DOJ's $22.8M Unisys Contract for Forfeiture System Software Development Faces Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,773,899 ($22.8M)
Contractor: Unisys Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2016-10-01
End Date: 2018-05-07
Contract Duration: 583 days
Daily Burn Rate: $39.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: IT
Official Description: ''IGF::OT::IGF'' THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ASSET FORFEITURE MANAGEMENT STAFF (AFMS) WITH SKILLED PERSONNEL TO MANAGE AND SUPPORT FULL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE (SDLC) SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR FORFEITURE SYSTEM.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20530
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $22.8 million to UNISYS CORPORATION for work described as: ''IGF::OT::IGF'' THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ASSET FORFEITURE MANAGEMENT STAFF (AFMS) WITH SKILLED PERSONNEL TO MANAGE AND SUPPORT FULL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE (SDLC) SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR FORFEITURE SYSTEM. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Unisys Corporation for critical software development. 2. Significant investment of $22.8 million for asset forfeiture management. 3. Potential risks associated with system development lifecycle management. 4. IT sector spending, specifically software development, is a key focus.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $22.8 million for software development is substantial. Benchmarking against similar SDLC contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns, but the duration and scope suggest a moderate to high price point.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. However, the 'Time and Materials' pricing structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely managed, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential government IT infrastructure. While competition is positive, the 'Time and Materials' nature warrants careful oversight to ensure value for money.
Public Impact
Enhances the government's ability to manage asset forfeiture, potentially improving law enforcement efficiency. Software development is crucial for modernizing government systems and data management. The contract supports a critical function within the Department of Justice, impacting legal and financial processes.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
- Complexity of managing a full SDLC software development project.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical system development.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
- Supports a vital government function (asset forfeiture management).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically software development. Government spending on IT services, particularly for system modernization and specialized functions like asset forfeiture, is a significant area of federal expenditure.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'Time and Materials' contract type necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Justice to ensure efficient use of funds and adherence to project scope. Regular performance reviews and cost tracking are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer and Software Stores
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Offices, Boards and Divisions Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials pricing structure.
- Complexity of SDLC management.
- Potential for scope creep.
- Lack of small business participation.
- Contract duration and value.
Tags
computer-and-software-stores, department-of-justice, dc, bpa-call, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $22.8 million to UNISYS CORPORATION. ''IGF::OT::IGF'' THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE ASSET FORFEITURE MANAGEMENT STAFF (AFMS) WITH SKILLED PERSONNEL TO MANAGE AND SUPPORT FULL SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE (SDLC) SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR FORFEITURE SYSTEM.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNISYS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Offices, Boards and Divisions).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $22.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-10-01. End: 2018-05-07.
What specific metrics are used to evaluate the success of the software development lifecycle and the overall effectiveness of the forfeiture system?
The effectiveness of the software development lifecycle and the forfeiture system is typically measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery of milestones, bug resolution rates, system uptime, user satisfaction, and the system's ability to accurately track and manage forfeited assets. The contract should outline these metrics and the reporting frequency to ensure accountability and measure the return on investment.
How does the Department of Justice mitigate the risk of cost overruns inherent in Time and Materials contracts for complex software development projects?
Mitigation strategies for Time and Materials contracts often include establishing clear scope definitions, setting not-to-exceed (NTE) limits, implementing rigorous project management oversight, conducting regular progress reviews, and defining specific deliverables with associated costs. The agency may also employ independent cost estimators and require detailed timesheets and expense reports subject to audit.
What is the long-term strategy for maintaining and updating the forfeiture system developed under this contract, and what is the projected cost?
The long-term strategy typically involves a combination of in-house government maintenance teams and potential follow-on contracts for sustainment, upgrades, and enhancements. The projected costs would depend on the system's complexity, the frequency of updates required by evolving regulations or technology, and the chosen maintenance model. This information is usually detailed in the agency's IT strategic plan and budget requests.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Retail Trade › Electronics and Appliance Stores › Computer and Software Stores
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11720 PLAZA AMERICA DR 7TH FL, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,982,970
Exercised Options: $25,982,970
Current Obligation: $22,773,899
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DJJ13JAFMSS2415
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-10-01
Current End Date: 2018-05-07
Potential End Date: 2018-05-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-02-17
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