DoD's $33.25M CORE System Contract Awarded to Creative IT Solutions Faces Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,252,855 ($33.3M)
Contractor: Creative IT Solutions, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-01-10
End Date: 2026-01-09
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $18.2K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CORE AUTOMATED MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR MOBILITY AND VIDEO AND VOICE SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73145
State: Oklahoma Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $33.3 million to CREATIVE IT SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: CORE AUTOMATED MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR MOBILITY AND VIDEO AND VOICE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value of $33.25M for a critical IT system. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk assessment is fair due to the firm fixed price contract type. 4. Sector is IT, specifically custom computer programming services.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a firm fixed price delivery order, which provides cost certainty. However, without specific performance metrics or benchmarks for similar custom programming services, a precise value assessment is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by securing the best possible price for the required services.
Public Impact
Ensures operational readiness for military mobility, video, and voice communications. Supports the Defense Information Systems Agency's mission. Potential for long-term system evolution and maintenance.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics for value assessment.
- Potential for scope creep in custom programming over the contract duration.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed price contract provides cost predictability.
- Full and open competition suggests competitive pricing was sought.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with benchmarks varying widely based on complexity and service level agreements.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is a delivery order under a larger award, suggesting it has undergone some level of review. However, ongoing oversight of performance and cost management is crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Custom Computer Programming Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Information Systems Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed.
- Risk of vendor lock-in with custom-developed solutions.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical system maintenance.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
Tags
custom-computer-programming-services, department-of-defense, ok, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $33.3 million to CREATIVE IT SOLUTIONS, LLC. CORE AUTOMATED MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR MOBILITY AND VIDEO AND VOICE SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CREATIVE IT SOLUTIONS, 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 $33.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-01-10. End: 2026-01-09.
What specific performance metrics are in place to ensure the $33.25M delivers effective mobility and communication support?
The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics. A comprehensive review would require access to the contract's statement of work and any associated performance work statements. These metrics are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the custom computer programming services and ensuring the system meets the DoD's operational requirements for mobility, video, and voice support.
How does the firm fixed price mitigate risks associated with custom software development over a 5-year period?
A firm fixed price contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, providing budget certainty for the government. However, for custom software, it can incentivize the contractor to limit scope or potentially use less robust solutions to maintain profitability. Effective oversight is needed to ensure the quality and full functionality of the delivered system align with the initial requirements.
Given the full and open competition, what was the range of bids received, and how does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar custom programming services?
The data indicates full and open competition but does not provide bid ranges or market rate comparisons. To assess value, one would need to analyze the number of bids received and benchmark the awarded price against industry standards for custom computer programming services of similar complexity and duration. This would help determine if the government secured a competitive price.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - IT MANAGEMENT
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 2000 N CLASSEN BLVD STE 1625, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 73106
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $49,902,695
Exercised Options: $33,262,855
Current Obligation: $33,252,855
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS35F0445T
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-01-10
Current End Date: 2026-01-09
Potential End Date: 2026-01-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-09
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