DHS Spends $132M on Accenture for Data Integrity Group to Analyze US-VISIT Data

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,212,720 ($13.2M)

Contractor: Accenture LLP

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2004-08-31

End Date: 2009-11-06

Contract Duration: 1,893 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: OTHER (NONE OF THE ABOVE)

Sector: Other

Official Description: US-VISIT - THE PURPOSE OF THIS STATEMENT OF OBJECTS IS TO CREATE AND STAFF A DATA INTEGRITY GROUP(DIG) THAT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANALYZING US-VISIT DATA FOR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS, CORRECTING DATA AND REPORTING CHANGES BEING MADE TO THE DATA BACK TO THE APPRPORIATE SYSTEM OF RECORD OWNERS. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP WILL PROVIDE OUTPUTS IN THE FORM OF REPORTS, LIKE THE UNCONFIRMED OVERSTAY REPORT (UCO) TO VARIOUS CUSTOMER ORGANIZATIONS.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22209

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $13.2 million to ACCENTURE LLP for work described as: US-VISIT - THE PURPOSE OF THIS STATEMENT OF OBJECTS IS TO CREATE AND STAFF A DATA INTEGRITY GROUP(DIG) THAT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANALYZING US-VISIT DATA FOR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS, CORRECTING DATA AND REPORTING CHANGES BEING MADE TO THE DATA BACK TO THE APPRPORIATE SYSTEM OF REC… Key points: 1. The contract aims to improve the accuracy and completeness of US-VISIT data through a dedicated Data Integrity Group. 2. Accenture LLP was awarded the contract, indicating a reliance on established IT and business support service providers. 3. The primary risk involves potential delays in data correction and reporting, impacting the effectiveness of US-VISIT. 4. This spending falls under 'All Other Business Support Services', a broad category that can obscure specific sector performance.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The total award of $132,127,200 over approximately 5 years suggests a significant investment. Without specific per-unit cost data or benchmarks for similar data integrity services, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing efficiency.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which theoretically should lead to competitive pricing. However, the long duration and specialized nature of data integrity services might limit the number of truly competitive bids.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to ensure the accuracy of critical immigration and visitor data, which has long-term security and operational benefits.

Public Impact

Enhances the reliability of data used for national security and immigration enforcement. Supports the operational efficiency of various government agencies relying on US-VISIT data. Potential for improved accuracy in reports like the Unconfirmed Overstay Report (UCO).

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (5 years) may lead to cost overruns or outdated technology.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to gauge effectiveness.
Potential for vendor lock-in with Accenture for data integrity services.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for data accuracy in a vital government system.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Focus on data integrity can improve downstream analysis and decision-making.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under 'All Other Business Support Services' (NAICS 561499), a broad category. Spending in this area is generally driven by the need for specialized expertise in areas like data management, analysis, and reporting, often supporting larger IT or operational initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the requirement likely demanded specialized capabilities or scale typically met by larger corporations.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations. Oversight would involve monitoring Accenture's performance in data analysis, error correction, and reporting to ensure the integrity of the US-VISIT system.

Related Government Programs

All Other Business Support Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may not adapt to evolving data needs.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in.
Broad 'Business Support Services' category lacks specificity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $13.2 million to ACCENTURE LLP. US-VISIT - THE PURPOSE OF THIS STATEMENT OF OBJECTS IS TO CREATE AND STAFF A DATA INTEGRITY GROUP(DIG) THAT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANALYZING US-VISIT DATA FOR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS, CORRECTING DATA AND REPORTING CHANGES BEING MADE TO THE DATA BACK TO THE APPRPORIATE SYSTEM OF RECORD OWNERS. IN ADDITION, THE GROUP WILL PROVIDE OUTPUTS IN THE FORM OF REPORTS, LIKE THE UNCONFIRMED OVERSTAY REPORT (UCO) TO VARIOUS CUSTOMER ORGANIZATIONS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ACCENTURE LLP.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-08-31. End: 2009-11-06.

What is the specific methodology Accenture will use to identify and correct data errors, and how will its effectiveness be measured?

The statement of objects implies a focus on analyzing US-VISIT data for errors and omissions, correcting them, and reporting changes. Effectiveness would likely be measured by metrics such as the reduction in identified data errors over time, the speed of correction, and the accuracy of generated reports like the UCO. Specific methodologies would need to be detailed in the contract's statement of work.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single vendor, Accenture, for critical data integrity functions within the US-VISIT system?

Relying on a single vendor like Accenture for data integrity poses risks such as vendor lock-in, potential price increases upon contract renewal, and a lack of competitive pressure to innovate or improve services. If Accenture experiences performance issues or faces financial instability, it could significantly disrupt the US-VISIT system's data management capabilities.

How does the $132 million investment in this Data Integrity Group contribute to the overall effectiveness and security of the US-VISIT program?

This investment is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data underpinning the US-VISIT program. Accurate data is essential for effective border security, immigration control, and national security threat assessment. By correcting errors and omissions, the DIG enhances the program's ability to track visitor movements and identify potential risks, thereby improving overall program effectiveness and security.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Business Support Services › All Other Business Support Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: OTHER (NONE OF THE ABOVE) (3)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Accenture Public Limited Company (UEI: 985015354)

Address: 11951 FREEDOM DR, RESTON, VA, 11

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,872,084

Exercised Options: $13,835,084

Current Obligation: $13,212,720

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSSCHQ04D00096

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline