DHS awarded $15.15M for card document services, with a 3-month option period

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,153,119 ($15.2M)

Contractor: Datatrac Information Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2007-08-07

End Date: 2008-08-11

Contract Duration: 370 days

Daily Burn Rate: $41.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED

Sector: IT

Official Description: FUNDING HSSCCG-05-A-0050 FOR 3 MONTHS INTO OPTION YR PERIOS 8/12/07-11/12/07 FOR CARD DOCUMENTS

Place of Performance

Location: RICHARDSON, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75080

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $15.2 million to DATATRAC INFORMATION SERVICES, INC. for work described as: FUNDING HSSCCG-05-A-0050 FOR 3 MONTHS INTO OPTION YR PERIOS 8/12/07-11/12/07 FOR CARD DOCUMENTS Key points: 1. The contract value of $15.15M for a 370-day duration suggests a significant investment in document processing capabilities. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract were favorable, indicating potential for competitive pricing. 3. The contract's duration and scope warrant monitoring for performance and potential cost overruns. 4. This award falls within the custom computer programming services sector, a critical area for government operations. 5. The geographic location of the contractor in Texas may have implications for local economic impact.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.15M for 370 days, averaging approximately $40,954 per day, appears reasonable for custom computer programming services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for card document processing would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the specialized nature of the services, the pricing seems within an expected range for a full and open competition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This level of competition is generally beneficial for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers. The number of bidders is not specified, but the process itself indicates a robust market engagement.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition likely resulted in a more cost-effective outcome for taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces.

Public Impact

Citizens and immigrants benefit from efficient processing of card documents, crucial for identification and access to services. The services delivered are essential for the operational continuity of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The contract's impact is primarily national, supporting federal immigration and citizenship processes. Workforce implications may include the need for skilled personnel in data processing and IT services at the contractor's location.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if services are highly specialized and difficult to transition.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical document processing could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a healthy market and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract duration of 370 days allows for sustained service delivery and potential for relationship building.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically custom computer programming. The market for such services is large and competitive, with many firms capable of providing specialized solutions. This award represents a portion of the federal government's broader spending on IT infrastructure and operational support, aiming to enhance efficiency and security in document management.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless the prime contractor actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services contracting officer and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics may not be publicly disclosed.

Related Government Programs

Federal IT Services Contracts
Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracts
Immigration and Citizenship Services IT

Risk Flags

Potential for performance issues
Risk of cost overruns
Data security and privacy concerns
Vendor lock-in

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $15.2 million to DATATRAC INFORMATION SERVICES, INC.. FUNDING HSSCCG-05-A-0050 FOR 3 MONTHS INTO OPTION YR PERIOS 8/12/07-11/12/07 FOR CARD DOCUMENTS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DATATRAC INFORMATION SERVICES, 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 $15.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-08-07. End: 2008-08-11.

What is the track record of DATATRAC INFORMATION SERVICES, INC. with federal contracts, particularly in IT services?

DATATRAC INFORMATION SERVICES, INC. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily within the IT and administrative services categories. While specific details on past performance for similar 'card document' services are not immediately available from the provided data, their engagement with federal agencies suggests a level of established capability. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues, would be necessary to fully assess their track record. Their presence in the federal contracting space indicates they have navigated the procurement process successfully in the past, but the quality and relevance of their prior work to this specific requirement are key factors for future assessment.

How does the $15.15M contract value compare to similar federal contracts for custom computer programming services?

The $15.15M contract value for 370 days, averaging approximately $40,954 per day, needs to be benchmarked against comparable federal contracts for custom computer programming services, especially those related to document processing. Without specific data on the scope and complexity of 'card documents' and the exact services rendered, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for specialized IT services supporting critical government functions, this value appears within a reasonable range, particularly given it was awarded under full and open competition. The key is to compare it to contracts with similar service descriptions, durations, and agency requirements to ascertain if it represents excellent, good, or fair value.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of Homeland Security?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance issues if DATATRAC INFORMATION SERVICES, INC. fails to meet the required service levels for card document processing, which could disrupt critical immigration and citizenship operations. There's also a risk of cost overruns if the scope expands or unforeseen technical challenges arise. Vendor lock-in is another concern, as transitioning specialized document processing services to another vendor can be complex and costly. Ensuring data security and privacy throughout the processing lifecycle is paramount, given the sensitive nature of the documents handled, posing a significant risk if breaches occur.

How effective is the current contract in meeting the needs of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for card document processing?

The effectiveness of this contract in meeting USCIS needs for card document processing can be assessed by examining key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract, such as turnaround time, accuracy rates, and data integrity. Since this data is not provided, we infer effectiveness from the contract's award under full and open competition and its duration, suggesting a perceived need and a vendor capable of fulfilling it. Ongoing monitoring by USCIS program managers would be crucial to ensure the contractor consistently meets or exceeds performance expectations and adapts to evolving requirements. The ultimate measure of effectiveness lies in the seamless and secure processing of documents that support USCIS's mission.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar card document processing services within DHS or USCIS?

Historical spending patterns for similar card document processing services within DHS or USCIS are not detailed in the provided data. To understand these patterns, one would need to analyze past contracts for document management, data entry, and card production services awarded by these agencies. This analysis should consider contract values, durations, competition levels, and the specific technologies or processes employed. Such a review would reveal trends in spending, identify key vendors, and highlight any significant shifts in procurement strategies or service requirements over time, providing context for the current $15.15M award.

What is the potential impact of this contract on the IT services market, specifically for custom computer programming?

This $15.15M contract contributes to the overall demand within the custom computer programming services market, particularly for firms specializing in document management and data processing. For DATATRAC INFORMATION SERVICES, INC., it represents a significant revenue stream and a case study for future business development. For the broader market, it signals continued government investment in IT solutions for operational efficiency. The full and open competition aspect suggests that other capable firms had the opportunity to compete, fostering a dynamic market environment. The specific nature of 'card documents' might also influence niche segments within the IT services sector.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: BOOKS, MAPS, OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED (NO)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Computer Sciences Corporation (UEI: 009581091)

Address: 2140 LAKE PARK BLVD # 113, RICHARDSON, TX, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Woman Owned Business

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSSCCG05A0050

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline