Heather Kirk February 23, 2023 2 Comments

A research request was recently provided to OS AI from a mid-tier national IT and management consulting firm looking for details related to a potential Spring FY 2023 competition for this 5-year Department of Homeland Security USSS Office of the CIO support contract.  

We at OrangeSlices AI do believe in the need for more and better-informed competition, so provided below are 1) opportunity details provided by the requestor; 2) some key points of contact; 3) related pursuit/capture data; and 4) when possible, projected odds of this contract going back to the incumbent.  

Competitive Details (as known) related to the predecessor contract: 

  • Funding Agency: DHS US Secret Service (USSS) 
  • Incumbent: Serco, by way of its acquisition of Whitney, Bradley & Brown (WBB)    
  • Contract Vehicle: This was last competed using GSA OASIS.  
  • Expected Competition Date: Fiscal Year 2023 – date tbd  

OS AI Note: The most recent forecast states that a planned solicitation date is mid-May 2023.  

  • Contract Details and Spend to Date for Award ID 70US0921F2GSA0059 

Scope: A focus for the Information Integration Support and Infrastructure (ITSI) program Professional support services and assistance contract is to support the United States Secret Service (USSS), Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). “The USSS OCIO directs the division to provide Program Management, Acquisition Management, and Systems Engineering Management support for IT projects to meet Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acquisition Management Directive (MD) 102-01, Acquisition and System Engineering Life Cycle (SELC) MD 102-01-103 requirements. This is a non-personal services requirement to provide the professional support services and assistance with the Information Integration Support and Infrastructure (ITSI) program and similar aligned projects. The need for these services is crucial to effectively meet projected fiscal schedules, budgets and maintain operational tempo. 

** Please note that OS AI will not speculate here as to the accuracy of any scope details provided and/or any current plans related to the timing, details, and likelihood of any recompete.  

Related Data:  

Sample of Key Potential Points of Contact (current or past): 

  • John Olver, US Secret Service – john.olver@usss.dhs.gov 
  • Billy Douglas, US Secret Service –  billy.douglas@usss.dhs.gov 
  • Eliana York, US Secret Service – eliana.york@usss.dhs.gov 
  • Kevin Nally, Chief Information Officer, US Secret Service 
  • Joseph R. DiPietro, Chief Technology Officer, US Secret Service 
  • Kimberly Witcher, Small Business Specialist, (202) 406-9683, kimberly.witcher@usss.dhs.gov 
  • Tameka Flowers, Alternate Small Business Specialist, (202) 406-5233. Tameka.Flowers@usss.dhs.gov 

What are the odds of the incumbent company winning this contract as a Prime again?  

If competed, the OS AI Bot calculates the odds the incumbent wins this contract back is 55%.  

 

OS AI Note: This was sole source awarded to WBB in 2021 and it is possible that they will choose not to compete this again, though it is unclear what the justification would be. They do note on the forecast as NO for competition. The small business specialists identified above are a great place to start if you are looking to influence the direction of this procurement as, at $4M a year, this is a candidate to be flipped to a small business set-aside action. 

In addition, SBA is expected to propose a change soon that would expand set-aside opportunities and prevent agencies from evading the Rule of Two. This comes on the heels of a Court of Federal Claims decision in 2020 which held that agencies cannot avoid the Rule of Two by deciding on an IDIQ contract awarded to large businesses. This may not come into play here, but it is worth reminding an acquisition official about the COFC ruling as any agency trying to run afoul of the Rule runs the risk of seeing a challenge that could derail their ability to get a contract in place. 

Looking for an 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone or SDVOSB to partner with at DHS USSS? Click Here 

You can filter the list by several key indicators, to include socio-economic status, NAICS, Contract vehicle, etc.  

If you are a small business with capabilities and socio-economic status that might support this effort, comment below and we will add you to the list. 

Firms drawing the most attention: 

Included below is a list of the large and small companies we have noted as drawing the most views by Government and industry leaders on the OrangeSlices AI consultant directory since the beginning of 2023 and that bring direct past performance and/or related relationships in support of the US Secret Service.  

** An Elev8 GovCon Honoree, noted for a corporate culture that demonstrates its own excellence, making the company a beacon for talent, for partners, and for clients.        

We cannot and will not speculate here as to the reasons for the increased interest, but whether it is a company evaluating them as a potential partner; a federal acquisition leader doing their due diligence; or a consultant weighing their next job move, this group of companies has been receiving increased interest. 

Please note that the research requestor for this item received a Premium OS AI Opp Segment report including 1) known details about how/if/when/where this contract will be competed; 2) a list of the top companies that are in position to win today (as well as those who have been making key investments and moves of late to position for a win); and 3) a detailed list of the top potential opportunity influencers any potential bidder will want to get to know.  

About OrangeSlices AI  

Developed by a team of government and industry contracting subject matter experts, the OrangeSlices AI data driven platform is a publicly available searchable listing of the top information technology and consulting services contractors doing business with the Federal government today. Driven by a robust and comprehensive set of authoritative and trusted data sources, the OS.ai tool is intended to help government and industry leaders find the right partner to help deliver on the important missions of the Federal government.  

 


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  1. Jay M.

    I was always led to believe you cannot sole source or do a logical follow on contract twice in a row.

  2. atsui16

    Jay,
    It depends on many things. It can absolutely happen. The rules are different if it’s on a vehicle or not. Additionally, scope and size matters, etc…