Analytic Services Inc. awarded $12.55M for Biometric Task Force support by GSA

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,554,499 ($12.6M)

Contractor: Analytic Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2008-09-30

End Date: 2009-09-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.5K/day

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: BIOMETRIC TASK FORCE

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22206

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $12.6 million to ANALYTIC SERVICES INC. for work described as: BIOMETRIC TASK FORCE Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in biometric technology and services. 2. The contract was awarded under the Federal Acquisition Service, indicating a focus on efficient procurement. 3. The short duration of 364 days suggests a project-specific need or a bridge to a larger initiative. 4. The use of Time and Materials pricing may offer flexibility but requires careful monitoring for cost control. 5. The award to Analytic Services Inc. positions them as a key player in the biometric services sector. 6. The 'BIOMETRIC TASK FORCE' designation points to a specialized government initiative.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $12.55 million for a one-year period for biometric task force support appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized analytical and engineering services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for biometric system development or support would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, can sometimes lead to higher costs if not managed diligently, making direct comparison to fixed-price contracts difficult without detailed work scope analysis.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The competition level for this contract is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. The 'aw' field indicates 'DO', which typically signifies 'Delivery Order' or 'Task Order' under a larger indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle. The number of bids received (no: 3) suggests some level of competition, but the nature of the underlying contract vehicle would determine if it was full and open or more restricted. A limited competition could potentially lead to less favorable pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: With three bidders, there was some competition, which generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging competitive pricing. However, if this was a task order under a pre-existing contract with limited competition, the taxpayer benefit might be less pronounced than in a full and open competition.

Public Impact

The Biometric Task Force likely benefits from enhanced analytical and engineering support, improving its operational capabilities. This contract supports the development and implementation of biometric technologies for government use. The services delivered are expected to contribute to national security, law enforcement, or identity management initiatives. The geographic impact is likely national, given the nature of biometric task forces, though specific deployment locations are not detailed.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
The limited number of bidders (3) might indicate a less competitive environment than ideal for taxpayer value.
The specific deliverables and performance metrics are not detailed, making it hard to assess effectiveness.
The short duration could imply a need for follow-on contracts, potentially increasing overall program costs.

Positive Signals

Award to Analytic Services Inc. suggests they possess the specialized expertise required for biometric task force support.
The contract falls under the Federal Acquisition Service, implying adherence to established procurement best practices.
The existence of a dedicated 'Biometric Task Force' indicates a government commitment to advancing biometric capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The biometric technology sector is a rapidly growing area within the broader IT and defense industries, driven by increasing needs for identity verification, security, and data management. Government spending in this area is substantial, supporting applications ranging from border control and law enforcement to access management. This contract, focused on analytical and engineering services, fits within the professional services segment of the biometric market, supporting the development and operationalization of these technologies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate if this contract included a small business set-aside or if Analytic Services Inc. is a small business. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem and subcontracting opportunities cannot be assessed from this information. Further investigation into the contract vehicle and awardee's size status would be necessary.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the General Services Administration (GSA) or the specific agency utilizing the biometric task force services. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS-NG. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance work statement and delivery schedules. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Biometric Identification Systems
Identity Management Solutions
National Security Technology Services
Government IT Support Services
Engineering Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Limited competition indicated by the number of bidders could impact price discovery.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes effectiveness assessment difficult.
Short contract duration may necessitate future procurements, impacting long-term cost predictability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $12.6 million to ANALYTIC SERVICES INC.. BIOMETRIC TASK FORCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ANALYTIC SERVICES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-30. End: 2009-09-29.

What is the track record of Analytic Services Inc. in performing similar biometric or analytical services for the federal government?

Analytic Services Inc. (ANSER) has a long history of supporting government agencies, particularly in defense, national security, and intelligence. While specific details on their biometric project portfolio require deeper database searches, their core competencies often involve complex analysis, research and development, and program support. They are known for providing objective analysis and technical support to decision-makers. Their experience likely extends to areas that intersect with biometric technologies, such as data analysis, system integration, and policy development. To fully assess their track record for this specific contract, one would need to examine past performance evaluations and awards related to biometric systems or similar analytical tasks within agencies like the Department of Defense, DHS, or intelligence community.

How does the $12.55 million contract value compare to other federal spending on biometric task force support or similar analytical services?

The $12.55 million contract value for a one-year period for biometric task force support is a significant but not extraordinary amount for specialized federal IT and analytical services. Federal spending on biometric systems and related support can range from millions to billions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and duration. Contracts for large-scale biometric system deployments or nationwide identity management programs often exceed this figure considerably. However, for a focused task force requiring analytical and engineering expertise, this value suggests a substantial project. Benchmarking against similar, smaller-scale task orders or specific analytical support contracts within agencies like DHS or DoD would provide a more precise comparison point for value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for biometric task force support?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for biometric task force support is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours and associated costs, plus a fixed fee or percentage. If the scope of work is not clearly defined, or if project management is weak, the contractor may incur more hours than anticipated, leading to a higher final cost for the government. This necessitates robust government oversight to monitor labor hours, control scope creep, and ensure efficient performance. Another risk is the potential for the contractor to prioritize billable hours over efficient task completion, although performance metrics and contract clauses aim to mitigate this.

What is the expected effectiveness of the services provided under this contract for the Biometric Task Force?

The expected effectiveness of the services hinges on the specific objectives of the Biometric Task Force and the quality of execution by Analytic Services Inc. Given the contract is for 'analytical services' and 'engineering services,' effectiveness would likely be measured by the quality of analysis, the soundness of engineering recommendations, the successful integration of biometric technologies, and the contribution to the overall mission of the task force. This could include improved accuracy in biometric identification, enhanced security protocols, more efficient data processing, or better-informed policy decisions related to biometrics. Without a detailed statement of work and performance metrics, a definitive assessment of expected effectiveness is challenging, but the contract's existence implies a recognized need for these specialized services.

How has federal spending on biometric technologies and related services evolved over the past decade?

Federal spending on biometric technologies and related services has seen a significant and consistent increase over the past decade. Driven by national security concerns, border control requirements, law enforcement needs, and the desire for more secure identity management, agencies across the government have invested heavily. Initial spending focused on foundational technologies and pilot programs. More recently, spending has shifted towards large-scale deployments, system modernization, data integration, and advanced analytical capabilities, including AI and machine learning applied to biometric data. The total federal expenditure in this domain likely runs into the billions annually, encompassing hardware, software, integration, and ongoing support services like those provided under this contract.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Contractor Details

Address: 2900 QUINCY STREET, ARLINGTON, VA, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $24,276,749

Exercised Options: $24,276,749

Current Obligation: $12,554,499

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F0229M

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline