DHS Coast Guard awards $23M contract for integrated product data environment and program management support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,064,274 ($23.1M)

Contractor: Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2009-03-17

End Date: 2011-12-30

Contract Duration: 1,018 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE EFFORT TO INCLUDE PLANNING, EXECUTION, AND MANAGEMENT TASKS OF THE FOLLOWING SHARED SERVICES COMPONENT AREAS: (1) INTEGRATED PRODUCT DATA ENVIRONMENT (IPDE) AND OFFICE TOOLS; (2) QUALITY ASSURANCE/DD-250 REVIEW AND SUBMITTAL; (3) INTEGRATED MASTER SCHEDULE (IMS) MANAGEMENT; (4) PROGRAM SECURITY MANAGEMENT; AND (5) IPPD TEAM FACILITATION, TRAINING AND EDUCATION. IN ADDITION, THE REQUIREMENT INCLUDES PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, FINANCE, PLANNING/SCHEDULING, DATA MANAGEMENT, QUALITY ASSURANCE, AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT EFFORT.

Place of Performance

Location: MOORESTOWN, BURLINGTON County, NEW JERSEY, 08057

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $23.1 million to INTEGRATED COAST GUARD SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE EFFORT TO INCLUDE PLANNING, EXECUTION, AND MANAGEMENT TASKS OF THE FOLLOWING SHARED SERVICES COMPONENT AREAS: (1) INTEGRATED PRODUCT DATA ENVIRONMENT (IPDE) AND OFFICE TOOLS; (2) QUALITY ASSURANCE/DD-250 REVIEW AND SUBMITTAL; (3) INTEGRATED MASTER SCHE… Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical program management functions including data environment, scheduling, security, and quality assurance. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services. 3. Performance period spans over three years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. This contract supports the U.S. Coast Guard's efforts in navigation and guidance systems. 6. The contractor, Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC, is tasked with a broad range of management and technical support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $23.06 million over approximately 3 years appears reasonable for the scope of services, which includes program management, data environment support, quality assurance, and security management. Benchmarking against similar large-scale program support contracts within DHS or the Coast Guard would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price nature of the contract suggests that the government has negotiated a set price, potentially offering good value if the contractor can deliver within budget.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple capable vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of a single award suggests that Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC was selected as the best value offeror. The level of competition is generally positive for price discovery, as it encourages competitive pricing among bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the government receives competitive offers, leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The U.S. Coast Guard benefits from enhanced program management and data integration capabilities. Services delivered include support for Integrated Product Data Environment (IPDE), quality assurance, scheduling, and security management. The contract's impact is primarily within the operational and administrative functions of the U.S. Coast Guard. Workforce implications include the potential for specialized program management and technical support roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical program management functions could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract structure incentivizes contractor efficiency and cost control.
Full and open competition suggests a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term need for these services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and professional services sector, specifically supporting defense and public safety systems. The market for program management and integrated data environment support is competitive, with many firms offering specialized services. The value of $23 million is moderate for a federal contract of this nature, fitting within the broader landscape of IT and system support spending for agencies like the Department of Homeland Security.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting requirements. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are involved in subcontracting opportunities under this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard contracting officer and program managers. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price structure and performance requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Integrated Coast Guard Systems Program
Department of Homeland Security IT Support Services
Coast Guard Navigation and Guidance Systems
Federal Program Management Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues
Risk of scope creep
Contractor dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $23.1 million to INTEGRATED COAST GUARD SYSTEMS LLC. THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE EFFORT TO INCLUDE PLANNING, EXECUTION, AND MANAGEMENT TASKS OF THE FOLLOWING SHARED SERVICES COMPONENT AREAS: (1) INTEGRATED PRODUCT DATA ENVIRONMENT (IPDE) AND OFFICE TOOLS; (2) QUALITY ASSURANCE/DD-250 REVIEW AND SUBMITTAL; (3) INTEGRATED MASTER SCHEDULE (IMS) MANAGEMENT; (4) PROGRAM SECURITY MANAGEMENT; AND (5) IPPD TEAM FACILITATION, TRAINING AND EDUCATION. IN ADDITION, THE REQUIREMENT INCLUDES PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, FINANCE, PLANNING/SCHEDULING, DATA MANAGEMENT, QU

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTEGRATED COAST GUARD SYSTEMS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-03-17. End: 2011-12-30.

What is the track record of Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC in performing similar program management and data environment support contracts for the federal government?

A comprehensive review of Integrated Coast Guard Systems LLC's past performance is crucial for assessing their capability to successfully execute this contract. This would involve examining their history with similar federal contracts, particularly those involving program management, integrated product data environments (IPDE), quality assurance, and security management. Key indicators to investigate include on-time delivery, adherence to budget (especially for fixed-price contracts), quality of deliverables, and any past performance issues or disputes. Information from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and contractor performance assessment reports (CPARS) would be essential to gauge their reliability and expertise in supporting complex government programs.

How does the awarded price of $23.06 million compare to market rates for similar program management and IT support services?

Benchmarking the $23.06 million contract value against market rates requires detailed analysis of the specific services provided and their scope. Factors such as the duration (over 3 years), the complexity of the IPDE and program management tasks, and the required expertise levels are critical. Comparing this contract's total value and potential annual cost to similar contracts awarded by the U.S. Coast Guard or other Department of Homeland Security components, or even across different federal agencies for comparable services, can provide insights. If publicly available data shows similar contracts awarded at significantly lower or higher price points for equivalent services, it would indicate whether this award represents a favorable or unfavorable price for the government.

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

Primary risks for this contract include potential contractor underperformance, scope creep, and reliance on a single entity for critical functions. Contractor underperformance could lead to delays in program milestones or subpar data management. Scope creep, where requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, could increase costs or strain resources. Given the firm-fixed-price nature, the contractor bears the financial risk of cost overruns, but performance failures remain a concern. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by the U.S. Coast Guard, clear definition and management of contract scope, regular performance reviews, and established communication channels to address issues proactively. The government's ability to monitor progress and enforce contract terms is key to mitigating these risks.

How effective is the Integrated Product Data Environment (IPDE) and associated program management support likely to be in enhancing the U.S. Coast Guard's operational capabilities?

The effectiveness of the IPDE and program management support hinges on the successful implementation and utilization of the systems and processes outlined in the contract. A well-executed IPDE can significantly improve data sharing, collaboration, and decision-making across various Coast Guard programs, leading to more efficient operations and better resource allocation. Effective program management ensures that projects stay on track, within budget, and meet their objectives. If the contractor delivers high-quality support and the Coast Guard actively integrates these capabilities, it should enhance situational awareness, streamline acquisition processes, and ultimately bolster the Coast Guard's ability to perform its missions, such as search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and port security.

What has been the historical spending trend for similar program management and IT support services by the U.S. Coast Guard or DHS?

Analyzing historical spending trends for program management and IT support services by the U.S. Coast Guard and DHS is essential for context. This involves examining annual expenditures on contracts with similar scopes, such as system integration, data management, and overall program support. Trends might reveal an increasing or decreasing reliance on external contractors for these services, shifts in contract types (e.g., from cost-plus to fixed-price), or changes in average contract values. Understanding these patterns can help assess whether the current $23.06 million award is consistent with past investment levels, indicative of a growing need, or part of a strategic shift in how the agency procures such support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing › Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 M ST SE STE 685, WASHINGTON, DC, 20003

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,353,144

Exercised Options: $23,064,274

Current Obligation: $23,064,274

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTCG2302C2DW001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline