Public Impact

Federal employees within the Department of Justice will benefit from improved Human Resource Information Systems. The contract supports the delivery of computer systems design services crucial for modernizing HR functions. The primary geographic impact is within the Department of Justice, likely supporting personnel nationwide. This contract supports IT professionals and potentially HR specialists involved in system design and implementation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep given the long duration and labor-hour contract type.
Ensuring effective performance management and oversight of Accenture Federal Services' delivery.
Dependency on a single contractor for a critical HR system could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a reputable GWAC (CIO-SP3) known for its competitive nature.
Long contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing need and potential for contractor expertise development.
The contract is for system design, indicating a focus on foundational IT infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on Computer Systems Design Services. The federal IT services market is vast, with agencies consistently investing in modernizing their systems, including HRIS. The NIH CIO-SP3 GWAC is a significant vehicle used across government for IT procurements, indicating this contract is part of a broader trend of agencies leveraging such vehicles for efficiency. Comparable spending benchmarks for large-scale HRIS projects can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Accenture Federal Services LLC is a large business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the best solution from a large, capable vendor, rather than specifically promoting small business participation through set-asides for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Justice, specifically the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as the Servicing Agency. As a Delivery Order under the NIH CIO-SP3 GWAC, there are established oversight mechanisms within the GWAC program itself, managed by NIH. Performance monitoring, invoicing, and compliance are typically managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) at the FBI. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
CIO-SP3 GWAC
Department of Justice IT Modernization Efforts
Federal Bureau of Investigation IT Services
Computer Systems Design Services

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration
Labor-hour pricing model
Potential for vendor lock-in
Critical HR system dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $133.7 million to ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC. HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM (HRIS), HR SOURCE AWARDED THROUGH NIH CIO-SP3 CONTRACT. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACCENTURE FEDERAL SERVICES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $133.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2016-09-28. End: 2023-09-29.

What is the track record of Accenture Federal Services LLC in delivering similar HRIS solutions to federal agencies?

Accenture Federal Services LLC has a significant track record in providing IT services, including HRIS solutions, to various federal agencies. They have been involved in large-scale system implementations and modernizations across departments such as Defense, Health and Human Services, and others. Their experience often encompasses the full lifecycle of IT projects, from initial design and development to deployment and ongoing support. Specific to HRIS, they have capabilities in areas like payroll, benefits administration, talent management, and workforce analytics. While this specific contract focuses on system design, their broader experience suggests a capacity to manage complex HR IT requirements. Past performance evaluations and contract award data would provide more granular detail on their success rates and client satisfaction for similar projects.

How does the awarded amount compare to other federal HRIS contracts of similar scope and duration?

The awarded amount of approximately $133.7 million over seven years for HRIS system design services is substantial and aligns with the typical investment required for large-scale federal IT projects. When compared to other federal HRIS contracts, this figure appears to be within a reasonable range, particularly given the complexity of designing and implementing such systems for a major agency like the Department of Justice. For instance, other agencies have awarded similar or larger sums for comprehensive HR system replacements or overhauls. Factors influencing the cost include the number of users supported, the modules included (e.g., core HR, payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, performance management), the level of customization required, and the integration needs with other government systems. The use of the CIO-SP3 GWAC, a competitive vehicle, also suggests that the pricing was subject to market forces.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep, given the long duration (over 7 years) and the labor-hour contract type, which could lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Another risk is the potential for vendor lock-in or performance issues with Accenture Federal Services, as they are responsible for the core HRIS design. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management by the FBI, including detailed performance work statements, regular progress reviews, and strict change control processes. The use of a competitive GWAC (CIO-SP3) at the outset helps mitigate the risk of selecting an underqualified vendor. Furthermore, the FBI's oversight through a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is crucial for monitoring performance, ensuring deliverables meet requirements, and addressing any emerging issues proactively to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the HRIS.

How effective is the NIH CIO-SP3 GWAC in ensuring value for money for IT procurements like this HRIS contract?

The NIH CIO-SP3 GWAC is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money for IT procurements. As a Best-in-Class IDIQ contract, it underwent a rigorous full and open competition during its initial award, attracting a wide array of IT service providers. This competitive foundation helps drive down prices. Furthermore, the GWAC structure allows agencies to issue task orders or delivery orders relatively quickly, reducing procurement lead times and associated administrative costs. The broad scope of services covered under CIO-SP3 enables agencies to consolidate IT spending and leverage pre-negotiated terms and conditions. While value for money ultimately depends on effective task order management and performance oversight by the ordering agency (in this case, the FBI), the GWAC provides a strong framework for achieving competitive pricing and accessing a diverse pool of qualified vendors.

What are the historical spending patterns for HRIS systems within the Department of Justice or similar agencies?

Historical spending on HRIS systems within the Department of Justice and similar large federal agencies typically involves significant, multi-year investments. Agencies often undertake major HR system modernization projects every 5-10 years, with costs ranging from tens of millions to over a hundred million dollars, depending on the scale and complexity. These investments cover software procurement, system design and customization, integration with other systems (like financial or security systems), data migration, training, and ongoing maintenance and support. Spending can fluctuate based on whether the agency is in a major upgrade/replacement phase or in a steady-state maintenance period. Contracts like this one, for system design, represent the initial, often substantial, investment phase of a larger HR IT lifecycle.

What is the significance of awarding this contract under the CIO-SP3 vehicle versus a direct solicitation?

Awarding this contract under the CIO-SP3 vehicle offers several advantages over a direct solicitation. Firstly, CIO-SP3 is a pre-competed, Best-in-Class GWAC, meaning the foundational competition has already occurred, saving the FBI significant time and resources in the procurement process. Secondly, it provides access to a wide range of pre-vetted IT service providers, including Accenture Federal Services, simplifying vendor selection. Thirdly, the contract terms, conditions, and pricing structures are generally established, providing a degree of predictability and potentially better rates due to the scale of the GWAC program. While a direct solicitation might offer more tailored flexibility, using CIO-SP3 streamlines acquisition, reduces administrative burden, and leverages government-wide purchasing power, ultimately contributing to better value and faster delivery of critical IT services like HRIS.

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 › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Novetta Solutions, LLC

Address: 800 NORTH GLEBE RD #300, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $133,726,156

Exercised Options: $133,726,156

Current Obligation: $133,726,156

Actual Outlays: $91,209,572

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 118

Total Subaward Amount: $36,627,883

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200002W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline