DHS TSA awards $23M for PMIS System Operation to Grant Thornton LLP
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $23,036,660 ($23.0M)
Contractor: Grant Thornton LLP
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2006-10-01
End Date: 2013-02-14
Contract Duration: 2,328 days
Daily Burn Rate: $9.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 27
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: OPERATION OF PMIS SYSTEM.
Place of Performance
Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $23.0 million to GRANT THORNTON LLP for work described as: OPERATION OF PMIS SYSTEM. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Grant Thornton LLP for IT system operation. 2. Significant contract value of $23M over its duration. 3. Competition method was 'Full and Open', suggesting broad market engagement. 4. Sector is IT consulting, a common area for federal spending.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $23M over approximately 6.5 years suggests an average annual spend of around $3.5M. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT system operation contracts would be necessary for a precise assessment, but this appears within a reasonable range for complex system management.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offering.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is intended to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that drives down costs.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of critical TSA IT systems. Supports transportation security operations through reliable system performance. Potential impact on traveler experience if systems are not maintained.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (over 6 years) may lead to price escalation.
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Reliance on a single vendor for critical system operations.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
- Experienced contractor (Grant Thornton LLP).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT consulting sector, specifically for the operation and maintenance of management information systems. Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting a wide range of government functions.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates the awardee is Grant Thornton LLP, a large professional services firm. There is no indication that small businesses were involved as prime contractors or significant subcontractors in this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which implies a structured procurement process. Further oversight would involve monitoring contract performance and adherence to terms and conditions by the TSA.
Related Government Programs
- Other Management Consulting Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Transportation Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long-term reliance on a single vendor.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope changes.
- System obsolescence over the contract duration.
- Dependence on contractor's cybersecurity practices.
Tags
other-management-consulting-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, dca, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $23.0 million to GRANT THORNTON LLP. OPERATION OF PMIS SYSTEM.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GRANT THORNTON LLP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $23.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-10-01. End: 2013-02-14.
What specific IT systems are covered under the 'PMIS System Operation' and what is their criticality to TSA's mission?
The 'PMIS System Operation' likely refers to the Passenger Movement Information System or a similar critical infrastructure management platform. Understanding the specific functions and dependencies of these systems is crucial for assessing the true value and risk associated with this contract. Without this detail, the $23M spend is difficult to fully contextualize against mission impact.
How does the $23M contract value compare to industry benchmarks for operating similar-scale IT systems, considering the duration?
Benchmarking this $23M contract against industry standards for operating comparable IT systems over a 6.5-year period requires detailed analysis of system complexity, user base, and service level agreements. While the average annual cost of $3.5M is not inherently excessive, a thorough comparison with similar government or private sector contracts is needed to determine if it represents good value or if potential cost efficiencies exist.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of Grant Thornton LLP's performance throughout the contract's lifecycle?
Effectiveness and efficiency are typically ensured through robust contract management, including defined performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and clear deliverables. The TSA would be responsible for monitoring Grant Thornton's adherence to the contract's terms, including service level agreements and reporting requirements. The firm fixed price nature provides cost predictability, but performance quality remains a key oversight area.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 27
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Grant Thornton International Ltd (UEI: 347201258)
Address: 333 JOHN CARLYLE ST STE 500, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $35,322,507
Exercised Options: $27,665,519
Current Obligation: $23,036,660
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-10-01
Current End Date: 2013-02-14
Potential End Date: 2013-02-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2013-07-01
More Contracts from Grant Thornton LLP
- THE Contractor Shall Provide Financial Support Services and CIO Support Services — $66.8M (Department of Veterans Affairs)
- Procurement Assistance Program — $65.1M (Department of Defense)
- ,Ct::igf Professional Services for the Customs and Border Protection Investment Analysis Office (IAO) — $40.2M (Department of Homeland Security)
- Program Management and Technical Support Services for the Unified Financial Management System (ufms) Program Management Office (PMO) — $39.2M (Department of Justice)
- Enterprise Data Warehouse (EDW) — $37.7M (Department of Veterans Affairs)
Other Department of Homeland Security Contracts
- THE United States Coast Guard HAS a Requirement to Procure UP to Twenty-Six (26) Fast Response Cutters (frcs) on a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Basis With an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA). Phase II of the FRC Program Will Complete the Fleet for a Total of 58 Cutters — $2.1B (Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C.)
- Design and Construct NEW Vertical Barrier and Power Distribution, Lighting, Cameras, Equipment Shelters and Linear Ground Detection System (lgds) in Hildago County, NM — $1.8B (Fisher Sand & Gravel CO)
- Production&delivery of National Security Cutter (NSC) 6 — $1.7B (Huntington Ingalls Incorporated)
- YUM-2 Vertical Border and Waterborne Barrier Construction — $1.7B (Fisher Sand & Gravel CO)
- Construct Vertical Border Barrier — $1.6B (Fisher Sand & Gravel CO)