State Dept. Awards $21.8M for PPT System Support to Apptis, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,790,238 ($21.8M)
Contractor: Apptis (MD), Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2009-09-23
End Date: 2013-02-05
Contract Duration: 1,231 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.7K/day
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT OF PPT SYSTEMS - INCREMENTAL FUNDING FOR OPTION YEAR 3
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20520
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $21.8 million to APPTIS (MD), INC. for work described as: MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT OF PPT SYSTEMS - INCREMENTAL FUNDING FOR OPTION YEAR 3 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for maintenance, support, and enhancement of PPT systems. 2. Apptis, Inc. is the sole awardee for this delivery order. 3. The contract spans over 3 years, indicating a need for ongoing services. 4. The primary sector is IT services, specifically computer systems design.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $21.8 million over approximately 3 years for system maintenance and enhancement appears reasonable for specialized IT support. Benchmarking against similar long-term IT support contracts would provide a clearer picture of value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded as a sole-source delivery order, suggesting a lack of competitive bidding. This approach may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a competitive process.
Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award warrants scrutiny to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that the pricing reflects fair market value.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation and improvement of critical PPT systems. Supports a specific vendor, Apptis, Inc., for an extended period. Potential for increased costs due to sole-source award. Impact on government's ability to leverage new technologies if vendor lock-in occurs.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Long contract duration without clear performance metrics.
- Lack of transparency in the procurement process.
Positive Signals
- Provides essential support for existing systems.
- Ensures continuity of operations for the Department of State.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under IT services, specifically computer systems design. Spending in this area is substantial across government, with a focus on maintaining legacy systems and developing new digital capabilities. Benchmarks for similar support contracts vary widely based on system complexity and service level agreements.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Apptis, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific delivery order, which could be a missed opportunity for small business engagement.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial for sole-source contracts to ensure fair pricing and adequate performance. The Department of State should have internal mechanisms to review the necessity and cost-effectiveness of this award, especially given its duration.
Related Government Programs
- Computer Systems Design Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Limited transparency
- No clear small business participation
- Long-term vendor dependency
Tags
computer-systems-design-services, department-of-state, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $21.8 million to APPTIS (MD), INC.. MAINTENANCE SUPPORT AND ENHANCEMENT OF PPT SYSTEMS - INCREMENTAL FUNDING FOR OPTION YEAR 3
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is APPTIS (MD), INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $21.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-09-23. End: 2013-02-05.
What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and were alternatives explored?
The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs where only one vendor can fulfill the requirement. Without specific documentation, it's difficult to ascertain the exact reasons. Exploring alternatives, even if ultimately deemed unsuitable, is a key aspect of responsible procurement to ensure best value for taxpayers.
How does the pricing structure compare to industry benchmarks for similar IT maintenance and support services?
A direct comparison of pricing requires detailed knowledge of the specific services rendered, service level agreements (SLAs), and the complexity of the PPT systems. However, sole-source awards often carry a premium. Benchmarking against publicly available data for similar government or commercial contracts, adjusted for scope and duration, would be necessary to assess cost-effectiveness.
What performance metrics are in place to ensure the effectiveness of the support and enhancement services provided by Apptis, Inc.?
Effective oversight necessitates clearly defined performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) tied to the contract's objectives. These should cover aspects like system uptime, response times for issues, successful implementation of enhancements, and overall user satisfaction. Regular performance reviews against these metrics are essential to ensure accountability and value.
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
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Apptis (MD) Inc. (UEI: 825878734)
Address: 6430 ROCKLEDGE DR STE 600, BETHESDA, MD, 20817
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $21,790,713
Exercised Options: $21,790,713
Current Obligation: $21,790,238
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: SAQMPD06D1014
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-09-23
Current End Date: 2013-02-05
Potential End Date: 2013-02-05 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-02-09
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