Disn Tech Refresh Support Contract Awarded to by Light Professional IT Services LLC for Over $91M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $91,467,832 ($91.5M)

Contractor: BY Light Professional IT Services LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-08-26

End Date: 2022-10-31

Contract Duration: 796 days

Daily Burn Rate: $114.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: DISN TECH REFRESH SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: FORT GEORGE G MEADE, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 20755

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $91.5 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC for work described as: DISN TECH REFRESH SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value of over $91 million indicates a significant investment in IT infrastructure. 2. Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract's duration of 796 days (over 2 years) points to a sustained need for these services. 4. Award type as a Delivery Order suggests this is part of a larger Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. The NAICS code 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) covers a broad range of IT support. 6. The contract's focus on 'Tech Refresh' implies modernization of existing systems rather than entirely new development. 7. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can introduce cost overrun risks if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without knowing the specific scope of 'Tech Refresh' and the comparable services provided under similar IDIQ vehicles. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure means the final cost is not fixed upfront, making direct comparison to fixed-price contracts difficult. However, the contract value of over $91 million for approximately two years of support suggests a substantial expenditure, and the per-unit cost benchmark is not readily available from the provided data.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This generally suggests a competitive environment where multiple companies vied for the contract. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition is a positive sign for price discovery and potentially achieving a fair market price.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition as it typically drives down costs through market forces and encourages a wider pool of qualified vendors, leading to potentially better value for government spending.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its agencies, which will receive updated and supported IT infrastructure. Services delivered include technical refresh support, likely involving hardware and software upgrades, maintenance, and integration. The geographic impact is likely focused on Department of Defense facilities where the DISN (Defense Information Systems Network) is operational. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized IT personnel to manage and implement the technology refresh, both within the contractor's team and potentially within the government agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts can lead to cost overruns if the scope is not well-defined or if unforeseen issues arise during the project.
The broad NAICS code (541519) might indicate a less specialized service, potentially leading to less targeted competition or higher costs if the contractor lacks deep expertise in specific areas.
The duration of the contract (796 days) is substantial, increasing the risk of technology obsolescence during its term if the refresh is not agile.
Lack of specific performance metrics or outcome-based measures in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the true effectiveness and value for money.
The contract is a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger IDIQ. The overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the parent IDIQ contract are not detailed here.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that could lead to better pricing and quality.
The contract aims to 'refresh' technology, indicating a proactive approach to maintaining and modernizing critical IT infrastructure.
The contractor, BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC, has secured a significant contract, suggesting a level of trust and capability recognized by the agency.
The contract duration of over two years allows for sustained support and implementation of technology refresh initiatives.
The specific agency (Defense Information Systems Agency) indicates a focus on critical defense IT infrastructure, suggesting high standards and oversight.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design and related services. The IT services market is vast and highly competitive, with significant government spending allocated to maintaining and modernizing federal IT infrastructure. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is a major consumer of these services, supporting the Department of Defense's global communication and information systems. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale IT modernization and support contracts awarded by DISA or similar defense agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications specifically mandated for small businesses through a set-aside program for this particular award. However, the prime contractor, BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC, may still engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill parts of the contract requirements, depending on their own business practices and the specific needs of the technology refresh.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), which awarded the contract. As a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract, rigorous oversight of costs incurred by the contractor is crucial to ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate and that the government is not overpaying. Transparency is typically managed through contract reporting mechanisms and performance reviews. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) Services
IT Modernization Programs
Information Technology Support Services
Cloud Computing Services
Cybersecurity Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type may lead to cost overruns.
Broad NAICS code could indicate less specialized service.
Long contract duration increases risk of technology obsolescence.
Lack of specific performance metrics hinders value assessment.
Delivery Order implies it's part of a larger IDIQ, whose details are unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $91.5 million to BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC. DISN TECH REFRESH SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES 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 $91.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-26. End: 2022-10-31.

What is the specific scope of 'Tech Refresh' covered under this contract, and how does it align with DISA's broader IT modernization goals?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of 'Tech Refresh' beyond the general category of 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519). A 'Tech Refresh' typically involves upgrading or replacing outdated hardware, software, or network components to improve performance, security, and compatibility with current technologies. For DISA, this likely aligns with strategic goals to modernize the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) to support evolving military operations, enhance cybersecurity, and improve data management capabilities. Understanding the specific systems being refreshed (e.g., servers, network switches, end-user devices, specific software applications) and the planned upgrades would provide a clearer picture of its alignment with DISA's modernization roadmap and its potential impact on warfighter capabilities.

How does the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other contract types used for similar IT refresh projects within the DoD?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts are often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset or involves significant research and development, making it difficult to estimate costs accurately. In such cases, the government agrees to pay the contractor's actual allowable costs plus a fixed fee representing profit. This contrasts with Fixed Price contracts, where the price is set regardless of the actual costs incurred. For IT refresh projects, CPFF can be advantageous if unforeseen technical challenges arise, allowing flexibility. However, it carries a higher risk of cost growth for the government compared to fixed-price arrangements. Other DoD agencies might opt for Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts for well-defined hardware replacements or Fixed-Price Incentive Fee (FPIF) contracts that share cost savings or overruns between the government and contractor, aiming for better cost control than CPFF.

What is the track record of BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC in delivering similar large-scale IT support and technology refresh contracts for the Department of Defense?

Assessing the track record of BY LIGHT PROFESSIONAL IT SERVICES LLC requires access to contract performance databases (e.g., CPARS - Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) and historical contract awards. Without direct access to these systems, we can infer capability from the award of this significant $91M+ contract by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). DISA is a critical agency with stringent requirements, suggesting that BY LIGHT has demonstrated competence in areas relevant to IT infrastructure support and modernization. Further investigation into their past performance on contracts of similar size, scope (especially technology refreshes), and complexity within the DoD would be necessary to provide a comprehensive assessment of their reliability and effectiveness.

Given the contract's duration of 796 days, what measures are in place to mitigate the risk of technology obsolescence during the refresh process?

Mitigating technology obsolescence in a nearly two-year-long refresh project requires proactive planning and agile execution. Measures likely include incorporating clauses that allow for adjustments based on emerging technologies, prioritizing the refresh of components most at risk of obsolescence, and potentially phasing the refresh to incorporate newer technologies as they become available and mature. The contract's specifications should ideally outline procedures for evaluating and incorporating updated technology solutions. Furthermore, close collaboration between DISA and BY LIGHT, including regular technical reviews and performance assessments, would be essential to monitor technological advancements and adapt the refresh strategy accordingly to ensure the deployed solutions remain relevant and effective throughout their intended lifecycle.

How does the spending on this 'DISN TECH REFRESH SUPPORT' contract compare to overall DISA IT spending or similar technology refresh initiatives in previous fiscal years?

The provided data focuses on a single contract award and does not offer historical spending patterns for DISA or the DISN program. To compare this $91M+ contract, one would need access to DISA's budget documents and historical contract databases. Analyzing total IT spending by DISA across various fiscal years, identifying the proportion allocated to technology refresh initiatives, and examining the value and number of similar contracts awarded previously would be necessary. This comparison would help determine if this contract represents an increase or decrease in spending for such services, whether it's part of a sustained modernization effort, or if it's an anomaly. Without this broader context, it's difficult to assess its significance within DISA's overall financial landscape.

Industry Classification

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

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

Solicitation ID: HC102815R0030

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8484 WESTPARK DR STE 600, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $91,467,832

Exercised Options: $91,467,832

Current Obligation: $91,467,832

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HC102818D0018

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline