GSA's $240M IT Support Contract for USSOUTHCOM Awarded to Alliant SB CTA, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $240,185,408 ($240.2M)

Contractor: Alliant SB CTA, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2015-09-29

End Date: 2020-12-19

Contract Duration: 1,908 days

Daily Burn Rate: $125.9K/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: USSOUTHCOM CONSOLIDATED ENTERPRISE WIDE IT SUPPORT IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: DORAL, MIAMI-DADE County, FLORIDA, 33172

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $240.2 million to ALLIANT SB CTA, LLC for work described as: USSOUTHCOM CONSOLIDATED ENTERPRISE WIDE IT SUPPORT IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value of $240.2 million over approximately 5 years. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512) are the primary focus. 4. The contract was a Delivery Order under a larger IDIQ contract. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 6. Contract performance period spanned from late 2015 to late 2020. 7. The contractor, Alliant SB CTA, LLC, is a small business. 8. The contract was awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $240.2 million over nearly five years for comprehensive IT support appears reasonable given the scope of services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT support contracts for combatant commands or major federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost predictability. However, without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' suggesting a robust competitive process where all eligible sources were considered. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, this designation implies that multiple companies had the opportunity to bid, which typically drives competitive pricing and innovation. The exclusion of sources clause might indicate specific requirements that narrowed the field initially but still allowed for broad competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by fostering lower prices and higher quality services through market forces. This approach ensures that government funds are utilized efficiently by selecting the most cost-effective and capable solution.

Public Impact

Provides essential IT infrastructure and support services to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). Ensures the operational readiness and effectiveness of military command and control systems. Supports personnel across various locations, potentially including Florida and overseas deployments. Facilitates communication and data management critical for national security operations. Contributes to the technological backbone enabling USSOUTHCOM's mission execution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if services are highly specialized and difficult to transition.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT infrastructure could pose a risk if performance degrades.
Scope creep could lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly, despite the FFP structure.

Positive Signals

Award to a small business (Alliant SB CTA, LLC) supports small business contracting goals.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Full and open competition suggests a well-vetted and competitive selection process.
Long-term contract duration allows for stability and continuity of essential IT services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and related services. The federal IT market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in maintaining and upgrading their technological infrastructure to support diverse missions. Contracts of this magnitude are common for providing comprehensive IT support to major commands or federal organizations, reflecting the ongoing need for specialized expertise in areas like network management, cybersecurity, and system integration. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts often range in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Small Business Impact

The award to Alliant SB CTA, LLC, a small business, directly contributes to federal small business contracting goals. As a small business awardee, this contract likely signifies a significant revenue stream and growth opportunity for the company. It also highlights the capability of small businesses to handle complex, large-scale federal IT requirements. Subcontracting opportunities may exist, potentially benefiting other small businesses, though the extent would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) contracting officers and program managers within USSOUTHCOM. Performance monitoring, quality assurance surveillance plans (QASPs), and regular reviews are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

USSOUTHCOM IT Modernization Efforts
GSA Alliant Government-wide IT Contracts
DoD Enterprise IT Services Procurement
Combatant Command IT Support Contracts
Federal Civilian IT Services Market

Risk Flags

Potential for cybersecurity vulnerabilities
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT functions
Risk of scope creep impacting budget and timeline
Need for robust performance monitoring and oversight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $240.2 million to ALLIANT SB CTA, LLC. USSOUTHCOM CONSOLIDATED ENTERPRISE WIDE IT SUPPORT IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALLIANT SB CTA, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $240.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-09-29. End: 2020-12-19.

What was the specific performance history of Alliant SB CTA, LLC on this contract?

Detailed performance metrics for Alliant SB CTA, LLC on this specific USSOUTHCOM contract are not publicly available in the provided data. However, the contract's completion without immediate red flags suggests a generally satisfactory performance. Federal contracts are typically subject to performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), which inform future awards. A review of CPARS data, if accessible, would offer deeper insights into the contractor's timeliness, quality of work, and overall adherence to contract requirements. Without this specific data, we infer satisfactory performance from the contract's completion and the absence of reported major issues.

How does the $240.2 million contract value compare to similar IT support contracts for combatant commands?

The $240.2 million value over approximately five years for comprehensive IT support is substantial and aligns with the scale of needs for a major federal entity like USSOUTHCOM. Comparable contracts for other combatant commands (e.g., USCENTCOM, USPACOM) or large Department of Defense agencies often fall within a similar range, sometimes exceeding it, depending on the scope of services, geographic spread, and specific technological requirements. For instance, enterprise-wide IT support contracts can easily reach hundreds of millions over their lifecycle. This contract's value appears consistent with the significant investment required to maintain robust IT infrastructure for national security operations, suggesting it is within the expected market range for such services.

What were the key risks identified during the procurement and execution of this contract?

Key risks associated with a contract of this nature typically include potential for scope creep, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, contractor performance issues, and reliance on a single vendor for critical systems. Given the 'full and open competition' award, risks related to inadequate competition or price discovery were likely mitigated. Cybersecurity risks are inherent in IT support contracts and would be managed through stringent security requirements and monitoring. Performance risks are managed via contract oversight and performance evaluations. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate cost overrun risks, but careful management of contract modifications and task orders is still crucial. Transition risks upon contract completion are also a consideration.

How effective was this contract in meeting USSOUTHCOM's IT support needs?

The effectiveness of this contract in meeting USSOUTHCOM's IT support needs can be inferred from its successful completion and the duration it served the command. As a primary vehicle for IT services, it was presumably instrumental in maintaining the operational readiness of USSOUTHCOM's information systems. Effectiveness would be measured by factors such as system uptime, network performance, user support responsiveness, and the successful implementation of IT solutions aligned with USSOUTHCOM's mission objectives. Without specific performance data or user feedback, a definitive assessment is difficult, but the contract's longevity suggests it fulfilled its intended purpose adequately.

What is the historical spending trend for IT support services at USSOUTHCOM or similar commands?

Historical spending trends for IT support services at USSOUTHCOM and similar commands generally show a consistent and often increasing investment. Agencies like USSOUTHCOM require continuous technological upgrades and maintenance to address evolving threats and operational demands. Spending in this area is typically substantial, often in the tens to hundreds of millions annually, reflecting the complexity and criticality of IT infrastructure. Trends are influenced by factors such as modernization initiatives, cybersecurity mandates, and the overall defense budget. This $240.2 million contract represents a significant, multi-year investment consistent with these broader trends in federal IT procurement for defense organizations.

Were there any significant contract modifications or change orders issued during its performance period?

The provided data does not detail specific contract modifications or change orders issued for this contract. However, for a contract of this duration (nearly 5 years) and scope, it is common for modifications to occur. These might be necessary to adjust for evolving technological requirements, incorporate new security protocols, or address unforeseen circumstances. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract implies that modifications would be carefully scrutinized to avoid scope creep and ensure they align with the original intent or are formally justified. A review of the contract's official modification history would be required for a definitive answer.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Systems Design 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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: ID02140034

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1502 JFK KENNEDY DR STE 1A, BELLEVUE, NE, 68005

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $283,224,368

Exercised Options: $249,923,529

Current Obligation: $240,185,408

Actual Outlays: $21,945

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS06F0601Z

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline