DoD's $11M UPDM DATA II contract awarded to RAFT LLC for custom computer programming services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,026,269 ($11.0M)

Contractor: Raft LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-03-25

End Date: 2026-03-24

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: UPDM DATA II

Place of Performance

Location: SAN ANTONIO, BEXAR County, TEXAS, 78205

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.0 million to RAFT LLC for work described as: UPDM DATA II Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the firm-fixed-price structure, though detailed cost breakdowns are not public. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition, suggesting a potentially competitive pricing environment. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a firm-fixed-price contract and a 2-year duration. 4. Performance context is within custom computer programming, a common IT service area for the DoD. 5. Sector positioning is within the IT services sector, supporting defense operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11,026,269.46 over approximately two years for custom computer programming services is within a typical range for such engagements. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator for the government. Benchmarking against similar DoD contracts for custom programming services would provide a more precise valuation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a degree of competition, which is generally favorable for price discovery and achieving competitive pricing. The specific details of the bidding process and the evaluation criteria are not publicly available, but the open competition framework is a positive sign.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition allows for a wider pool of potential contractors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive bids and potentially leading to better pricing for taxpayers.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from enhanced custom computer programming capabilities. Services delivered likely include software development, system integration, or specialized IT solutions. Geographic impact is centered around the Department of the Air Force, with potential implications for operations in Texas. Workforce implications may involve skilled IT professionals employed by RAFT LLC and potentially subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed public performance metrics makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.
Limited insight into the specific nature of the 'custom computer programming' beyond the NAICS code.
The benchmark for per-unit cost is not available, hindering precise value assessment.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost overrun risk to the contractor.
Contract duration of approximately two years provides a defined period for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The Information Technology (IT) sector is a critical enabler for modern defense operations. This contract falls under custom computer programming services, a sub-sector that supports the development and maintenance of specialized software and systems. The Department of Defense is a significant consumer of IT services, with annual spending in this area often in the billions. This specific contract, valued at over $11 million, represents a moderate investment within the broader IT services landscape for defense.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications specifically mandated for small businesses through this award. The focus was on full and open competition, which may or may not have resulted in small business participation as prime contractors or subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring RAFT LLC to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is limited by the public availability of detailed contract performance data and cost breakdowns. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Information Technology Contracting Office (DITCO) contracts
Air Force Enterprise IT contracts
Custom Software Development Services
IT Professional Services

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics
Limited public cost breakdown
Unclear specific deliverables

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.0 million to RAFT LLC. UPDM DATA II

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RAFT LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-03-25. End: 2026-03-24.

What is the track record of RAFT LLC in performing similar custom computer programming services for the Department of Defense?

Information regarding RAFT LLC's specific track record with the Department of Defense for custom computer programming services is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on previous DoD engagements. Without this specific data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their experience and reliability for this particular contract. Further research into federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems would be necessary to build a complete picture of their past performance.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar custom computer programming services?

The provided data does not include specific line-item costs or detailed service descriptions that would allow for a direct comparison to market rates for similar custom computer programming services. The total award amount of $11,026,269.46 is for a period of approximately 729 days. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts with similar scope, complexity, and service level agreements within the federal government or commercial sector. Factors such as the specific technologies used, the level of expertise required, and the geographic location of service delivery also influence market rates. Without these details, a precise comparison is not feasible.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues (e.g., delays, quality of code), scope creep, and contractor viability. Mitigation strategies are partially addressed by the contract type and competition. The firm-fixed-price (FFP) structure places the financial risk of cost overruns on RAFT LLC, incentivizing efficient performance. The full and open competition with 3 bidders suggests a selection process that likely considered contractor capability and past performance, though specific details are absent. Ongoing oversight by the contracting officer and program management is crucial for monitoring progress and addressing any emerging issues. Clear performance standards and acceptance criteria within the contract are also key mitigation elements.

How effective is the current contract structure in ensuring program effectiveness for the Department of Defense?

The effectiveness of the contract structure in ensuring program effectiveness for the Department of Defense hinges on the clarity of the Statement of Work (SOW) and the performance metrics defined within the contract. A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract, combined with full and open competition, provides a foundation for achieving defined objectives at a set cost. However, the ultimate effectiveness depends on how well the custom computer programming services align with the DoD's operational needs and how rigorously performance is monitored. Without insight into the specific deliverables and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), it's challenging to definitively assess the contract's contribution to program effectiveness. Regular reviews and feedback mechanisms are essential for adaptive management.

What are the historical spending patterns for custom computer programming services by the Department of the Air Force?

Historical spending patterns for custom computer programming services by the Department of the Air Force are substantial, reflecting the continuous need for specialized IT solutions to support complex defense missions. While this specific $11 million contract is a single data point, the Air Force, like other branches of the DoD, regularly procures these services through various contract vehicles, including indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts and individual task orders. Spending can fluctuate based on evolving technological requirements, strategic priorities, and budget allocations. Analyzing aggregated spending data over several fiscal years would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, and dominant contractors within this domain.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1660 INTERNATIONAL DR STE 800, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,787,438

Exercised Options: $16,332,766

Current Obligation: $11,026,269

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA18D003V

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline