DHS USCIS awards $29.7M for computer and software stores, with limited competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $29,687,943 ($29.7M)
Contractor: NCS Pearson, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2005-05-31
End Date: 2008-06-05
Contract Duration: 1,101 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.0K/day
Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED
Sector: IT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $29.7 million to NCS PEARSON, INC. for work described as: Key points: 1. Spending of $29.7M over 3 years on computer and software stores. 2. Limited competition may impact price discovery and value. 3. Potential risk associated with the sole-source nature of the award. 4. IT sector spending, with benchmarks varying by specific software/hardware.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The award amount of $29.7M over three years for computer and software stores is substantial. Without specific details on the software and hardware procured, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The limited competition raises concerns about whether the government received the best possible pricing.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under a BPA with limited competition. This suggests that while multiple vendors might have been available under the BPA, the specific task order may not have been fully and openly competed. Limited competition can lead to higher prices than if full and open competition were utilized.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds may have been spent at a higher rate due to the lack of robust competition, potentially reducing the overall value for money.
Public Impact
Citizens and immigrants may experience service impacts depending on the software and hardware procured. The use of taxpayer funds for IT procurement is subject to scrutiny. Government efficiency in acquiring necessary IT resources is a public interest.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition
- Lack of detailed pricing information
- Potential for overspending
Positive Signals
- Procurement of essential IT resources
- Established contract vehicle (BPA)
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically for computer and software stores. Spending in this area can vary widely depending on the specific technologies and services required. Benchmarks are highly dependent on the nature of the software and hardware procured.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this specific award or the underlying BPA. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of this contract would involve monitoring performance, adherence to terms, and ensuring that the procured software and hardware meet the needs of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The limited competition aspect warrants closer scrutiny to ensure fair pricing.
Related Government Programs
- Computer and Software Stores
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may lead to inflated prices.
- Lack of transparency in specific item costs.
- Potential for suboptimal technology acquisition.
- Insufficient data to fully assess value for money.
Tags
computer-and-software-stores, department-of-homeland-security, bpa, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $29.7 million to NCS PEARSON, INC.. See the official description on USAspending.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NCS PEARSON, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $29.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-05-31. End: 2008-06-05.
What specific software and hardware were procured under this contract, and how do their prices compare to market rates?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact software and hardware purchased. To assess value, a detailed breakdown of items and quantities is necessary. Comparing these against industry benchmarks for similar products and services would reveal if the $29.7M expenditure represents a fair market price or if potential overpayment occurred due to limited competition.
What were the justifications for limiting competition on this significant IT procurement?
The justification for limited competition is crucial for understanding potential risks. If there were specific, documented reasons such as unique technical requirements or the availability of only a few qualified vendors under the BPA, it might explain the approach. However, without this information, the limited competition raises concerns about whether the government explored all viable options to secure the best value.
How effectively did this procurement support the mission of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services?
The effectiveness of this procurement hinges on whether the acquired computer and software resources enabled USCIS to efficiently process applications, manage data, and serve the public. Without performance metrics or mission impact reports tied to this specific contract, it's challenging to definitively assess its effectiveness beyond the financial outlay.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Retail Trade › Electronics and Appliance Stores › Computer and Software Stores
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Contractor Details
Parent Company: GED Testing Service LLC (UEI: 210227468)
Address: 5601 GREEN VALLEY DR # 22, MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 90
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSSCCG05A0059
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-05-31
Current End Date: 2008-06-05
Last Modified: 2010-03-13
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