DHS Spends $119M on UNISYS BRIDGE SERVICES Task Order, Raising Value Questions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $119,364,804 ($119.4M)
Contractor: Unisys Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2017-09-15
End Date: 2018-09-15
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $327.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TASPD O&M BRIDGE SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22315
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $119.4 million to UNISYS CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TASPD O&M BRIDGE SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant spending on a single task order for bridge services. 2. UNISYS CORPORATION is the sole awardee, limiting competitive options. 3. The Time and Materials contract type can pose cost control risks. 4. Computer Systems Design Services sector sees substantial government investment.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The $119.4M award for 365 days of service is substantial. Without detailed performance metrics or comparison to similar bridge service contracts, assessing value for money is difficult. The Time and Materials pricing model, while flexible, can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Cost Per Unit: $327,027
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process initially. However, this specific award is a delivery order, and the details of the competition for this particular order are not fully elaborated, potentially impacting price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The $119.4M expenditure represents a significant allocation of taxpayer funds for IT support services. Effective management and oversight are crucial to ensure this spending delivers intended value and avoids waste.
Public Impact
Taxpayers fund critical IT infrastructure maintenance and support. The large contract value highlights reliance on external IT service providers. Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing. Ensuring data security and system integrity is paramount.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- High contract value for a single task order.
- Time and Materials pricing model.
- Limited insight into specific performance metrics.
- Potential for cost creep without strict oversight.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical Department of Homeland Security functions.
- Experienced contractor (UNISYS CORPORATION).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Computer Systems Design Services, a sector crucial for government IT operations. The $119.4M spend is significant, reflecting the ongoing need for specialized IT support. Benchmarks for similar O&M bridge services contracts would provide better context for value assessment.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific subcontracting goals or participation by small businesses in this particular delivery order. The primary awardee is a large corporation, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses on this specific contract.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded via a delivery order, implying oversight exists within the larger contract framework. However, the Time and Materials nature necessitates robust oversight to control costs and ensure efficient service delivery. Further details on specific oversight mechanisms are needed.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- High contract value.
- Time and Materials pricing.
- Limited performance data provided.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Lack of specific small business participation details.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $119.4 million to UNISYS CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF TASPD O&M BRIDGE SERVICES
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 $119.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-09-15. End: 2018-09-15.
What specific bridge services were provided under this task order, and how did their necessity justify the $119.4M cost?
The task order likely covered essential IT operational and maintenance support, potentially bridging gaps in existing capabilities or providing specialized expertise for critical systems within U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The high cost suggests complex or extensive services were required, possibly involving system upgrades, ongoing maintenance, or specialized technical support for sensitive infrastructure.
What mechanisms were in place to mitigate cost risks associated with the Time and Materials pricing model for this $119.4M contract?
While the data indicates a Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model, it doesn't detail specific cost control mechanisms. Effective mitigation typically involves establishing fixed-price CLINs for predictable tasks, setting not-to-exceed (NTE) limits, requiring detailed timesheets and justifications, and implementing rigorous project management oversight to monitor labor hours and rates.
How does the $327,027 per-unit cost benchmark compare to industry standards for similar IT O&M bridge services?
The provided per-unit cost of $327,027 is likely an aggregate figure for the entire contract duration or a specific period, not a direct comparison point without knowing the unit of measure (e.g., per hour, per system, per service). A true benchmark would require comparing rates for specific labor categories, service levels, and contract types within the IT O&M sector.
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: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
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: $119,364,804
Exercised Options: $119,364,804
Current Obligation: $119,364,804
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC14DE2013
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-09-15
Current End Date: 2018-09-15
Potential End Date: 2018-09-15 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-02-25
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