DHS awards $43.9M for VIS O&M to Variq Corp, impacting computer systems design services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $43,914,656 ($43.9M)
Contractor: Variq Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2015-02-13
End Date: 2019-06-25
Contract Duration: 1,593 days
Daily Burn Rate: $27.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF VERIFICATION INFORMATION SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (VIS O&M)
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $43.9 million to VARIQ CORPORATION for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF VERIFICATION INFORMATION SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (VIS O&M) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Variq Corporation for $43.9 million. 2. Focuses on Computer Systems Design Services (NAICS 541512). 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration spans 1593 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's total award value is $43.9 million. Without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for similar VIS O&M contracts, a precise value assessment is difficult. However, the duration suggests a significant, ongoing operational requirement.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad solicitation process. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows for a wide range of potential contractors to bid, theoretically leading to better price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment for this $43.9 million contract.
Public Impact
Impacts U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services operations. Ensures continued operation of the Verification Information System. Supports critical immigration processing functions. Affects the IT services sector, specifically computer systems design.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope creeps.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical systems.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear contract duration and award amount.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type can limit cost uncertainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. The $43.9 million award over approximately 4.3 years represents a substantial investment in maintaining critical government IT infrastructure, aligning with typical spending for large-scale federal IT operations.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Variq Corporation, and there is no indication that small businesses were involved as prime contractors or significant subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation goals were met.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (USCIS). Oversight would typically involve contract officers, program managers, and potentially an IG, focusing on performance, deliverables, and adherence to the firm fixed price terms.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract duration is lengthy (over 4 years).
- No explicit mention of small business participation.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with long-term O&M.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics in provided data.
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-homeland-security, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $43.9 million to VARIQ CORPORATION. IGF::OT::IGF VERIFICATION INFORMATION SYSTEM OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE (VIS O&M)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is VARIQ CORPORATION.
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 $43.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2015-02-13. End: 2019-06-25.
What specific services are included under VIS O&M, and how do they align with USCIS's mission objectives?
VIS O&M likely encompasses the maintenance, support, and potential upgrades for the Verification Information System, which is crucial for processing immigration applications and verifying applicant information. Ensuring these services directly support USCIS's mission of managing immigration and naturalization services is key to validating the contract's necessity and effectiveness.
Are there any identified risks associated with Variq Corporation's ability to deliver on this contract, given the duration and scope?
Without specific performance history or risk assessments from the awarding agency, it's difficult to pinpoint risks related to Variq. However, long-term IT operations and maintenance contracts carry inherent risks such as vendor lock-in, potential for scope creep, and the need for continuous adaptation to evolving technological landscapes and security threats.
How does the $43.9 million award compare to industry benchmarks for similar IT operations and maintenance contracts?
Comparing this $43.9 million award requires detailed analysis of contract scope, service level agreements, and the specific systems being maintained. Benchmarking against similar-sized federal or private sector IT O&M contracts for comparable systems would be necessary to determine if the pricing is competitive and reflects fair market value.
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: 4
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 12300 TWINBROOK PARKWAY, SUITE 155, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20852
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Hispanic American Owned Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $62,664,409
Exercised Options: $43,914,656
Current Obligation: $43,914,656
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC13DE2044
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2015-02-13
Current End Date: 2019-06-25
Potential End Date: 2019-09-25 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-31
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