Department of the Interior awarded $33.1M for Computer Systems Design Services to Terrapin Systems, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,113,474 ($33.1M)

Contractor: Terrapin Systems LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2004-08-30

End Date: 2008-02-29

Contract Duration: 1,278 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.9K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: IT

Official Description: TERRAPIN SYSTEMS, LLC

Place of Performance

Location: MARYLAND

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $33.1 million to TERRAPIN SYSTEMS LLC for work described as: TERRAPIN SYSTEMS, LLC Key points: 1. The contract value of $33.1M over approximately 4 years suggests a significant investment in IT services. 2. Competition for this contract was competitive, potentially leading to better pricing and value. 3. The contract's duration and scope indicate a need for ongoing, specialized IT support. 4. Performance context is limited without specific task orders or performance metrics. 5. This contract falls within the IT services sector, a common area for federal spending. 6. The award to Terrapin Systems, LLC, indicates a specific capability match for the agency's needs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $33.1M for Computer Systems Design Services over 1278 days (approx. 4 years) averages to roughly $25.9K per day. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for IT systems design services is challenging without more granular data on the specific services rendered and the labor mix. However, the average daily cost provides a starting point for value assessment. Without specific performance metrics or comparison to a defined baseline, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded as a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER', indicating it was competed under full and open competition. This suggests multiple bidders likely vied for the contract, allowing the agency to select the best value. The competitive nature generally drives down prices and encourages innovation from offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award means taxpayers benefit from potentially lower prices and a wider range of solutions compared to sole-source or limited competition contracts.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring computer systems design and related services benefit from this contract. The services delivered likely involve the design, development, and implementation of IT systems. The geographic impact is centered in Maryland, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for IT professionals within Terrapin Systems, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to gauge the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided.
The contract duration of over 4 years could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Without details on the specific IT systems being designed, the long-term strategic value is unclear.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contract value indicates a significant need and commitment from the Department of the Interior.
The contractor, Terrapin Systems, LLC, has secured a substantial federal contract, implying a level of established capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) services sector, specifically Computer Systems Design Services. This sector is a major component of federal IT spending, encompassing a wide range of activities from software development to network infrastructure design. The market for these services is highly competitive, with numerous small, medium, and large businesses vying for government contracts. Federal spending in this area is driven by the need to modernize legacy systems, enhance cybersecurity, and implement new digital capabilities across agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business set-aside flags (ss and sb) are false, meaning this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses. Terrapin Systems, LLC, is likely a larger entity or this was competed under a different vehicle where small business participation was not a primary set-aside criterion. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within this data snippet, which could be a missed opportunity for small business engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program managers within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are usually embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards, delivery schedules, and payment milestones. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS-NG. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

IT Services
Computer Systems Design
Department of the Interior Contracts
Federal IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep given the contract duration and nature of IT design services.
Risk of technological obsolescence in a rapidly evolving IT landscape.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure value for money.
Lack of explicit small business subcontracting information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $33.1 million to TERRAPIN SYSTEMS LLC. TERRAPIN SYSTEMS, LLC

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TERRAPIN SYSTEMS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $33.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-08-30. End: 2008-02-29.

What is the track record of Terrapin Systems, LLC with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of the Interior?

Based on the provided data, Terrapin Systems, LLC was awarded this specific contract by the Department of the Interior. To fully assess their track record, a deeper dive into federal procurement databases (like FPDS-NG) would be necessary to identify all contracts awarded to Terrapin Systems, LLC across various agencies and over time. This would reveal their history of performance, contract types, dollar values, and any reported issues or successes. Understanding their past performance, especially with similar IT systems design services, is crucial for evaluating their reliability and capability for this specific award.

How does the awarded amount of $33.1M compare to similar Computer Systems Design Services contracts awarded by the Department of the Interior or other agencies?

The $33.1M award for Computer Systems Design Services over approximately 4 years represents a substantial investment. To benchmark its value, one would compare it to contracts of similar scope, duration, and service type awarded by the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies. Factors such as the complexity of the systems designed, the specific technologies involved, and the labor categories utilized significantly influence pricing. Without access to detailed task order data and specific service descriptions, a precise comparison is difficult. However, the average annual value of approximately $8.275M can be used as a preliminary benchmark against other large-scale IT design contracts.

What are the primary risks associated with a contract of this size and duration for IT systems design?

A contract of this magnitude ($33.1M over ~4 years) for IT systems design carries several potential risks. Firstly, scope creep is a significant concern; as projects evolve, requirements can expand beyond the original intent, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. Secondly, technological obsolescence is a risk in the fast-paced IT sector; the systems designed might become outdated before or shortly after implementation. Thirdly, vendor lock-in can occur if the contractor becomes indispensable, making it difficult and costly to switch providers. Finally, performance risk exists if the contractor fails to deliver the required quality or functionality, impacting the agency's operations. Effective project management, clear requirements, and robust oversight are critical to mitigating these risks.

What does the 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' designation imply about the procurement process and potential outcomes?

The 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' designation signifies that this contract was awarded through a full and open competition process. This means that the solicitation was broadly advertised, allowing any qualified vendor to submit a proposal. The use of a delivery order suggests it was likely issued under an existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar multiple-award contract vehicle. The competitive nature is generally positive for the government, as it fosters price discovery, encourages innovation, and increases the likelihood of selecting the best-value solution. For taxpayers, it implies that the government sought the most advantageous offer, potentially leading to cost savings and higher quality services.

How does this contract fit into the broader context of federal IT spending trends?

This contract aligns with the significant and ongoing federal investment in Information Technology. Agencies across the government consistently allocate substantial portions of their budgets to IT services, including systems design, software development, cybersecurity, and infrastructure modernization. Trends show a continuous push towards cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation initiatives. Contracts like this one, focused on computer systems design, are fundamental to enabling these broader technological advancements and ensuring that federal IT infrastructure remains current, secure, and capable of supporting agency missions in an increasingly digital world.

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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Contractor Details

Address: 6903 ROCKLEDGE DR STE 920, BETHESDA, MD, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,154,848

Exercised Options: $33,154,848

Current Obligation: $33,113,474

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0562L

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline