DHS Awards $60M IT Services Contract to ECS Federal for TSA Network Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $60,176,749 ($60.2M)

Contractor: ECS Federal, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2011-08-26

End Date: 2016-11-25

Contract Duration: 1,918 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THIS PROCUREMENT IS A IT SERVICES RECOMPETE OF THE ECS IT SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT. SOLUTIONS DELIVERY (SD) REQUIRES SENIOR TECHNICAL ENGINEERING CONTRACT PERSONNEL TO SUPPORT SD IN EXECUTING VARIOUS COMPLEX NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES. THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE IT ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES, TECHNICAL QUALITY ASSURANCE IN SUPPORT OF SD IN THE TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATION AND EXECUTION OF TECHNICAL PROGRAM TASKS PERTAINING TO THE DEVELOPMENT, DEPLOYMENT, ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS OF TSA IT INFRASTRUCTURE, SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS AND OVERSITE OF THE ITIP CONTRACTOR.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $60.2 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC for work described as: THIS PROCUREMENT IS A IT SERVICES RECOMPETE OF THE ECS IT SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT. SOLUTIONS DELIVERY (SD) REQUIRES SENIOR TECHNICAL ENGINEERING CONTRACT PERSONNEL TO SUPPORT SD IN EXECUTING VARIOUS COMPLEX NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES. THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE IT ENGI… Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical IT engineering and technical services for TSA's network infrastructure. 2. ECS Federal, LLC is the incumbent contractor, raising questions about potential lock-in. 3. The procurement is a recompete, suggesting a need for continued services. 4. The contract value is substantial at over $60 million. 5. Services include technical management, administration, and oversight of IT initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $60.18 million over approximately 5 years appears reasonable for complex IT engineering and technical services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale IT support contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which is positive for price discovery. However, as a recompete with a single awardee (ECS Federal, LLC), the actual competitive landscape and its impact on pricing should be further scrutinized.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently. The final pricing will determine the ultimate taxpayer impact.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and development of critical TSA IT infrastructure. Supports complex network initiatives vital for transportation security. Provides technical oversight for other IT contractors, enhancing accountability. Potential for improved IT services through competition and contractor expertise.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Incumbent contractor awarded recompete, potential for limited true competition.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Firm Fixed Price contract type can lead to cost overruns if scope changes.

Positive Signals

Awarded under Full and Open Competition.
Services are critical to national security operations.
Contractor has existing knowledge of TSA IT infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Spending in this area is significant across government, with benchmarks varying widely based on complexity and scope. This contract's value is substantial for specialized engineering support.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates the awardee is ECS Federal, LLC, and does not specify any small business participation or subcontracting goals. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract includes oversight of another IT contractor (ITIP), suggesting a focus on accountability. The Department of Homeland Security and TSA are responsible for oversight, but the effectiveness relies on detailed performance monitoring and reporting.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Incumbent awardee
Potential for scope creep in complex IT projects
Reliance on specialized technical personnel
Cybersecurity risks associated with IT infrastructure support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $60.2 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC. THIS PROCUREMENT IS A IT SERVICES RECOMPETE OF THE ECS IT SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT. SOLUTIONS DELIVERY (SD) REQUIRES SENIOR TECHNICAL ENGINEERING CONTRACT PERSONNEL TO SUPPORT SD IN EXECUTING VARIOUS COMPLEX NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES. THE CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE IT ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES, TECHNICAL QUALITY ASSURANCE IN SUPPORT OF SD IN THE TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATION AND EXECUTION OF TECHNICAL PROGRAM TASKS PERTAINING TO THE DEVELOPMENT, DEPLOYMENT, ENGINEERING AND

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECS FEDERAL, 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 $60.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-08-26. End: 2016-11-25.

What specific performance metrics are in place to ensure the quality and timeliness of the IT services provided by ECS Federal?

The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics. Effective oversight would require clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to system uptime, response times, issue resolution rates, and project completion success. Regular performance reviews and reporting against these metrics are crucial for accountability and ensuring value for taxpayer money.

How was the pricing determined to be fair and reasonable, especially given this is a recompete of an existing contract?

While the contract was awarded under full and open competition, the specific pricing mechanisms used to determine fairness and reasonableness are not detailed. Typically, this involves analyzing historical pricing, comparing offers against independent government cost estimates, and potentially using market research for similar services. As a recompete, the agency likely reviewed the incumbent's performance and pricing history.

What is the potential risk of vendor lock-in or reduced innovation given ECS Federal is the incumbent contractor?

There is a moderate risk of vendor lock-in and potentially reduced innovation when an incumbent contractor wins a recompete. The agency must actively manage the contract to ensure competitive pressures remain, perhaps through clear performance standards and encouraging new approaches. Soliciting innovative solutions during the recompete process and evaluating them rigorously can mitigate this risk.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related 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: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE STE 600, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $60,176,749

Exercised Options: $60,176,749

Current Obligation: $60,176,749

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0601K

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline