DoD's $48.3M IT support contract awarded to Intellibridge, LLC, for custom programming services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,269,716 ($48.3M)

Contractor: Intellibridge, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-05-31

End Date: 2021-01-31

Contract Duration: 611 days

Daily Burn Rate: $79.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT (TED) SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $48.3 million to INTELLIBRIDGE, LLC for work described as: TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT (TED) SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract's duration of 611 days indicates a medium-term need for services. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs and provide budget certainty. 4. The primary service category is Custom Computer Programming Services, vital for IT infrastructure. 5. Awarded to a single contractor, Intellibridge, LLC, highlighting their specific capabilities. 6. The contract was a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of $48.3 million over approximately 20 months suggests a significant investment in IT development support. Benchmarking this against similar custom computer programming services contracts is challenging without more specific details on the scope of work. However, the firm fixed-price nature of the contract indicates an attempt to manage costs upfront. The contract's value appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized IT engineering and development support, but a detailed cost-benefit analysis would require understanding the specific deliverables and their impact on defense information systems.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The fact that it resulted in a single award suggests that Intellibridge, LLC was the most advantageous offer received based on the evaluation criteria. While the number of bidders is not specified, full and open competition generally promotes price discovery and encourages contractors to offer competitive pricing to win the award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing inherent in a full and open solicitation, which aims to secure the best value for the government.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its various branches, which receive enhanced technology and engineering development support. Services delivered include custom computer programming, crucial for maintaining and advancing critical defense information systems. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for skilled IT professionals and engineers employed by Intellibridge, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if the scope of services is highly specialized and difficult to transition.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical IT development could pose risks if performance issues arise.
The firm fixed-price nature might incentivize cost-cutting that could impact quality if not closely monitored.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contractor, Intellibridge, LLC, has secured a significant contract, suggesting a level of trust and capability.
The contract supports critical defense information systems, aligning with national security objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on custom computer programming and technology engineering development. The IT services market is highly competitive and dynamic, with significant government spending allocated to software development, system integration, and IT support. Comparable spending benchmarks for custom programming services can vary widely based on complexity, duration, and specific technologies involved. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is a major procurer of such services to maintain and modernize the DoD's global information infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or specific benefits for small businesses stemming from a set-aside provision. The primary contractor, Intellibridge, LLC, is likely a mid-to-large-sized business given the contract value. The absence of small business set-asides means opportunities for small business participation would depend on Intellibridge's own subcontracting strategy, if any.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and adherence to contract terms are key oversight functions. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. While specific IG jurisdiction isn't detailed, the Inspector General for the Department of Defense would have oversight authority over potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) IT Support Contracts
Custom Computer Programming Services Contracts
Technology and Engineering Development Support
Department of Defense IT Modernization Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep in fixed-price contracts for development services.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical IT engineering support.
Need for robust performance monitoring to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $48.3 million to INTELLIBRIDGE, LLC. TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT (TED) SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTELLIBRIDGE, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $48.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-05-31. End: 2021-01-31.

What is Intellibridge, LLC's track record with the Department of Defense and similar IT contracts?

Intellibridge, LLC has a history of securing contracts with the Department of Defense, often in areas related to IT services, engineering, and program management. Their performance on previous contracts, particularly those involving custom programming and system development, would be a key indicator of their capability. Analyzing past performance reviews, any contract modifications, and the overall value and duration of prior DoD engagements provides insight into their reliability and expertise. A review of their contract history would reveal if they have successfully delivered complex IT solutions within budget and schedule for the DoD or other federal agencies, suggesting a lower risk profile for this current award.

How does the $48.3 million award compare to similar custom computer programming services contracts awarded by DISA or the DoD?

The $48.3 million award for custom computer programming services over approximately 20 months represents a substantial investment. To benchmark its value, one would compare it to other contracts for similar services awarded by DISA or the DoD within the last few years. Key comparison points include the scope of work, required expertise, contract duration, and the specific technologies involved. If similar contracts for complex software development and system integration have been awarded in the range of $2-3 million per year, then this contract appears to be within a reasonable, albeit high-end, range for specialized TED support. However, without detailed scope information, a precise comparison is difficult.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract for technology and engineering development?

The primary risks associated with a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract for technology and engineering development (TED) support services revolve around scope creep and potential quality compromises. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may interpret the scope narrowly to avoid additional costs, potentially limiting the full realization of desired capabilities. Conversely, if the scope is poorly defined, the contractor might incur unexpected costs, leading to requests for modifications or potential performance issues if they cannot absorb the overruns. For the contractor, the risk is underestimating the effort required, leading to reduced profit margins or even losses. Effective risk mitigation relies on a clearly defined SOW and robust contract management.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach in ensuring value for money for this type of IT service?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in government contracting, especially for IT services. By allowing all responsible sources to compete, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. For custom computer programming services, this means multiple vendors can propose solutions, allowing the agency to select the best combination of technical approach, past performance, and price. While it requires more upfront effort in solicitation and evaluation, the potential for significant cost savings and access to a wider pool of talent typically outweighs these costs, leading to better overall value for taxpayers.

What is the historical spending trend for custom computer programming services by the Defense Information Systems Agency?

Historical spending trends for custom computer programming services by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) generally show a consistent and significant investment. DISA is responsible for providing IT services and infrastructure to the Department of Defense, making custom programming a core requirement for system development, modernization, and integration. Spending in this category often fluctuates based on major defense initiatives, cybersecurity needs, and the lifecycle of existing systems. Over the past decade, there has been a sustained demand for these services, reflecting the ongoing need to adapt and enhance DoD's technological capabilities in response to evolving threats and operational requirements.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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: 1430 SPRING HILL RD STE 200, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $57,457,969

Exercised Options: $48,269,716

Current Obligation: $48,269,716

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F051AA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline