Commerce Awards $24.6M for NOAA IT Support to Diversified Global Partners JV LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $24,632,647 ($24.6M)
Contractor: Diversified Global Partners JV LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2016-09-02
End Date: 2017-12-31
Contract Duration: 485 days
Daily Burn Rate: $50.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, O&M, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, AND SECURITY INS SUPPORT OF THE CLASS PROGRAM.
Place of Performance
Location: ASHEVILLE, BUNCOMBE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28801
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $24.6 million to DIVERSIFIED GLOBAL PARTNERS JV LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, O&M, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, AND SECURITY INS SUPPORT OF THE CLASS PROGRAM. Key points: 1. The contract focuses on program management, O&M, software development, and security for NOAA's CLASS program. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate selection process. 3. The award value of $24.6M over approximately 1.6 years indicates significant investment in IT services. 4. The sector is IT services, specifically computer systems design, a critical area for government operations.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. This method aims for broad participation but the exclusion suggests specific criteria were met by the selected vendor.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for essential IT support services, aiming for effective program delivery.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation and development of critical NOAA systems. Supports national oceanic and atmospheric research and data management. Provides employment opportunities within the IT sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Potential for scope creep in IT support contracts.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT functions.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition, even with source exclusion, suggests a structured procurement.
- Contract supports vital scientific and environmental programs.
- Clear definition of services: program management, O&M, software development, security.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. Spending in this area is substantial across federal agencies, supporting everything from data analysis to operational infrastructure.
Small Business Impact
The awardee is Diversified Global Partners JV LLC, a joint venture. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation within the joint venture structure.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by NOAA program officials and contracting officers to ensure performance and adherence to contract terms. The IG oversight mechanism is standard for federal contracts.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Dependence on a joint venture entity.
- Limited transparency on specific source exclusion criteria.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-commerce, nc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $24.6 million to DIVERSIFIED GLOBAL PARTNERS JV LLC. IGF::OT::IGF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, O&M, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT, AND SECURITY INS SUPPORT OF THE CLASS PROGRAM.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DIVERSIFIED GLOBAL PARTNERS JV LLC.
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 $24.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2016-09-02. End: 2017-12-31.
What was the specific rationale for excluding other sources under the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method?
The rationale for excluding sources under this procurement method typically relates to specific technical capabilities, past performance, or unique requirements that only a limited number of vendors could meet. This ensures that while competition is sought, it is focused on entities demonstrably capable of fulfilling complex needs, potentially leading to better outcomes for specialized IT support.
How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure impact the overall cost-effectiveness of this IT support contract?
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the government pays the contractor's allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. While it allows for flexibility in evolving IT projects, it carries a risk of cost overruns if costs exceed projections. Effective oversight and clear scope definition are crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure value for taxpayer money.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the effectiveness of the IT support provided under this contract?
Key performance indicators for such IT support contracts often include system uptime percentages, response times for issue resolution, successful software deployment rates, adherence to security protocols, and user satisfaction surveys. These metrics help NOAA assess whether the contractor is meeting the defined service levels and contributing effectively to the CLASS program's objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services
Product/Service Code: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT (INCLD FIRMWARE) SOFTWARE,SUPPLIES& SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8403 COLESVILLE RD 10TH FL, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910
Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $28,420,796
Exercised Options: $28,420,796
Current Obligation: $24,632,647
Actual Outlays: $1,129,380
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DOCEA133E08CQ0020
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2016-09-02
Current End Date: 2017-12-31
Potential End Date: 2017-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2024-11-21
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