DoD's $22.3M FFP Labor Contract with Unisys Corporation: A Look at Value and Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,295,545 ($22.3M)
Contractor: Unisys Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-04-01
End Date: 2011-09-08
Contract Duration: 525 days
Daily Burn Rate: $42.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: BASE PERIOD LABOR - FFP
Place of Performance
Location: MONTGOMERY, MONTGOMERY County, ALABAMA, 36112
State: Alabama Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $22.3 million to UNISYS CORPORATION for work described as: BASE PERIOD LABOR - FFP Key points: 1. The contract value of $22.3 million for a base period of labor is significant. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. The contract is firm-fixed-price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. The sector is IT, specifically related to computer and software stores.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The firm-fixed-price structure for labor suggests a focus on predictable costs. Benchmarking against similar IT labor contracts would be necessary for a definitive value assessment, but the competitive award process is a positive indicator.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to more competitive pricing as multiple vendors vie for the award.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces.
Public Impact
Taxpayers benefit from competitive bidding processes that aim to secure the best value. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) relies on such contracts for critical IT support. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides budget certainty for the Department of Defense.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
- Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly, despite FFP.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition awarded.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically supporting computer and software-related needs for the Department of Defense. IT spending within the federal government is substantial, with significant portions allocated to software development, maintenance, and related services.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses participated in or benefited from this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.
Oversight & Accountability
The award process under 'full and open competition' suggests adherence to standard procurement regulations. However, ongoing oversight of contract performance and adherence to the firm-fixed-price terms by the Defense Information Systems Agency is crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Computer and Software Stores
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Information Systems Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed service description.
- No indication of small business participation.
- Potential for scope creep despite FFP.
- Need for comparative cost analysis.
Tags
computer-and-software-stores, department-of-defense, al, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $22.3 million to UNISYS CORPORATION. BASE PERIOD LABOR - FFP
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNISYS CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $22.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-04-01. End: 2011-09-08.
What specific IT services were covered under this base period labor contract, and how do they align with DISA's mission requirements?
The provided data categorizes the contract under 'Computer and Software Stores' and 'Base Period Labor - FFP'. While specific services aren't detailed, it likely encompasses labor for IT support, software maintenance, or development activities crucial for DISA's operations. Understanding the precise nature of these services is key to assessing their alignment with DISA's strategic IT goals and operational needs.
Given the firm-fixed-price structure, what mechanisms are in place to manage potential cost overruns or scope creep if unforeseen technical challenges arise?
While FFP shifts cost risk to the contractor, effective oversight is still paramount. DISA would typically employ contract officers and technical representatives to monitor performance, manage any change requests rigorously, and ensure that the contractor adheres to the defined scope. Clear contract language and regular performance reviews are essential to prevent scope creep and ensure the contractor absorbs unforeseen costs within the fixed price.
How does the $22.3 million contract value compare to similar IT labor contracts awarded by DoD agencies for comparable services and contract durations?
Benchmarking this $22.3 million contract against similar IT labor contracts requires access to a broader dataset of federal procurements. Factors like the specific skill sets required, the complexity of the IT environment, and the prevailing market rates for IT professionals in the relevant geographic location (Alabama, in this case) would influence comparisons. Without such comparative data, it's difficult to definitively assess if this represents excellent, fair, or questionable value.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Retail Trade › Electronics and Appliance Stores › Computer and Software Stores
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8008 WESTPARK DR, MC LEAN, VA, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,295,545
Exercised Options: $22,295,545
Current Obligation: $22,295,545
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F0343J
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-04-01
Current End Date: 2011-09-08
Potential End Date: 2011-09-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2011-10-13
More Contracts from Unisys Corporation
- Delivery Order — $261.6M (Department of Homeland Security)
- Automated Targeting Systems Maintenance — $261.0M (Department of Homeland Security)
- This Order IS Executed to Fulfill the Integrated Traveler Initiative (ITI). the ITI Requirement IS to Provide Systems Engineering and Technical Services to Fully Implement the Land, AIR, SEA Poes and Checkpoints. Tasks Include Planning, Management, Design, Fabrication, Procuring Hardware and Software, Integration, Providing Installation Material and Services, Testing, Training and Maintenance — $198.0M (Department of Homeland Security)
- Whti Land Border Integration (LBI) Task Order Award — $190.2M (Department of Homeland Security)
- IT Bridge — $185.4M (Department of Homeland Security)
Other Department of Defense Contracts
- Federal Contract — $51.3B (Humana Government Business Inc)
- Lrip LOT 12 Advance Acquisition Contract — $35.1B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- SSN 802 and 803 Long Lead Time Material — $34.7B (Electric Boat Corporation)
- 200204!008532!1700!AF600 !naval AIR Systems Command !N0001902C3002 !A!N! !N! !20011026!20120430!008016958!008016958!834951691!n!lockheed Martin Corporation !lockheed Blvd !fort Worth !tx!76108!27000!439!48!fort Worth !tarrant !texas !+000026000000!n!n!018981928201!ac15!rdte/Aircraft-Eng/Manuf Develop !a1a!airframes and Spares !2ama!jast/Jsf !336411!E! !3! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! !A! !a!n!r!2!002!n!1a!a!n!z! ! !N!C!N! ! ! !a!a!a!a!000!a!c!n! ! ! !Y! !N00019!0001! — $34.2B (Lockheed Martin Corporation)
- KC-X Modernization Program — $32.0B (THE Boeing Company)