DoD's $25.3M contract for professional services awarded to Amentum National Security Programs, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $25,310,443 ($25.3M)
Contractor: Amentum National Security Programs, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2010-02-17
End Date: 2011-02-07
Contract Duration: 355 days
Daily Burn Rate: $71.3K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: REACH-BACK ADVISORS&ATMOSPHER
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $25.3 million to AMENTUM NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS, INC for work described as: REACH-BACK ADVISORS&ATMOSPHER Key points: 1. The contract value represents a moderate investment in specialized technical services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. The duration of the contract (355 days) is relatively short, implying a focused scope of work. 4. The award was a delivery order, suggesting it was part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' indicating a broad service category. 6. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 7. The number of bids received (8) suggests a healthy level of interest from potential offerors.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this specific delivery order is challenging without knowing the parent IDIQ contract's scope and pricing structure. However, the award amount of approximately $25.3 million for a one-year period for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' appears within a reasonable range for specialized support. The firm fixed price contract type suggests that the government has secured a defined cost, but the ultimate value for money depends on the quality and effectiveness of the services delivered.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, with 8 bids received. This indicates a robust competitive environment where multiple companies had the opportunity to bid. The presence of several bidders generally supports price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios. The specific details of the bidding process, such as the evaluation criteria and the number of proposals received, would provide further insight into the intensity of the competition.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition with multiple bidders typically benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve the quality of services received. This process ensures that the government is not locked into a single provider and can leverage market forces to secure the best value.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of the Army and its operational units requiring specialized professional, scientific, and technical support. The services delivered are broadly categorized under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' suggesting a wide range of potential applications from research to operational support. The geographic impact is not specified but is likely concentrated where the Department of the Army has operational needs. Workforce implications would involve the employment of skilled professionals by the contractor to fulfill the contract requirements.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific service details within the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' category makes it difficult to assess the precise value and impact.
- The short duration of the delivery order might indicate a need for ongoing, potentially recurring, services that could lead to multiple future awards.
- Without access to the parent IDIQ contract, it's hard to determine if this delivery order represents a significant portion of a larger program's budget.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent procurement process.
- The firm fixed price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- Receiving 8 bids indicates strong market interest and potential for competitive pricing.
- The contractor, Amentum National Security Programs, Inc., is a known entity in the government contracting space, suggesting established capabilities.
Sector Analysis
The professional, scientific, and technical services sector is a significant component of the federal procurement landscape. This contract falls under NAICS code 541990, which encompasses a diverse range of services not classified elsewhere. The market for these services is broad, serving various government agencies with specialized needs. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend heavily on the specific nature of the 'other' professional services rendered, but the overall federal spending in this sector is in the tens of billions annually.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have been specifically set aside for small businesses, as indicated by 'sb': false. The prime contractor is Amentum National Security Programs, Inc., which is typically considered a large business. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans or goals for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal, though large prime contractors often utilize small businesses in their supply chains.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. As a delivery order under a larger contract, oversight would likely be integrated into the management of that parent IDIQ. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are not publicly disclosed. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Professional Services Contracts
- Army Technical Support Services
- Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract Vehicles
- Professional and Management Support Services
Risk Flags
- Lack of Specific Service Definition
- Potential for Scope Creep in Broad Service Category
- Dependence on Parent IDIQ Contract Details
Tags
department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, professional-services, scientific-services, technical-services, full-and-open-competition, firm-fixed-price, delivery-order, amentum-national-security-programs, naics-541990, national-security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $25.3 million to AMENTUM NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS, INC. REACH-BACK ADVISORS&ATMOSPHER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $25.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-02-17. End: 2011-02-07.
What specific types of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' were provided under this contract?
The provided data categorizes this contract under NAICS code 541990, 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' This is a broad category that can encompass a wide array of specialized support, including but not limited to, research and development support, technical consulting, environmental consulting, and other specialized scientific or technical services not elsewhere classified. Without access to the contract's statement of work or task orders, the precise nature of the services rendered remains unspecified. This lack of specificity makes it difficult to fully assess the contract's impact or benchmark its value against more clearly defined service categories.
How does the $25.3 million award compare to typical spending for similar services within the Department of the Army?
Comparing this $25.3 million delivery order requires context from the parent IDIQ contract and the specific services rendered. However, as a single delivery order for approximately one year of service, it represents a significant, but not extraordinary, investment for specialized support within the Department of the Army. The Army procures a vast range of services, and spending can fluctuate significantly based on operational needs and program lifecycles. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze historical spending on similar NAICS codes and contract types within the Army, considering factors like contract duration, scope, and the number of bidders.
What is the track record of Amentum National Security Programs, Inc. in delivering similar professional and technical services to the government?
Amentum National Security Programs, Inc. is a significant government contractor with a substantial portfolio of work across various agencies, including the Department of Defense. While specific performance details for this particular contract are not publicly available, the company generally has experience in providing a wide range of services, including national security, environmental, and engineering solutions. Their track record would typically be assessed through past performance evaluations during the bidding process for new contracts. Government contract databases and performance rating systems (like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would contain more granular information on their historical performance, though much of this is not publicly accessible.
Given the 'full and open competition' and 8 bids, what does this suggest about the pricing competitiveness of this contract?
The fact that this contract was awarded under full and open competition with 8 bids strongly suggests a competitive pricing environment. When multiple qualified vendors are vying for a contract, they are incentivized to offer competitive pricing to win the award. This level of competition typically leads to better price discovery for the government, meaning the price is more likely to reflect fair market value. While a firm fixed price contract shifts cost risk to the contractor, the competitive bidding process helps ensure that the initial price offered is reasonable and reflects market conditions for the specified services.
What are the potential risks associated with a contract categorized under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'?
Contracts under the broad 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990) category carry inherent risks due to their lack of specificity. Key risks include scope creep, where the services required expand beyond the original intent, potentially leading to cost overruns if not managed carefully. There's also a risk of misaligned expectations between the government and the contractor regarding the precise deliverables and quality standards. Furthermore, without a clearly defined service, it can be more challenging to accurately benchmark performance and ensure the government is receiving optimal value for its investment. Effective contract management and clear communication are crucial to mitigate these risks.
How does the firm fixed price (FFP) contract type impact the government's financial risk for this award?
The firm fixed price (FFP) contract type significantly reduces the government's financial risk for this award. Under an FFP contract, the contractor agrees to a set price for the work to be performed, regardless of the actual costs incurred. This means the contractor assumes the primary responsibility for managing costs and absorbing any overruns. For the government, this provides cost certainty and predictability, making budgeting easier. The main risk for the government shifts from financial to performance-related; ensuring the contractor delivers the required services at the agreed-upon quality and timeline within the fixed price.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SOCIAL SERVICES › SOCIAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W52P1J09R0079
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: AECOM (UEI: 153561212)
Address: 6564 LOISDALE CT STE 900, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 22150
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $25,310,443
Exercised Options: $25,310,443
Current Obligation: $25,310,443
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: W52P1J10D0022
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-02-17
Current End Date: 2011-02-07
Potential End Date: 2011-02-07 12:02:00
Last Modified: 2015-10-28
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