DOT's FAA awards $22.6M for Software Reproducing under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,581,144 ($22.6M)
Contractor: Iona Technologies Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2008-09-11
End Date: 2021-08-14
Contract Duration: 4,720 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: FUNDING FOR SWIM SERVICE CONTAINER UNDER CONTRACT DTFAWA-08-C-00111 PLAN NUMBER 08-AJW5700-0124 PROJECT CODE 21010101
Place of Performance
Location: RALEIGH, WAKE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27606
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $22.6 million to IONA TECHNOLOGIES INC for work described as: FUNDING FOR SWIM SERVICE CONTAINER UNDER CONTRACT DTFAWA-08-C-00111 PLAN NUMBER 08-AJW5700-0124 PROJECT CODE 21010101 Key points: 1. Significant funding allocated for software reproduction services. 2. Contract awarded to IONA TECHNOLOGIES INC, a single entity. 3. Long contract duration of 4720 days (over 12 years). 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests cost certainty.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $22.6 million over 12 years averages to approximately $1.88 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar software development or reproduction contracts is difficult without more specific service details.
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. This method is generally expected to yield fair market prices, though the long duration might have allowed for price drift if not managed.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for software reproduction services. The competitive award aims to ensure value for money, but the extended period warrants monitoring for cost-effectiveness.
Public Impact
Ensures continued availability and support for critical software. Supports the operational needs of the Federal Aviation Administration. Long-term commitment may indicate a stable, ongoing requirement for these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (12+ years) may lead to price escalation or obsolescence.
- Lack of specific service details makes independent cost validation challenging.
- Single awardee for an extended period could limit future competition or innovation.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
- Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
- Long duration indicates a sustained need, potentially for essential services.
Sector Analysis
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) often procures IT services for air traffic control, management, and operational support. Spending on software reproduction and maintenance is common to ensure the longevity and functionality of critical systems.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to IONA TECHNOLOGIES INC. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as prime contractors or significant subcontractors in this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration of the contract necessitates robust oversight from the Department of Transportation to ensure performance standards are met and costs remain justified throughout its lifecycle. Regular performance reviews and contract modifications would be key.
Related Government Programs
- Software Reproducing
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence and price escalation.
- Lack of detailed service description hinders precise value assessment.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to extended single-award period.
- Limited transparency on specific software and its criticality.
Tags
software-reproducing, department-of-transportation, nc, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $22.6 million to IONA TECHNOLOGIES INC. FUNDING FOR SWIM SERVICE CONTAINER UNDER CONTRACT DTFAWA-08-C-00111 PLAN NUMBER 08-AJW5700-0124 PROJECT CODE 21010101
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is IONA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $22.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-09-11. End: 2021-08-14.
What specific software is being reproduced, and what is the criticality of this service to FAA operations?
The specific software being reproduced is not detailed in the provided data. However, given the agency (FAA) and the nature of the service ('Software Reproducing'), it likely pertains to critical operational systems, potentially related to air traffic management or aviation safety. Understanding the exact software and its role is crucial for assessing the true value and necessity of this long-term contract.
How does the average annual cost of $1.88 million compare to industry benchmarks for similar long-term software reproduction contracts?
Without specific details on the software's complexity, age, and the exact scope of 'reproduction' (e.g., bug fixing, updates, porting), direct benchmarking is challenging. However, for a 12-year contract, this annual cost might be considered moderate if it includes comprehensive support and maintenance for complex, legacy systems. If it's purely for basic reproduction, it could be on the higher side.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the software remains relevant and effective over the 12-year contract period?
The provided data does not detail specific mechanisms for ensuring software relevance. Typically, such long-term contracts would include clauses for technical refresh, software updates, and potentially contract modifications to adapt to evolving technological landscapes and operational requirements. Active program management and regular reviews by the FAA are essential to prevent obsolescence.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Manufacturing › Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media › Software Reproducing
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Progress Software Corporation (UEI: 108854894)
Address: 200 WEST ST STE 4, WALTHAM, MA, 02451
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $349,342,347
Exercised Options: $22,581,144
Current Obligation: $22,581,144
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-09-11
Current End Date: 2021-08-14
Potential End Date: 2021-08-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-07-16
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