Commerce Awards IBM $56M for WCOSS Enhancement, Boosting NOAA Capabilities
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $55,980,155 ($56.0M)
Contractor: International Business Machines Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2014-12-30
End Date: 2017-02-14
Contract Duration: 777 days
Daily Burn Rate: $72.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::CL,CT::IGF ENHANCEMENT OF WCOSS FOR INCREASED CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY
Place of Performance
Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $56.0 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CL,CT::IGF ENHANCEMENT OF WCOSS FOR INCREASED CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical weather system infrastructure. 2. IBM secures a major contract for IT services. 3. Potential for enhanced weather forecasting accuracy and capacity. 4. Focus on computer systems design services highlights IT sector importance.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $55.98 million for computer systems design services appears reasonable given the scope of enhancing a critical weather system. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT infrastructure projects would provide further context.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that likely led to a fair price discovery. The use of a delivery order under a larger contract framework is a common procurement method.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for a critical national infrastructure upgrade, aiming for improved weather services which benefit the public.
Public Impact
Improved weather forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities. Enhanced data processing and analysis for meteorological events. Potential for more accurate and timely public weather alerts.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration and potential for scope creep.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical system enhancement.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Addresses a clear need for enhanced weather capabilities.
- Utilizes a well-established IT services provider.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically computer systems design services. Spending in this area is crucial for modernizing government operations and enhancing data-driven decision-making, with benchmarks varying widely based on project complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was awarded to a large business (IBM) and does not show any specific set-asides or participation from small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business opportunities were considered or available.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve program management reviews by NOAA and potentially the Department of Commerce's Inspector General to ensure performance, cost control, and adherence to contract terms.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Technical integration challenges.
- Vendor performance dependency.
- Long-term system maintenance costs.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-commerce, md, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $56.0 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. IGF::CL,CT::IGF ENHANCEMENT OF WCOSS FOR INCREASED CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $56.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-12-30. End: 2017-02-14.
What specific enhancements to WCOSS are expected, and how will they translate into measurable improvements in weather forecasting?
The contract aims to increase the capability and capacity of the WCOSS. Specific enhancements likely include upgrades to processing power, data storage, and algorithmic improvements for weather models. Measurable improvements could be seen in forecast accuracy, lead time for severe weather warnings, and the ability to run more complex climate simulations.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
Key risks include potential cost overruns if the project scope expands beyond initial estimates, technical challenges in integrating new capabilities, and vendor lock-in. Mitigation strategies might involve robust contract management, phased implementation with clear milestones, and contingency planning for technical issues.
How does this investment align with NOAA's long-term strategic goals for weather and climate research and services?
This investment directly supports NOAA's mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. Enhancing WCOSS is fundamental to providing critical data and services that protect life and property and support the nation's economy. It aligns with goals for improved prediction and resilience.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6710 ROCKLEDGE DR, BETHESDA, MD, 20817
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $56,120,970
Exercised Options: $56,120,970
Current Obligation: $55,980,155
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DOCDG133012CQ0004
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-12-30
Current End Date: 2017-02-14
Potential End Date: 2017-02-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-02-14
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