DHS awarded $19M for IV&V services to Pragmatics, LLC over 5 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,026,596 ($19.0M)

Contractor: Pragmatics, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2007-09-25

End Date: 2013-04-26

Contract Duration: 2,040 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION (IV&V) SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $19.0 million to PRAGMATICS, LLC for work described as: INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION (IV&V) SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract value of $19M over 5 years suggests a moderate annual spend for specialized IT services. 2. Competition dynamics for this delivery order are not fully detailed, but it was awarded under a competitive contract. 3. The duration of the contract (2040 days) indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The service falls under Computer Systems Design, a common category for IT support contracts. 5. The contract was awarded as a delivery order, implying it was part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $19M over approximately 5.7 years averages to about $3.3M annually. Benchmarking this against similar Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) services requires more granular data on the specific tasks performed and the labor mix. Without direct comparisons to other IV&V contracts of similar scope and duration, assessing the precise value for money is challenging. However, the contract was awarded competitively, which generally aids in price discovery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, indicating that it was competed under a broader contract vehicle that allowed for full and open competition. The presence of 2 bids suggests a degree of competition, though the exact number of proposals received and the evaluation process are not detailed here. A competitive award generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers as it likely resulted in a more efficient use of funds compared to a sole-source procurement.

Public Impact

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) benefits from these services, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of its IT systems. Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) services are delivered, which are critical for assessing the performance and security of complex IT projects. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational scope of the TSA, likely supporting national transportation security initiatives. Workforce implications include the provision of specialized IT expertise to support government IT development and acquisition processes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the IV&V services.
The long contract duration could lead to potential cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Limited information on the specific scope of work for the IV&V services makes it hard to benchmark against industry standards.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting potential for good value.
The contract duration indicates a sustained need and commitment to IT system integrity.
The services provided are crucial for ensuring the reliability of critical TSA systems.

Sector Analysis

Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) services are a critical component of IT project management, particularly for large government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security. The market for IV&V services is substantial, encompassing IT consulting, systems integration, and quality assurance. This contract fits within the broader IT services sector, specifically focusing on ensuring the integrity and performance of complex technology solutions. Comparable spending benchmarks for IV&V services can vary widely based on project complexity, duration, and the specific services required.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'sb': false. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal, unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's procurement and program management offices, with specific oversight likely managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Accountability measures would be tied to the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

IT Services
Systems Integration
Project Management Support
Independent Verification and Validation
Department of Homeland Security IT Contracts
Transportation Security Administration IT Procurement

Risk Flags

Contract duration is long, requiring diligent oversight.
Limited information on specific performance metrics.
Scope of work details are not provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $19.0 million to PRAGMATICS, LLC. INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION (IV&V) SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PRAGMATICS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-09-25. End: 2013-04-26.

What was the specific scope of work for the Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) services provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION (IV&V) SERVICES' under NAICS code 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services). However, the specific scope of work is not detailed. Typically, IV&V services involve an independent assessment of a system's development process and the system itself to ensure it meets requirements, functions correctly, and is secure. This can include reviewing documentation, testing software and hardware, assessing project management, and validating that the system aligns with its intended purpose and user needs. For the TSA, these services would likely be critical for major IT system acquisitions or upgrades related to aviation security and passenger screening.

How does the awarded amount of $19M compare to typical IV&V contract values for similar agencies?

The total award of $19,026,595.86 over approximately 5.7 years (2040 days) averages to about $3.3 million per year. Comparing this to typical IV&V contract values requires understanding the scale and complexity of the projects being supported. For large federal agencies like DHS/TSA, which manage extensive and critical IT infrastructure, an annual spend in the low millions for specialized IV&V support is within a reasonable range. However, without knowing the specific IT programs this contract supported, a precise benchmark is difficult. Contracts for IV&V can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions annually, depending on the criticality, size, and lifecycle phase of the systems under review.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate Pragmatics, LLC's performance on this contract?

The provided data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or details about the performance evaluation criteria for this contract. In a typical IV&V contract, KPIs might include metrics related to the accuracy and timeliness of validation reports, the identification of critical defects or risks, the effectiveness of recommendations provided, and adherence to project schedules and budgets for the IV&V activities themselves. Performance would likely be assessed through regular progress reports, client feedback, and potentially formal reviews at key project milestones. The absence of this information in the summary data limits a thorough assessment of contractor performance.

What is the track record of Pragmatics, LLC in providing IV&V services to the federal government?

Pragmatics, LLC has a history of performing IT services for the federal government. While this specific contract focuses on IV&V services for the TSA, the company's broader portfolio likely includes various IT consulting and system integration projects. To assess their track record specifically for IV&V, one would need to examine past performance evaluations, contract histories, and client feedback on similar engagements. Companies in this space often build expertise over time, and their success in delivering complex IT solutions generally informs their capability in providing critical oversight functions like IV&V. Further research into their specific IV&V project history would be beneficial.

Were there any significant risks identified during the procurement or performance of this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly detail any significant risks identified during the procurement or performance phases of this contract. However, general risks associated with large IT service contracts include scope creep, cost overruns, schedule delays, contractor performance issues, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. For IV&V services specifically, risks could involve the independence of the assessment, the accuracy of findings, and the timely delivery of critical feedback to the agency. The competitive nature of the award suggests that risks related to price and contractor selection were addressed during procurement, but ongoing performance risks would be managed through contract oversight.

How has federal spending on IV&V services evolved over the period this contract was active (2007-2013)?

Federal spending on Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) services generally increased during the period of this contract (2007-2013), reflecting a growing emphasis on ensuring the success and security of complex government IT projects. Agencies like DHS, DoD, and HHS consistently invest in IV&V to mitigate risks associated with large-scale system modernizations and procurements. This period saw significant IT investments across the government, driven by needs for enhanced cybersecurity, data management, and operational efficiency. While specific aggregate data for IV&V spending isn't readily available in this format, the trend across IT services indicated a sustained demand for specialized oversight and quality assurance functions.

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: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7926 JONES BRANCH DR STE 711, MC LEAN, VA, 90

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,236,895

Exercised Options: $19,026,596

Current Obligation: $19,026,596

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQDC06D00035

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline