CACI-ISS awarded $51.8M for PACMERS radio system, a 5-year contract for computer systems design services in Hawaii

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,802,248 ($51.8M)

Contractor: Caci-Iss, LLC

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2000-12-20

End Date: 2005-12-19

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: PACMERS - PACIFIC MOBILE EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: FORT SHAFTER, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96858

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $51.8 million to CACI-ISS, LLC for work described as: PACMERS - PACIFIC MOBILE EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM Key points: 1. Contract value of $51.8M over 5 years suggests a significant investment in communication infrastructure. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process. 3. The use of Time and Materials pricing may introduce cost variability if not closely managed. 4. The duration of 5 years allows for sustained support and potential system evolution. 5. The contract's focus on computer systems design services highlights the importance of IT in modern emergency response. 6. The award to CACI-ISS, LLC, suggests a reliance on established IT service providers for critical systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $51.8M over five years averages to approximately $10.36M annually. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale IT system design and implementation contracts is challenging without more specific details on the scope of 'PACMERS'. However, the duration and value indicate a substantial project. The Time and Materials pricing model, while flexible, can lead to cost overruns if not meticulously tracked and controlled, potentially impacting the overall value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' suggesting that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. With 10 bids received, this indicates a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. A competitive bidding process generally helps in achieving fair market prices and encourages contractors to offer their best value propositions.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces, ensuring that government funds are used more efficiently and effectively.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely emergency response agencies in Hawaii, including law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services, who will utilize the PACMERS system. The services delivered include the design and implementation of a mobile emergency radio system, crucial for maintaining communication during critical incidents. The geographic impact is specifically focused on the state of Hawaii, addressing unique communication challenges within the island state. Workforce implications may include the need for specialized IT personnel for system design, deployment, and maintenance, potentially creating or sustaining jobs in the IT sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost escalation due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Dependence on a single contractor (CACI-ISS, LLC) for a critical system over a 5-year period.
Ensuring adequate technical expertise transfer and knowledge management throughout the contract lifecycle.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a fair and transparent procurement process.
Multiple bids received (10) suggest a competitive market and potential for good value.
The contract duration of 5 years allows for stability and long-term system support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Information Technology (IT) sector, specifically focusing on computer systems design services. The market for such services is large and competitive, driven by government and commercial demand for robust communication and data management solutions. The PACMERS system likely represents a significant investment in specialized communication technology tailored for emergency services, a niche within the broader IT services market. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific functionalities and scale of the radio system, but large government IT contracts often run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by a set-aside. However, the prime contractor, CACI-ISS, LLC, may choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of their overall business strategy or to meet broader socioeconomic goals, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service, which managed the award. The contract type (Delivery Order) suggests it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, which typically has established oversight mechanisms. Accountability measures would involve performance reviews, adherence to contract terms, and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Emergency Communications Systems
Public Safety Technology
Mobile Radio Networks
IT Systems Integration
Government IT Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M pricing.
System obsolescence risk over the 5-year contract duration.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $51.8 million to CACI-ISS, LLC. PACMERS - PACIFIC MOBILE EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CACI-ISS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $51.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2000-12-20. End: 2005-12-19.

What is the specific scope of work for the PACMERS system and what are its key functionalities?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Computer Systems Design Services' related to the 'PACMERS - PACIFIC MOBILE EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM'. While the exact functionalities are not detailed, the name suggests a system designed for mobile emergency communications. This likely includes the design, development, integration, and potentially maintenance of a radio-based communication network that can be deployed or used in mobile emergency situations across Hawaii. Key functionalities could encompass voice and data transmission, interoperability with existing systems, location tracking, and secure communication protocols essential for first responders during crises.

How does the $51.8M contract value compare to similar emergency communication system procurements for state-level agencies?

Comparing the $51.8M contract value for PACMERS requires context on the specific technological scope and duration. For a 5-year contract focused on designing and implementing a mobile emergency radio system for an entire state like Hawaii, this figure appears substantial but not necessarily out of line with large-scale government IT procurements. Similar state-level procurements for statewide interoperable radio systems (SIRs) or public safety communication networks can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity, technology (e.g., P25 standards), and geographic coverage. The 'Computer Systems Design Services' aspect suggests a focus on the planning and architectural phase, which can be a significant cost driver.

What are the potential risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure for this contract?

The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, used for this contract, presents several potential risks. Primarily, it can lead to cost uncertainty and potential overruns if not managed rigorously. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements allow the contractor to bill for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the cost of materials. This can incentivize longer project durations or less efficient work if oversight is lacking. For the government, it necessitates robust monitoring of labor hours, material costs, and overall progress to ensure value for money. Without strong controls and clear task definitions, the final cost could significantly exceed initial estimates, impacting the overall budget.

What is CACI-ISS, LLC's track record with similar government contracts, particularly in emergency communications or IT system design?

CACI-ISS, LLC, as a subsidiary or part of a larger entity like CACI International Inc., has a significant track record in providing IT and advanced technology solutions to the U.S. government across various agencies, including defense, intelligence, and civilian sectors. Their expertise often includes systems engineering, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development. While specific details on their involvement with 'PACMERS' are limited to this award, CACI has historically engaged in large-scale IT modernization and system integration projects. Their experience in complex IT environments suggests a capability to handle the demands of designing and implementing critical communication systems, though the specific success metrics for emergency communication projects would require further investigation.

How does the competition level (10 bids) influence the perceived value and cost-effectiveness of this award?

Receiving 10 bids for this contract signifies a healthy level of competition, which is generally a positive indicator for value and cost-effectiveness. A larger number of bidders increases the likelihood that the government received competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions. It suggests that the procurement was well-defined and accessible to multiple capable firms. This competitive pressure typically encourages bidders to offer their best terms and pricing to win the contract. Therefore, the $51.8M award, stemming from a process with 10 competing offers, is more likely to represent a fair market price compared to a sole-source or low-competition scenario.

What are the historical spending patterns for emergency communication systems procured by the General Services Administration (GSA)?

The General Services Administration (GSA) procures a wide array of IT and telecommunications services, including those related to emergency communications, often through its Multiple Award Schedules (MAS) or other contracting vehicles. Historical spending patterns for emergency communication systems can vary significantly based on the specific technology (e.g., radio, satellite, broadband), scope (e.g., local, regional, national), and duration. GSA's role often involves facilitating procurement for other agencies. While specific aggregate data for 'emergency communication systems' alone is not readily available without deep dives into FPDS categories, GSA's overall IT spending runs into billions annually. Contracts for similar services, like network infrastructure or specialized communication equipment, often represent significant investments, with values ranging from millions to tens of millions of dollars per contract, reflecting the critical nature and complexity of these systems.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: CACI International Inc (UEI: 045534641)

Address: 14370 NEWBROOK DRIVE, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,802,248

Exercised Options: $51,802,248

Current Obligation: $51,802,248

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS09K99BHD0006

IDV Type: GWAC

Timeline