NOAA Awards $55.5M Contract to IBM for WCOSS Services, Highlighting Computer Systems Design
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $55,473,616 ($55.5M)
Contractor: International Business Machines Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2017-02-14
End Date: 2020-02-14
Contract Duration: 1,095 days
Daily Burn Rate: $50.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF WCOSS SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: BETHESDA, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20817
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $55.5 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF WCOSS SERVICES Key points: 1. IBM secured a significant contract valued at $55.5 million for WCOSS Services. 2. The contract falls under the Computer Systems Design Services NAICS code. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is 1095 days, ending in February 2020. 5. IBM's role as a major IT provider is reinforced by this award.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $55.5 million for a 3-year period appears reasonable for complex computer systems design services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT service contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayer funds were likely used efficiently, with pricing driven by market forces.
Public Impact
Impacts weather forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities. Ensures continuity of critical IT services for NOAA. Supports IBM's position in the government IT services market. Potential for follow-on work based on performance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Contract duration is fixed, limiting flexibility for future technological advancements.
- No explicit mention of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Clear contract scope for WCOSS Services.
- Experienced contractor (IBM) selected.
Sector Analysis
This contract is within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and related services. Spending in this area is crucial for government agencies to maintain and upgrade their technological infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The award was made via a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or similar vehicle. Oversight would focus on performance against the delivery order terms and conditions.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope expands.
- Dependence on a single large contractor.
- Risk of technological obsolescence if upgrades are not managed effectively.
- Lack of explicit small business participation noted.
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 $55.5 million to INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF WCOSS SERVICES
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 $55.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-02-14. End: 2020-02-14.
What specific WCOSS services were provided, and how did they enhance NOAA's operational capabilities?
The WCOSS (Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing System) services likely encompassed the maintenance, upgrade, and operation of supercomputing infrastructure essential for weather and climate modeling. This would directly enhance NOAA's ability to process vast amounts of data, run complex simulations, and improve the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts and climate predictions.
What were the key performance metrics and evaluation criteria used during the full and open competition?
While not detailed in the provided data, typical evaluation criteria for such contracts would include technical approach, past performance, management plan, and price. Key performance metrics would likely focus on system uptime, processing speed, data accuracy, and adherence to delivery schedules for critical weather data.
How does the awarded price compare to industry benchmarks for similar supercomputing and IT services contracts?
The benchmark price (br) of $50661 suggests a potential discrepancy or a different unit of measure compared to the total award value. A comprehensive comparison would require analyzing the specific services, service levels, and contract duration against publicly available data for comparable government and commercial contracts.
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
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: $56,673,616
Exercised Options: $56,673,616
Current Obligation: $55,473,616
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: 2017-02-14
Current End Date: 2020-02-14
Potential End Date: 2022-01-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-02-12
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