EPA's $50M IT Portfolio Support Contract to MAXIMUS FEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $50,124,633 ($50.1M)

Contractor: Maximus Federal Consulting, LLC

Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency

Start Date: 2015-04-27

End Date: 2021-02-26

Contract Duration: 2,132 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OFFICE OF WATER AND CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM OFFICE IT PORTFOLIO SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Environmental Protection Agency obligated $50.1 million to MAXIMUS FEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OFFICE OF WATER AND CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM OFFICE IT PORTFOLIO SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair, with a total contract value of $50.1M over its lifecycle. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a firm fixed-price contract type mitigating cost overrun risks. 4. Performance context shows a contract duration of 2132 days, indicating a long-term engagement. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within IT services, specifically computer systems design. 6. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order under a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value of $50.1M over approximately 5.8 years suggests a significant investment in IT portfolio support. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides cost certainty for the agency, which is a positive indicator for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' scenario, indicating that multiple bidders were solicited and considered. The presence of 4 bids suggests a reasonable level of competition, which typically aids in price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process generally leads to better pricing for taxpayers by encouraging vendors to offer their best terms and rates.

Public Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) benefits from enhanced IT portfolio management and support services. Services delivered include computer systems design and related support, crucial for the agency's operations. The geographic impact is primarily within the EPA's operational areas, likely supporting national environmental initiatives. Workforce implications may involve specialized IT professionals supporting the EPA's mission.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in due to the long-term nature of the contract.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT portfolio support could pose a risk if performance degrades.
Scope creep could become an issue if not managed tightly within the firm fixed-price structure.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type helps control costs and provides budget predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a thorough vetting of potential service providers.
Long contract duration allows for deep integration and understanding of the EPA's IT needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and related support. The IT services market is vast and highly competitive, with significant government spending allocated to maintaining and upgrading federal IT infrastructure. This contract represents a portion of the EPA's overall IT spending, aimed at ensuring efficient and effective management of its technology portfolio.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside criterion for this contract (sb: false). There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely limited unless Maximus Federal Consulting, LLC actively engages small businesses in its subcontracting efforts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is typically managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the EPA. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of oversight on cost. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are not publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

EPA IT Modernization Programs
Federal Cloud Computing Strategy
IT Portfolio Management Services
Computer Systems Design Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of vendor lock-in.
Potential for scope creep if requirements are not tightly managed.
Dependence on a single vendor for critical IT functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Environmental Protection Agency awarded $50.1 million to MAXIMUS FEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC. IGF::OT::IGF OFFICE OF WATER AND CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM OFFICE IT PORTFOLIO SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MAXIMUS FEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $50.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-04-27. End: 2021-02-26.

What is the track record of MAXIMUS FEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC with the EPA on similar IT contracts?

MAXIMUS FEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC has a history of performing IT and consulting services for various government agencies, including the EPA. While specific details on past EPA IT portfolio support contracts require deeper investigation into historical award data, their presence as a large federal contractor suggests experience. Analyzing past performance reviews, contract modifications, and any past performance issues would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and effectiveness in delivering similar services to the EPA. Their ability to secure a $50M contract indicates a level of trust and demonstrated capability, but a thorough review of their specific performance on comparable contracts is essential for a complete assessment.

How does the $50.1M total contract value compare to other EPA IT support contracts?

The $50.1M total contract value for IT portfolio support services over approximately 5.8 years is a substantial investment. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to compare it against the average value and duration of similar IT portfolio management and computer systems design contracts awarded by the EPA and other large federal agencies. Factors such as the scope of services (e.g., infrastructure management, software development, cybersecurity, data analytics), the specific IT systems supported, and the complexity of the agency's needs would influence comparability. Without access to a comprehensive database of comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a high, low, or average expenditure, but it signifies a significant commitment to IT infrastructure and support.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the EPA?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential vendor performance issues, where MAXIMUS FEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC might not deliver services to the required standard, impacting the EPA's IT operations. Given the long duration, there's also a risk of technological obsolescence if the contractor's solutions are not forward-looking or adaptable. Another risk is vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly for the EPA to switch providers in the future. Finally, while the contract is firm fixed-price, poorly defined requirements or scope creep could still lead to inefficiencies or disputes, even if direct cost overruns are limited.

How effective is the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method for IT services?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method is a variation of full and open competition designed to ensure broad market participation while potentially streamlining the process. It typically involves soliciting offers from all responsible sources but may exclude certain sources based on pre-defined criteria (e.g., specific certifications, past performance thresholds). For IT services, this method can be effective in fostering competition and achieving fair market prices, provided the exclusion criteria are justified and do not unduly limit the pool of potential bidders. The key is that the process still aims for maximum practicable competition, which is generally beneficial for the government in terms of cost and innovation.

What is the historical spending trend for IT portfolio support services at the EPA?

Analyzing historical spending trends for IT portfolio support services at the EPA would require examining contract data over several fiscal years. This would involve identifying all contracts categorized under computer systems design and related IT support services awarded by the EPA. Trends could reveal whether spending in this area is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, potentially indicating shifts in IT strategy, modernization efforts, or budget allocations. Understanding these patterns can help contextualize the $50.1M award and assess its alignment with the agency's long-term IT investment strategy and overall budget priorities.

What are the implications of the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type on this IT support agreement?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered advantageous for the government when requirements are well-defined, as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. For IT portfolio support services, an FFP contract incentivizes the contractor to perform efficiently and manage resources effectively to maintain profitability. This provides the EPA with cost certainty and predictability, making budgeting easier. However, it also means that if unforeseen technical challenges arise or if requirements change significantly, the contractor may be less flexible in accommodating those changes without formal contract modifications, which can sometimes be a complex process.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: RFP C-30648-SB

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1600 TYSONS BLVD STE 1400, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $62,534,510

Exercised Options: $60,034,510

Current Obligation: $50,124,633

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HHSN316201200117W

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline