State Department's $19.6M IT support contract awarded to Stanley Associates, Inc. for facilities management
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $19,639,834 ($19.6M)
Contractor: Stanley Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2008-04-11
End Date: 2009-03-19
Contract Duration: 342 days
Daily Burn Rate: $57.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: PPT SUPPORT SERVICES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20520
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $19.6 million to STANLEY ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: PPT SUPPORT SERVICES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS Key points: 1. Contract value represents a moderate investment in essential IT infrastructure support. 2. Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. Short performance period (less than a year) may indicate a specific, time-bound need. 5. Focus on computer facilities management aligns with core operational requirements. 6. Awarded as a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of approximately $19.6 million for a less-than-one-year duration for IT support services appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar IT facilities management contracts within the federal government, especially for a single delivery order, suggests a competitive price point. The firm fixed-price structure further enhances value by capping the government's financial exposure. Without specific details on the scope of services and personnel required, a precise per-unit cost comparison is challenging, but the overall award amount seems aligned with market rates for such specialized support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which should lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The use of full and open competition is the government's preferred method for maximizing value and ensuring a wide range of qualified contractors can participate.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from full and open competition through potentially lower prices and higher quality services due to the increased number of bidders vying for the contract.
Public Impact
The Department of State benefits from enhanced IT facilities management, ensuring the smooth operation of its technological infrastructure. End-users within the Department of State will experience improved reliability and performance of IT systems. The contract supports IT personnel and potentially related service providers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Ensures continuity of essential IT services critical for diplomatic and administrative functions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if this delivery order is part of a larger, less competitive IDIQ.
- Scope creep could be a risk if not managed tightly, despite the fixed-price nature.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical IT facilities management functions.
- Performance quality hinges on the contractor's ability to meet service level agreements.
- Limited duration may necessitate a rapid transition or re-competition, adding administrative burden.
Positive Signals
- Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
- Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
- Awarded to a single entity, streamlining management and accountability.
- Focus on a specific, critical IT function (facilities management).
- Delivery order structure implies it fits within a pre-established contracting vehicle.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology sector, specifically focusing on IT facilities management. The market for IT support services is vast and highly competitive, with numerous companies offering specialized services. The federal government is a significant consumer of these services, often utilizing large IDIQ contracts to procure IT support across various agencies. This particular award, valued at nearly $20 million for a short period, represents a mid-tier investment for a specific operational need within the Department of State, likely contributing to the overall IT spending within the federal government's technology services category.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As such, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, Stanley Associates, Inc., is likely a mid-to-large-sized business. The absence of a small business set-aside means that opportunities for small business participation would depend on the prime contractor's own subcontracting plans or the nature of the services required, which are not detailed here.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, there may be established oversight mechanisms within that parent contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability is enforced through the firm fixed-price terms and performance metrics outlined in the delivery order. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- IT Facilities Management Services
- Computer Systems Design Services
- IT Support Services
- Department of State IT Contracts
- Federal IT Services Procurement
Risk Flags
- Short contract duration may lead to transition challenges.
- Potential for scope creep despite fixed-price contract.
- Performance quality dependent on contractor execution.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Tags
it-services, facilities-management, department-of-state, delivery-order, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, washington-dc, mid-size-contract, professional-services, computer-facilities-management-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $19.6 million to STANLEY ASSOCIATES, INC.. PPT SUPPORT SERVICES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is STANLEY ASSOCIATES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $19.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-04-11. End: 2009-03-19.
What is the track record of Stanley Associates, Inc. with the Department of State and similar federal agencies?
Stanley Associates, Inc. has a history of performing IT and professional services contracts for various federal agencies, including the Department of State. Analyzing their past performance with the State Department specifically would involve reviewing prior awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any documented issues or successes. Their broader federal contracting history can indicate their capacity, reliability, and experience in delivering services similar to computer facilities management. A review of their portfolio would reveal if they have consistently met performance expectations, managed budgets effectively, and adhered to contract terms across different agencies and contract types. This context is crucial for assessing the risk associated with this specific award and their capability to execute the required services successfully.
How does the awarded amount compare to the typical cost of similar IT facilities management contracts?
The awarded amount of approximately $19.6 million for a duration of 342 days (roughly 11 months) for IT facilities management services needs to be benchmarked against comparable federal contracts. Without specific details on the scope (e.g., number of facilities, systems managed, personnel hours), a precise comparison is difficult. However, the average cost per day is roughly $57,426. This figure should be compared to daily rates for similar services awarded under full and open competition, ideally with firm fixed-price structures, to assess value. Factors like geographic location (Washington D.C. area), security requirements, and the complexity of the IT environment managed by the State Department would influence these rates. If this daily rate is significantly higher or lower than benchmarks for comparable services, it could indicate either exceptional value or potential overpricing/underbidding.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, given its fixed-price nature and short duration?
The primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract, despite its cost certainty, include potential scope creep if the requirements are not clearly defined and managed, leading the contractor to seek additional compensation or deliver reduced scope. A short duration (less than a year) poses risks related to transition management; if the services are critical, a rapid handover or re-competition could disrupt operations or lead to increased costs for the government in the long run. There's also a risk that the contractor might cut corners on quality or service levels to maintain profitability under the fixed price, especially if unforeseen technical challenges arise. Furthermore, if this delivery order is part of a larger IDIQ, the overall risk profile depends on the structure and competition of that parent contract.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' strategy in ensuring value for money for this specific IT facilities management contract?
The 'full and open competition' strategy is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money in federal contracting, as it allows the widest possible pool of qualified vendors to bid. For this IT facilities management contract, this approach likely drove competitive pricing and encouraged innovation from bidders. The effectiveness is maximized when the solicitation clearly defines performance requirements and evaluation criteria, allowing the government to select the best value offer, not just the lowest price. While the specific number of bidders isn't detailed, the process itself suggests that the Department of State sought to leverage market forces to obtain optimal services at a reasonable cost. The success of this strategy is ultimately reflected in the quality of services delivered and the overall cost-effectiveness achieved over the contract's life.
What are the historical spending patterns for IT facilities management services at the Department of State?
Analyzing historical spending patterns for IT facilities management at the Department of State is crucial for contextualizing this $19.6 million award. This involves examining previous contracts for similar services, including their values, durations, awarded contractors, and procurement methods (e.g., full and open, sole source). Understanding trends in spending—whether it's increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable—can reveal the agency's evolving needs and budget priorities for IT infrastructure. Comparing this contract's value and duration to historical data helps determine if it represents a typical investment, a significant increase, or a reduction. Such analysis can also highlight any recurring issues with specific vendors or service types, informing future procurement strategies and risk assessments for the Department.
What are the implications of this contract being awarded as a 'delivery order'?
Awarding this contract as a 'delivery order' implies that it is a task-specific order issued under a pre-existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar multiple-award contract vehicle. This structure allows agencies to procure services or supplies incrementally as needed, rather than awarding a single large contract upfront. For the Department of State, this means they likely have a master contract in place with one or more vendors for IT facilities management, and this $19.6 million award represents a specific call for services within that framework. The implications include streamlined procurement for this specific task, potentially faster delivery, and the ability to adjust quantities or specific services based on evolving requirements. However, it also means the overall value and competition dynamics are tied to the parent IDIQ contract.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: CGI Inc (UEI: 248513116)
Address: 3101 WILSON BLVD STE 700, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $19,639,834
Exercised Options: $19,639,834
Current Obligation: $19,639,834
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA08D0051
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-04-11
Current End Date: 2009-03-19
Potential End Date: 2009-03-19 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-04-17
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