NRC's $13.9M ADAMS Document Processing Contract Awarded to National Interest Advanced Solutions, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,931,511 ($13.9M)

Contractor: National Interest Advanced Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Start Date: 2008-09-06

End Date: 2014-09-05

Contract Duration: 2,190 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.4K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: AGENCYWIDE DOCUMENTS ACCESS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ADAMS) DOCUMENT PROCESSING SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20852

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Nuclear Regulatory Commission obligated $13.9 million to NATIONAL INTEREST ADVANCED SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: AGENCYWIDE DOCUMENTS ACCESS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ADAMS) DOCUMENT PROCESSING SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via competitive delivery order, indicating some level of market vetting. 2. Services provided under a Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, which can pose cost control challenges. 3. The contract duration of 6 years suggests a long-term need for these specialized document processing services. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541511 points to custom computer programming, a potentially high-skill service area. 5. The contract was not set aside for small businesses, suggesting large business participation. 6. The contract was awarded to a single vendor, National Interest Advanced Solutions, LLC. 7. The contract was issued as a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $13.9 million over six years for document processing support services requires careful benchmarking against similar IT support contracts. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model, while flexible, can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. Without specific performance metrics or comparisons to industry standards for document processing, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the competitive nature of the delivery order award suggests some price discovery occurred.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, implying that multiple vendors were likely considered or competed for this specific task order. The fact that it was competed suggests that the agency sought to leverage market forces to obtain favorable pricing and terms. The number of bidders for this specific delivery order is not provided, which limits a full assessment of the competition's intensity and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process, even for a delivery order, generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging vendors to offer competitive pricing. This process helps ensure that the government is not overpaying for the services rendered.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff who rely on efficient document processing for regulatory functions. The services delivered support the management and accessibility of critical documents related to nuclear safety and regulation. The geographic impact is primarily within the NRC's operational areas, likely concentrated in Maryland where the contractor is based. Workforce implications include the potential for skilled IT and administrative support roles within National Interest Advanced Solutions, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific details on the competitive bidding process for this delivery order limits assessment of price discovery.
The duration of the contract (6 years) necessitates ongoing vigilance to ensure continued value and performance.
The NAICS code suggests custom programming, which can be complex and prone to scope creep if not well-defined.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive delivery order process, indicating some level of market competition.
The contract addresses a long-term need for document processing, suggesting strategic planning by the agency.
The contractor, National Interest Advanced Solutions, LLC, has secured a significant contract, implying a level of capability.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly custom computer programming and document management solutions, is a significant area of federal spending. Agencies increasingly rely on digital systems for managing vast amounts of information. This contract falls within the broader IT services market, which is characterized by a mix of large prime contractors and specialized small businesses. Benchmarking this contract's value would involve comparing its per-year cost against similar IT support services procured by other federal agencies or within the private sector for comparable scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business or that the contract vehicle under which this delivery order was placed did not prioritize small business participation. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless National Interest Advanced Solutions, LLC voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's contracting officers and program managers. They are responsible for monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and managing any modifications or disputes. The contract's T&M nature necessitates robust oversight to control costs and prevent scope creep. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, but detailed performance reports may not be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Federal IT Services Procurement
Document Management Systems
Custom Computer Programming Services
Nuclear Regulatory Commission IT Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M pricing structure.
Risk of scope creep without diligent oversight.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical document management functions.
Long-term contract duration requires sustained performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Nuclear Regulatory Commission awarded $13.9 million to NATIONAL INTEREST ADVANCED SOLUTIONS, LLC. AGENCYWIDE DOCUMENTS ACCESS AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ADAMS) DOCUMENT PROCESSING SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL INTEREST ADVANCED SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Nuclear Regulatory Commission).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-06. End: 2014-09-05.

What is the track record of National Interest Advanced Solutions, LLC in performing similar federal IT contracts?

Assessing the track record of National Interest Advanced Solutions, LLC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving document processing, IT support, and custom programming. Information on past performance, including client satisfaction, adherence to schedule and budget, and any instances of disputes or corrective actions, would be crucial. Without access to specific past performance evaluations or a detailed contract history, it is difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and expertise for this specific ADAMS Document Processing Support Services contract. Federal procurement databases and contract award histories can provide some insights, but a comprehensive understanding often necessitates direct inquiry or review of agency performance assessments.

How does the $13.9 million cost compare to similar document processing support contracts at the NRC or other federal agencies?

Benchmarking the $13.9 million cost requires comparing it against similar contracts for document processing and IT support services. Factors such as contract duration (6 years), scope of work (document processing support), and the specific services provided (custom computer programming) are key. If this contract is for a high volume of complex document digitization, analysis, and management, the cost might be reasonable. However, if it involves more routine processing, the cost could be on the higher side. A detailed comparison would involve analyzing the average cost per year ($2.3 million) and per-unit costs (if applicable) against contracts with similar NAICS codes (541511) and service descriptions across different federal agencies. The Time and Materials pricing structure also complicates direct cost comparisons, as actual costs can vary based on labor hours expended.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for document processing services?

The primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for document processing services revolve around cost control and potential scope creep. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual labor hours and materials used. This can lead to cost overruns if the project takes longer than anticipated or if the scope of work expands without adequate oversight. For document processing, risks include inefficient work practices, extended timelines for tasks, and the contractor potentially adding services or hours not strictly necessary for the core requirement. Effective risk mitigation requires strong government oversight, detailed tracking of labor hours, clear definition of tasks, and regular performance reviews to ensure the contractor is working efficiently and within the intended scope.

What is the expected impact of these document processing services on the NRC's operational efficiency and regulatory effectiveness?

The expected impact of these document processing services on the NRC's operational efficiency and regulatory effectiveness is likely significant. Efficient document management is crucial for regulatory bodies like the NRC, which handle vast amounts of technical, legal, and administrative information. Improved document processing can lead to faster retrieval of critical information, better organization of regulatory filings, and streamlined workflows for staff. This, in turn, can enhance the speed and accuracy of regulatory reviews, compliance monitoring, and decision-making processes. Ultimately, effective document processing support contributes to the NRC's core mission of ensuring nuclear safety and security by providing timely access to essential data and facilitating smoother operational processes.

How has the NRC's spending on document processing and related IT services evolved over the past five years?

Analyzing the NRC's spending evolution on document processing and related IT services over the past five years would provide valuable context for this $13.9 million contract. This would involve examining historical contract awards for similar services, including IT support, data management, and custom programming. Trends in spending could indicate an increasing reliance on outsourced IT services, a shift towards digital transformation initiatives, or specific program needs driving investment. Understanding past spending patterns can help assess whether the current contract represents a continuation of established trends, a significant increase or decrease in investment, or a strategic shift in how the NRC manages its information resources. Without specific historical spending data for the NRC, this analysis remains speculative.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming 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: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: International Business Machines Corporation (UEI: 001368083)

Address: 310 SR 956, KEYSER, WV, 26726

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,928,466

Exercised Options: $14,928,446

Current Obligation: $13,931,511

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F0522J

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline