Smithsonian Institution Awards $17.86M for Network Operations Center Support to Knowcean Consulting Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,862,460 ($17.9M)

Contractor: Knowcean Consulting Inc.

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2015-09-14

End Date: 2019-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,569 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: THIS IS WORK ORDER CONTRACT F15CW10510 UNDER ID/IQ CONTRACT F14CC10155 FOR PROVIDING NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION'S OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (OCIO) IN WASHINGTON, DC AND HERNDON, VA. IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20560

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $17.9 million to KNOWCEAN CONSULTING INC. for work described as: THIS IS WORK ORDER CONTRACT F15CW10510 UNDER ID/IQ CONTRACT F14CC10155 FOR PROVIDING NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION'S OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (OCIO) IN WASHINGTON, DC AND HERNDON, VA. IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value of $17.86M over 4 years for critical IT infrastructure support. 2. Knowcean Consulting Inc. is the awardee, with limited information on its market position. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and ensuring continued service quality over the contract duration. 4. Spending falls within the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $17.86M for over 4 years of NOC support appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition approach. This method may impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for essential IT infrastructure support, with the efficiency of the procurement method impacting the overall value for money.

Public Impact

Ensures continuous operation of the Smithsonian Institution's network infrastructure. Supports critical IT services for a major cultural and research organization. Potential impact on public access to digital resources if network services are disrupted.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may reduce cost savings.
Vendor performance history not readily available.
Contract duration could lead to price escalation.

Positive Signals

Supports essential IT operations for a significant institution.
Clear contract end date provides a review point for future procurements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically IT support. Spending benchmarks for similar IT support services for government agencies vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

No information is provided regarding small business participation in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business goals were considered or met.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Smithsonian Institution's OCIO. Oversight would involve monitoring service delivery, performance metrics, and adherence to contract terms to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Smithsonian Institution Contracting
Smithsonian Institution Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may result in suboptimal pricing.
Lack of readily available performance data for the awardee.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Contract duration may not align with rapidly evolving IT needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $17.9 million to KNOWCEAN CONSULTING INC.. THIS IS WORK ORDER CONTRACT F15CW10510 UNDER ID/IQ CONTRACT F14CC10155 FOR PROVIDING NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION'S OFFICE OF THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (OCIO) IN WASHINGTON, DC AND HERNDON, VA. IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is KNOWCEAN CONSULTING INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-09-14. End: 2019-12-31.

What is the specific scope of 'Network Operations Center Support Services' and how does it align with the Smithsonian's IT needs?

The contract specifies support for the Smithsonian Institution's Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) in Washington, DC and Herndon, VA. This likely includes monitoring network performance, managing incidents, ensuring system availability, and providing technical assistance for the institution's IT infrastructure. The exact scope would be detailed in the work order, ensuring alignment with the OCIO's strategic IT objectives and operational requirements.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract and how are they measured to ensure service effectiveness?

Key performance indicators would typically include metrics such as network uptime, incident response times, resolution rates, and customer satisfaction. These KPIs are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of Knowcean Consulting Inc.'s support services. The contract likely outlines specific measurement methodologies and reporting requirements to ensure accountability and track performance against agreed-upon service levels.

What is the potential long-term cost implication for the Smithsonian Institution beyond this contract's value?

Beyond the $17.86M contract value, potential long-term cost implications could arise from contract renewals, scope creep, or the need for specialized upgrades not covered. If the incumbent vendor's pricing is not benchmarked effectively, future contracts could see price increases. Furthermore, the cost of transitioning to a new vendor if services are not continued should also be considered.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10605 STAPLEFORD HALL DR, POTOMAC, MD, 20854

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,235,365

Exercised Options: $18,235,365

Current Obligation: $17,862,460

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: F14CC10155

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline