The Tug of War in Federal Contracts: CGI vs. Unison and Evans' FAA Triumph
October 31, 2024, 10:54 pm
In the world of federal contracts, competition is fierce. The stakes are high, and the players are relentless. Recently, two stories have emerged that highlight this competitive landscape: CGI Federal's protest against the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Evans Consulting's significant win with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Both cases illustrate the complexities of government contracting, where every decision can spark a battle.
CGI Federal is in the ring, throwing punches at the NRC. The agency awarded a $35 million task order to Unison Software for modernizing its acquisition management system. CGI, feeling sidelined, has raised a protest. They argue that Unison's solution doesn’t meet the FedRAMP cloud authorization criteria. For CGI, this is not just a technicality; it’s a matter of principle. They believe that compliance should be a pass/fail criterion. If Unison is out of the game, CGI wants in.
The NRC's goal is clear. They seek a system that integrates seamlessly with their financial frameworks. They want a tool that can handle contracts, purchase orders, and cooperative agreements—all while playing nice with other systems like Sam.gov and the Treasury’s G-Invoicing system. It’s a complex web of requirements, and the NRC is looking for a vendor that can navigate it smoothly.
CGI's protest isn’t just about compliance. They’re also questioning Unison’s past performance ratings. In the world of federal contracts, past performance is a critical factor. It’s like a report card that shows how well a company has done in previous projects. If Unison’s grades are questionable, CGI believes the NRC should reconsider their choice.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is now in the hot seat. They have until January 15 to decide on CGI's protest. The outcome could shift the balance of power in this contract. If CGI wins, they could take the reins on a project that promises to modernize the NRC’s operations. If not, Unison will continue on its path, bolstered by the NRC’s trust.
Meanwhile, on another front, Evans Consulting is celebrating a victory. They’ve secured a potential 10-year, $212.4 million contract with the FAA. This contract is a lifeline, providing broad technical and professional services. It’s a chance for Evans to showcase their capabilities in managing the National Airspace System.
The FAA’s decision to award this contract is strategic. They plan to distribute five awards for the recompete of their Air Traffic Engineering and Program Support contract. Evans’ win is just the beginning. They’re in the general small business track, while the FAA also aims to support small disadvantaged businesses. This approach fosters diversity and innovation in federal contracting.
Evans’ previous experience plays a crucial role in their success. They were part of the original contract awarded in 2018, alongside Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) and Aurora Innovations. This incumbency gives them an edge. They’ve already proven their worth, providing program management and system engineering support to enhance safety and efficiency in civilian airspace.
The FAA has obligated a significant portion of Evans’ contract ceiling—about 92%. This indicates confidence in their ability to deliver. It’s a vote of trust that could lead to further opportunities down the line. With two proposals submitted for the ATEPS II award, the competition remains tight. The FAA’s last date to order is March 15, keeping the pressure on all contenders.
Both CGI and Evans illustrate the dual nature of federal contracting. On one side, there’s the struggle for compliance and fairness, as seen in CGI’s protest. On the other, there’s the celebration of success and opportunity, as demonstrated by Evans’ contract win. Each story reflects the intricate dance of competition, where every move can lead to victory or defeat.
As the GAO deliberates CGI’s protest, the outcome will resonate beyond just one contract. It will send ripples through the federal contracting community. Companies will watch closely, analyzing the implications for future bids. Compliance will be scrutinized, and past performance will be weighed heavily.
For Evans, their victory is a beacon. It showcases the potential for small businesses in the federal arena. It highlights the FAA’s commitment to fostering a diverse contractor base. As they embark on this new chapter, Evans will need to deliver. The eyes of the federal contracting world will be upon them.
In conclusion, the landscape of federal contracts is a battleground. CGI Federal and Unison Software are locked in a struggle for legitimacy and opportunity. Meanwhile, Evans Consulting stands tall, having secured a significant win. These stories remind us that in the world of government contracting, every decision counts. The stakes are high, and the competition is relentless. The game is on.
CGI Federal is in the ring, throwing punches at the NRC. The agency awarded a $35 million task order to Unison Software for modernizing its acquisition management system. CGI, feeling sidelined, has raised a protest. They argue that Unison's solution doesn’t meet the FedRAMP cloud authorization criteria. For CGI, this is not just a technicality; it’s a matter of principle. They believe that compliance should be a pass/fail criterion. If Unison is out of the game, CGI wants in.
The NRC's goal is clear. They seek a system that integrates seamlessly with their financial frameworks. They want a tool that can handle contracts, purchase orders, and cooperative agreements—all while playing nice with other systems like Sam.gov and the Treasury’s G-Invoicing system. It’s a complex web of requirements, and the NRC is looking for a vendor that can navigate it smoothly.
CGI's protest isn’t just about compliance. They’re also questioning Unison’s past performance ratings. In the world of federal contracts, past performance is a critical factor. It’s like a report card that shows how well a company has done in previous projects. If Unison’s grades are questionable, CGI believes the NRC should reconsider their choice.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is now in the hot seat. They have until January 15 to decide on CGI's protest. The outcome could shift the balance of power in this contract. If CGI wins, they could take the reins on a project that promises to modernize the NRC’s operations. If not, Unison will continue on its path, bolstered by the NRC’s trust.
Meanwhile, on another front, Evans Consulting is celebrating a victory. They’ve secured a potential 10-year, $212.4 million contract with the FAA. This contract is a lifeline, providing broad technical and professional services. It’s a chance for Evans to showcase their capabilities in managing the National Airspace System.
The FAA’s decision to award this contract is strategic. They plan to distribute five awards for the recompete of their Air Traffic Engineering and Program Support contract. Evans’ win is just the beginning. They’re in the general small business track, while the FAA also aims to support small disadvantaged businesses. This approach fosters diversity and innovation in federal contracting.
Evans’ previous experience plays a crucial role in their success. They were part of the original contract awarded in 2018, alongside Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) and Aurora Innovations. This incumbency gives them an edge. They’ve already proven their worth, providing program management and system engineering support to enhance safety and efficiency in civilian airspace.
The FAA has obligated a significant portion of Evans’ contract ceiling—about 92%. This indicates confidence in their ability to deliver. It’s a vote of trust that could lead to further opportunities down the line. With two proposals submitted for the ATEPS II award, the competition remains tight. The FAA’s last date to order is March 15, keeping the pressure on all contenders.
Both CGI and Evans illustrate the dual nature of federal contracting. On one side, there’s the struggle for compliance and fairness, as seen in CGI’s protest. On the other, there’s the celebration of success and opportunity, as demonstrated by Evans’ contract win. Each story reflects the intricate dance of competition, where every move can lead to victory or defeat.
As the GAO deliberates CGI’s protest, the outcome will resonate beyond just one contract. It will send ripples through the federal contracting community. Companies will watch closely, analyzing the implications for future bids. Compliance will be scrutinized, and past performance will be weighed heavily.
For Evans, their victory is a beacon. It showcases the potential for small businesses in the federal arena. It highlights the FAA’s commitment to fostering a diverse contractor base. As they embark on this new chapter, Evans will need to deliver. The eyes of the federal contracting world will be upon them.
In conclusion, the landscape of federal contracts is a battleground. CGI Federal and Unison Software are locked in a struggle for legitimacy and opportunity. Meanwhile, Evans Consulting stands tall, having secured a significant win. These stories remind us that in the world of government contracting, every decision counts. The stakes are high, and the competition is relentless. The game is on.