UNISYS CORPORATION awarded $47.5M task order for IT services to DHS Customs and Border Protection

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $47,492,195 ($47.5M)

Contractor: Unisys Corporation

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2014-09-05

End Date: 2016-06-28

Contract Duration: 662 days

Daily Burn Rate: $71.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: IT

Official Description: IGF::CL,CT::IGF TASK ORDER IN SUPPORT OF THE BEMSD O&M AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT IDIQ.

Place of Performance

Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA CITY County, VIRGINIA, 22314

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $47.5 million to UNISYS CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::CL,CT::IGF TASK ORDER IN SUPPORT OF THE BEMSD O&M AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT IDIQ. Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in IT modernization and operational support. 2. Competition dynamics for this task order are crucial for assessing value for money. 3. Performance history and contractor track record are key indicators of potential risks and successes. 4. The services provided are essential for the ongoing operations and software development of the BEMSD. 5. This contract falls within the broader IT services sector, supporting critical government functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $47.5 million for a period of approximately two years suggests a substantial investment. Benchmarking this against similar IT support and software development contracts within federal agencies is necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive. Without specific details on the scope of work and deliverables, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the amount indicates a need for rigorous oversight to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is generally expected to drive better pricing and service quality. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would provide further insight into the effectiveness of the competition in securing optimal value.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it promotes a level playing field, encourages innovation, and typically leads to more cost-effective solutions by leveraging market forces.

Public Impact

Benefits the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by ensuring the continued operation and development of critical systems. Delivers essential IT services, including software development and maintenance, for the BEMSD. Geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas of CBP, supporting national security and trade facilitation. Workforce implications include support for IT professionals and potentially the development of specialized skills within the contractor's team.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if the scope of work expands beyond initial estimates.
Risk of performance issues if contractor resources are not adequately managed or if technical challenges arise.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical IT operations could pose continuity risks.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Task order is part of a larger IDIQ contract, potentially indicating established performance expectations.
The contract duration provides a defined period for service delivery and performance evaluation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design services. The federal IT services market is substantial, with agencies consistently investing in modernization, cybersecurity, and operational support. This contract supports a critical function within Homeland Security, aligning with broader government efforts to enhance border security and trade efficiency through technological solutions.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the best overall solution from the available market, rather than specifically promoting small business participation. Further analysis would be needed to determine if any small business subcontracting opportunities were mandated or voluntarily pursued by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would typically be managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection contracting officers and program managers. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Homeland Security would also have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics and oversight activities may not always be publicly detailed.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security IT Modernization Programs
Customs and Border Protection Systems Development Contracts
Federal Civilian Agency IT Services IDIQ Contracts
Computer Systems Design Services Federal Spending

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns
Performance risk
Technical obsolescence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $47.5 million to UNISYS CORPORATION. IGF::CL,CT::IGF TASK ORDER IN SUPPORT OF THE BEMSD O&M AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT IDIQ.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is UNISYS CORPORATION.

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 $47.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-09-05. End: 2016-06-28.

What is the track record of UNISYS CORPORATION in delivering similar IT services to federal agencies, particularly within the Department of Homeland Security?

UNISYS CORPORATION has a long history of providing IT services to various federal agencies, including significant work with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components like Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Their experience often spans areas such as system modernization, infrastructure management, and software development. Analyzing past performance on similar contracts, including any past performance evaluations or awards/debarments, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and capability. For instance, their involvement in large-scale IT projects for agencies like the Social Security Administration or the Federal Aviation Administration can offer insights into their capacity to handle complex federal requirements. Specific to CBP, their prior task orders under IDIQs would indicate their familiarity with the agency's unique operational needs and technical environment.

How does the awarded amount of $47.5 million compare to the estimated value or typical spending for similar BEMSD O&M and software development task orders?

The $47.5 million awarded for this task order represents a significant investment over its approximately two-year duration. To benchmark this value, one would need to compare it against historical spending on similar task orders for the BEMSD or comparable systems within CBP and other DHS components. Factors such as the complexity of the software, the scope of operations and maintenance, and the specific technical requirements would influence the expected cost. If this task order is substantially higher or lower than comparable contracts, it warrants further investigation into the reasons why. Analyzing the average cost per year or per deliverable for similar services in the federal IT market can provide a valuable context for assessing whether this award represents good value for money.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks associated with this contract include potential scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. Another risk is contractor performance failure, where UNISYS CORPORATION might not deliver the expected quality or timeliness of services, impacting critical CBP operations. Technical obsolescence or the emergence of more advanced solutions during the contract period could also pose a risk. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract management, including clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and change control processes. For scope creep, a well-defined statement of work and a formal change request process are essential. Performance risks can be managed through performance-based contract structures and by closely monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs).

What is the historical spending pattern for BEMSD O&M and software development, and how does this task order fit within that trend?

Understanding the historical spending on the BEMSD (Border Enforcement Management Systems Directorate) for Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and software development is crucial for contextualizing this $47.5 million task order. If previous spending has been consistently high, this award might represent a continuation of established investment levels. Conversely, if this amount is a significant increase, it could signal a new initiative, a major system upgrade, or potentially an escalation in costs. Analyzing annual spending data for these services over the past 5-10 years would reveal trends, identify periods of increased investment, and highlight any anomalies. This task order's value should be assessed against these historical figures to determine if it aligns with, deviates from, or sets a new benchmark for BEMSD IT support.

What specific IT systems or software applications are covered under this task order, and what is their criticality to CBP operations?

The provided data indicates the task order supports the 'BEMSD O&M and Software Development IDIQ'. BEMSD likely refers to systems critical for border enforcement management, which could encompass a range of applications related to cargo processing, passenger screening, import/export data management, and intelligence sharing. The criticality of these systems to CBP operations cannot be overstated, as they are fundamental to national security, trade facilitation, and law enforcement efforts at U.S. borders. Failures or significant delays in O&M or software development for these systems could directly impede CBP's ability to perform its mission, potentially leading to security vulnerabilities, trade disruptions, or operational inefficiencies. A detailed understanding of the specific applications supported would be necessary for a full assessment.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11720 PLAZA AMERICA DR TOWER III, RESTON, VA, 20190

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,492,195

Exercised Options: $47,492,195

Current Obligation: $47,492,195

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $6,508,110

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSBP1013D00021

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline