DHS awarded $23M for IT support, with Northrop Grumman as primary contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,031,604 ($23.0M)

Contractor: Northrop Grumman Information Technology Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2006-01-31

End Date: 2006-09-12

Contract Duration: 224 days

Daily Burn Rate: $102.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED

Sector: IT

Official Description: IT SUPPORT SERVICES NATIONWIDE

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20529

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $23.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC for work described as: IT SUPPORT SERVICES NATIONWIDE Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in IT infrastructure. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. Performance period was relatively short, suggesting a specific project or phase. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code indicates a focus on repair and maintenance. 5. The contract was awarded to a large, established defense contractor. 6. Geographic scope is nationwide, indicating broad service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $23 million for IT support services over a 224-day period appears to be within a reasonable range for a large federal contract of this nature. However, without specific details on the scope of services, deliverables, and performance metrics, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts from the same period would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing was competitive. The absence of detailed performance data makes it difficult to gauge the effectiveness of the spending.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that multiple bidders were initially considered, but specific sources were later excluded. This suggests a potentially complex procurement process. The number of bidders and the rationale for excluding certain sources are not detailed, which limits the ability to fully assess the competitive landscape. A robust competition typically drives down prices and encourages innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: While full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers, the exclusion of sources raises questions about whether the most competitive pricing was ultimately achieved.

Public Impact

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) benefits from enhanced IT support. Nationwide IT support services are delivered, ensuring operational continuity. The contract supports the agency's mission-critical functions. The contract likely involves IT professionals and technicians, impacting the federal IT workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess contractor effectiveness.
The exclusion of sources in the competition process warrants further investigation.
Limited information on the specific IT support services provided.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a broad search for qualified vendors.
Contract awarded to a large, experienced IT services provider.
Nationwide service delivery indicates a comprehensive approach to IT support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT support services sector, a critical component of federal operations. The market for IT support is vast and highly competitive, with numerous large and small businesses offering a wide range of services. Federal spending in this area is substantial, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade complex technological infrastructures across all agencies. This specific contract, focused on repair and maintenance, represents a segment of the broader IT services market.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, Northrop Grumman, likely handled the majority of the work. Without specific subcontracting plans or goals, the direct impact on the small business IT ecosystem for this particular contract appears limited.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's contracting and program management offices. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services would also have oversight responsibilities. Transparency regarding performance and spending is generally available through federal procurement databases, but detailed operational oversight information is often internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

IT Services
Computer Maintenance
Network Support
IT Infrastructure Management

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to undefined scope.
Risk of performance issues impacting critical USCIS operations.
Security vulnerabilities in IT systems and data.
Limited competition due to exclusion of sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $23.0 million to NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INC. IT SUPPORT SERVICES NATIONWIDE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NORTHROP GRUMMAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 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 $23.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-01-31. End: 2006-09-12.

What specific IT support services were included under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'IT SUPPORT SERVICES NATIONWIDE' and falls under NAICS code 811212, 'Computer and Office Machine Repair and Maintenance.' This suggests services likely included hardware and software troubleshooting, repair of IT equipment, maintenance of computer systems, and potentially network support. However, the exact scope of work, including specific deliverables, service level agreements, and the types of IT systems supported, is not detailed in the provided summary. Further analysis of the contract's statement of work would be necessary to fully delineate the services rendered.

How does the $23 million award compare to similar IT support contracts awarded by DHS around 2006?

Comparing the $23 million award for IT support services by DHS in 2006 requires context regarding the contract's duration and scope. The contract had a duration of 224 days (approximately 7.5 months). If this was a sole-source or limited competition award, the price might be higher than a full and open competition. However, the data states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts for similar IT support services awarded by DHS or other agencies during the same fiscal year, considering factors like contract type, duration, and specific services. Without such comparative data, it's difficult to definitively state if $23 million was high or low for the services rendered over that period.

What is Northrop Grumman's track record with federal IT support contracts?

Northrop Grumman Information Technology Inc. is a major federal contractor with a long history of providing a wide array of IT services to various government agencies. Their track record generally includes large-scale system integration, cybersecurity, network operations, and IT support. They have consistently secured significant federal contracts, indicating a strong capability and established presence in the government IT market. However, like any large contractor, they may have faced performance issues or contract disputes on specific projects. A detailed review of their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues, would provide a more nuanced understanding of their specific performance related to IT support services.

What were the primary risks associated with this IT support contract?

Potential risks associated with this IT support contract could include performance risks, such as the contractor failing to meet service level agreements or deliver required IT support effectively. There are also financial risks, including potential cost overruns if the scope of work expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise. Given the nationwide scope, logistical risks related to deploying and managing support personnel across different geographic locations could be a factor. Furthermore, security risks associated with handling sensitive government data are inherent in any IT support contract. The 'exclusion of sources' in the procurement process might also indicate pre-existing relationships or specific technical requirements that could limit future competition or flexibility.

How has federal spending on IT support services evolved since 2006?

Federal spending on IT support services has significantly increased and evolved since 2006. Driven by increasing reliance on technology, cloud computing adoption, cybersecurity threats, and the need for digital transformation, agencies have continuously invested in IT infrastructure and support. Spending has shifted towards more specialized services like cloud management, data analytics, and advanced cybersecurity solutions. While traditional repair and maintenance remain important, the overall IT services market has become more dynamic, with a greater emphasis on innovation, agile methodologies, and integrated solutions. The total federal IT budget has grown substantially over the years, reflecting the expanding role of technology in government operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance › Computer and Office Machine Repair and Maintenance

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED (NO)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Titan II Inc. (UEI: 016435559)

Address: 2411 DULLES CORNER PARK, HERNDON, VA, 11

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEOP05A0001

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline