DoD's $45M Cisco GEMSS contract awarded to Iron Bow Technologies for IT services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,973,120 ($45.0M)

Contractor: Iron BOW Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-06-28

End Date: 2026-06-20

Contract Duration: 1,453 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: CISCO GEMSS

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $45.0 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: CISCO GEMSS Key points: 1. Contract provides essential IT services, supporting critical defense operations. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 4. Long duration indicates a sustained need for these services. 5. No small business set-aside, raising questions about small business participation. 6. Virginia-based contractor suggests potential regional economic impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $44.97 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for comprehensive IT services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT support contracts within the Department of Defense is necessary for a definitive value assessment. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability, which is a positive indicator for value realization. However, without specific details on the services rendered and their criticality, a precise value-for-money judgment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The open nature of the competition suggests that the Defense Information Systems Agency sought the best possible solution from the widest range of qualified vendors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through competitive bidding and encourages a wider pool of vendors to offer their best pricing and innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from reliable and sustained IT services, crucial for national security operations. This contract supports the delivery of essential computer-related services, likely encompassing network management, hardware/software support, and cybersecurity. The contract is geographically focused on Virginia, potentially impacting the local economy through employment and business opportunities. The workforce implications include the potential for skilled IT professionals employed by Iron Bow Technologies to support defense missions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of small business participation noted, as the contract was not set aside for small businesses.
The long contract duration could potentially lock in specific technologies or vendors, limiting future flexibility.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential for competitive pricing.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty and reduces financial risk for the government.
The contract supports critical IT infrastructure for the Department of Defense.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services.' The IT services market for the federal government is substantial, with significant spending allocated to defense agencies. Contracts of this nature are common, supporting the vast and complex technological infrastructure required by military branches. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts within the DoD often range in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates 'sb' is false. This suggests that small businesses were not specifically targeted for this procurement. While Iron Bow Technologies may utilize small business subcontractors, the primary awardee is not a small business. This approach might limit direct opportunities for small businesses to secure prime contracts of this magnitude, though they could still benefit indirectly through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of Defense's contracting officers and potentially the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Information Technology Contracting
IT Support Services
Network Infrastructure Services
Cybersecurity Services
Department of Defense IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for technological obsolescence due to long contract duration.
Lack of explicit small business participation in the award.
Limited insight into the specific services and performance metrics without further documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $45.0 million to IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. CISCO GEMSS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $45.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-06-28. End: 2026-06-20.

What specific IT services are included under the Cisco GEMSS contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) and mentions 'CISCO GEMSS'. While the exact scope isn't detailed, 'GEMSS' often refers to 'Global Enterprise Management and Support Services' or similar comprehensive IT support frameworks. This typically includes services such as network management, system administration, hardware and software maintenance, cybersecurity monitoring and support, help desk services, and potentially IT infrastructure deployment and management. The contract likely aims to ensure the operational readiness and efficiency of critical Department of Defense IT systems and networks.

How does the $44.97 million contract value compare to similar IT support contracts within the DoD?

The $44.97 million value over a period of approximately four years (June 2022 to June 2026) represents a significant but not extraordinary investment for large-scale IT support within the Department of Defense. The DoD procures numerous IT contracts in this range and often much higher, supporting its vast and complex global operations. For instance, contracts for enterprise resource planning systems, network modernization, or cybersecurity solutions can easily exceed hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. This specific contract's value appears commensurate with providing comprehensive IT services to a significant entity like the Defense Information Systems Agency, especially given the firm fixed-price nature which caps government liability.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration contract like this?

Long-duration contracts, such as this one with a performance period extending over several years, carry several potential risks. One primary risk is technological obsolescence; the IT landscape evolves rapidly, and a contract locked in for years might not easily accommodate newer, more efficient technologies or solutions. Another risk is vendor lock-in, where the government becomes heavily reliant on a single contractor, potentially reducing leverage for future negotiations or transitions. Furthermore, the contractor's performance or financial stability could change over the contract's life, posing a risk to service continuity. Finally, extended contracts can sometimes lead to complacency or reduced urgency if not managed with rigorous oversight and performance metrics.

What does the 'firm fixed price' contract type imply for cost management and risk?

A 'firm fixed price' (FFP) contract type is generally considered advantageous for the government in terms of cost management and risk. Under an FFP contract, the price is set and not subject to adjustment based on the contractor's cost experience in performing the work. This means the contractor assumes the primary risk for cost overruns. For the government, it provides a high degree of cost certainty, making budgeting more predictable. The focus shifts from monitoring costs to ensuring the contractor delivers the specified goods or services according to the contract's terms and quality standards. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs efficiently to maximize profit.

What is the significance of the contract being awarded to Iron Bow Technologies, a Virginia-based company?

The award to Iron Bow Technologies, a company headquartered in Virginia, has several implications. Firstly, it signifies the company's capability to compete for and win significant federal contracts, particularly within the defense sector. Secondly, it suggests a potential positive economic impact for Virginia, as the company will likely utilize its local workforce and resources to fulfill the contract requirements. This can translate into job creation, increased business for local suppliers, and a boost to the regional economy. Federal contract awards to companies in specific geographic locations are often tracked for their contribution to state and local economic development.

Are there any indications of performance issues or concerns with Iron Bow Technologies on previous contracts?

The provided data snippet does not contain information regarding past performance issues or concerns for Iron Bow Technologies. A comprehensive assessment of contractor track record would require accessing detailed performance evaluations, past performance questionnaires, and potentially data from contract administration agencies or databases that track contractor CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) ratings. Without this additional information, it is not possible to definitively assess their historical performance on similar contracts. However, winning a contract of this size and scope from the DoD generally implies a satisfactory level of past performance.

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 › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HC108422R0007

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2121 COOPERATIVE WAY STE 500, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $56,216,400

Exercised Options: $44,973,120

Current Obligation: $44,973,120

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HC108422D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline