DHS awards $22.8M non-competitive contract for credit services to Dun & Bradstreet
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $22,858,666 ($22.9M)
Contractor: DUN & Bradstreet, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2006-09-23
End Date: 2010-09-22
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.7K/day
Competition Type: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: CREDIT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22315
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $22.9 million to DUN & BRADSTREET, INC for work described as: CREDIT SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $22.8 million over four years. 2. Sole-source award to Dun & Bradstreet, a major player in credit reporting. 3. Potential risk of limited competition and price discovery. 4. Spending falls within the broader 'Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's fixed price nature provides some cost certainty. However, without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if the $22.8 million represents a fair market price for credit services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This was a non-competitive delivery order, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a competitive procurement.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may be paying a premium due to the lack of competition, as the government did not explore alternative vendors or pricing.
Public Impact
Citizens rely on government agencies like CBP to manage sensitive data, including credit information. The use of credit services impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of border security operations. Transparency in sole-source contracts is crucial for public trust and accountability.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition
- Potential for overpayment without competitive pricing
- Lack of transparency in justification for sole-source
Positive Signals
- Contract supports critical border security functions
- Firm fixed price provides cost predictability
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically credit bureaus. Benchmarks for similar credit services contracts are difficult to ascertain without competitive data.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Dun & Bradstreet, Inc., is a large business. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific sole-source delivery order.
Oversight & Accountability
The non-competitive nature of this award warrants scrutiny. Further justification for the sole-source decision and evidence of price reasonableness should be available.
Related Government Programs
- Credit Bureaus
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for inflated pricing
- Limited transparency on justification
- No small business participation evident
Tags
credit-bureaus, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $22.9 million to DUN & BRADSTREET, INC. CREDIT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DUN & BRADSTREET, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $22.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-09-23. End: 2010-09-22.
What specific credit services were procured, and how do they directly support U.S. Customs and Border Protection's mission?
The contract is for credit services, categorized under NAICS code 561450 (Credit Bureaus). These services likely involve providing credit reports, background checks, or financial risk assessments for individuals or entities interacting with CBP. This information is crucial for identifying potential security risks, verifying identities, and enforcing trade regulations at the border.
What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternatives considered?
The provided data indicates a 'NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER'. A formal justification (e.g., FAR 6.302) would be required to explain why full and open competition was not feasible. This could include reasons like unique capabilities of Dun & Bradstreet, urgent needs, or prior contract continuity, though such details are not present in the summary data.
How does the $22.8 million cost compare to industry benchmarks for similar credit reporting services over a four-year period?
Without competitive bidding data or specific service level agreements, a direct benchmark comparison is challenging. However, $22.8 million over four years ($5.7 million annually) for comprehensive credit bureau services to a major federal agency suggests a significant investment. Assessing price reasonableness would require detailed service scope and comparison to other large-scale government or commercial contracts.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Business Support Services › Credit Bureaus
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NON-COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: THE DUN & Bradstreet Corporation (UEI: 884114609)
Address: 11710 PLAZA AMERICA DR STE 900, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,858,666
Exercised Options: $22,858,666
Current Obligation: $22,858,666
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS22F9614D
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-09-23
Current End Date: 2010-09-22
Potential End Date: 2010-09-22 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-12-06
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