DoD's $21.9M contract for atmospheric and advisory services awarded to Amentum National Security Programs, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $21,943,642 ($21.9M)
Contractor: Amentum National Security Programs, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-01-24
End Date: 2011-08-07
Contract Duration: 195 days
Daily Burn Rate: $112.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: ATMOSPHERICS AND ADVISORY
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $21.9 million to AMENTUM NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS, INC for work described as: ATMOSPHERICS AND ADVISORY Key points: 1. The contract value of $21.9 million for atmospheric and advisory services represents a significant investment in specialized technical support. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract were robust, with 8 bidders vying for the award, suggesting a healthy market for these services. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type indicates a clear understanding of scope and cost expectations between the government and contractor. 4. The relatively short duration of 195 days suggests a focused, project-specific need rather than a long-term, ongoing requirement. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 categorizes this as 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' highlighting its specialized nature. 6. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, ensuring broad market access and potentially competitive pricing.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $21.9 million for atmospheric and advisory services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging without more specific details on the services rendered. However, the presence of 8 bidders suggests that the pricing was competitive within the market for these technical services. The firm-fixed-price structure further supports the expectation of controlled costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The participation of 8 bidders demonstrates a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This broad competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensures the government can select from a wide range of qualified contractors.
Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract likely resulted in a more favorable price for taxpayers, as contractors were incentivized to offer competitive bids to secure the award.
Public Impact
The Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense, is the primary beneficiary of these atmospheric and advisory services. The services delivered are expected to support critical defense operations and decision-making processes related to atmospheric conditions. The geographic impact is likely focused on areas relevant to the Department of Defense's operational theaters. The contract supports specialized technical expertise, potentially impacting a niche segment of the scientific and technical services workforce.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if initial atmospheric and advisory requirements are not precisely defined.
- Dependence on contractor expertise could pose a risk if key personnel depart.
- The firm-fixed-price nature requires careful management to avoid unforeseen cost overruns if conditions change significantly.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
- The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
- The contractor, Amentum National Security Programs, Inc., likely possesses specialized expertise in this domain.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to atmospheric and advisory support. This niche area is crucial for defense operations, intelligence gathering, and strategic planning. The market for such specialized services is often characterized by a limited number of highly qualified firms, making competition dynamics particularly important. Comparable spending in this sub-sector can vary widely based on the specific nature of the advisory services and the scale of operations supported.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem from this specific award is likely minimal, unless Amentum National Security Programs, Inc. voluntarily engages small businesses for specialized support.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed service delivery reports may be considered sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense Weather Support Contracts
- Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
- National Security Advisory Services
- Atmospheric Research and Analysis Contracts
Risk Flags
- Contract awarded for specialized technical services.
- Firm-fixed-price contract type.
- Short contract duration.
- High number of bidders indicates competitive market.
Tags
department-of-defense, department-of-the-army, professional-scientific-technical-services, atmospheric-advisory, firm-fixed-price, full-and-open-competition, national-security, amentum-national-security-programs-inc, delivery-order, other-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $21.9 million to AMENTUM NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS, INC. ATMOSPHERICS AND ADVISORY
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 $21.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-01-24. End: 2011-08-07.
What specific atmospheric and advisory services were provided under this contract?
The provided data does not detail the specific services rendered under contract number 541990. However, the NAICS code 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' and the contract description 'ATMOSPHERICS AND ADVISORY' suggest services related to meteorological analysis, weather forecasting, climate modeling, or strategic advice based on atmospheric conditions. These could range from tactical weather support for military operations to long-term strategic assessments of environmental factors impacting national security. Further investigation into the contract's statement of work would be necessary for precise details.
How does the $21.9 million contract value compare to similar atmospheric and advisory service contracts within the DoD?
Direct comparison of the $21.9 million contract value is difficult without access to a comprehensive database of similar atmospheric and advisory service contracts within the DoD, including their specific scopes of work and durations. However, given the specialized nature of atmospheric and advisory services, particularly for national security applications, this value appears to be within a reasonable range for a significant project or a portfolio of services. The fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with 8 bidders suggests the market found the value proposition acceptable and competitive.
What is Amentum National Security Programs, Inc.'s track record with similar government contracts?
Amentum National Security Programs, Inc. is a known entity in the government contracting space, particularly within defense and national security sectors. While this specific contract award data doesn't detail their broader performance history, the company has a history of performing complex technical and professional services for various government agencies. Their ability to win contracts, especially those awarded through full and open competition, suggests a demonstrated capability and competitive pricing strategy. A deeper dive into their contract performance ratings and past performance questionnaires would provide a more thorough assessment of their track record.
What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for specialized advisory services?
The primary risk with a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract for specialized advisory services lies in the potential for scope creep or unforeseen complexities. If the initial requirements are not meticulously defined, the contractor may face challenges in delivering the expected outcomes within the fixed price, potentially leading to disputes or requests for contract modifications. Conversely, if the government's needs evolve significantly beyond the original scope, they might find themselves paying a premium for additional services if not managed carefully. For the contractor, the risk is underestimating the effort required, leading to reduced profit margins or losses.
How does the competition level (8 bidders) influence the value for taxpayers on this contract?
A high level of competition, such as the 8 bidders on this contract, generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices and encouraging innovation. When multiple qualified companies vie for a contract, they are compelled to offer their best pricing and most compelling technical solutions to win the award. This competitive pressure helps ensure that the government is not overpaying for the services and is receiving high-quality support. It also provides greater assurance that the selected contractor is the most capable and cost-effective option available in the market.
What is the significance of the contract duration (195 days) in assessing its overall impact?
The contract duration of 195 days (approximately 6.5 months) suggests that this was a relatively short-term engagement, likely focused on a specific project, task, or a defined period of advisory support. This shorter duration can imply a more targeted need rather than a sustained, long-term requirement. For taxpayers, it means the financial commitment is contained within a specific timeframe. It also suggests that the services might be time-sensitive or related to a particular operational phase. The brevity could also indicate that the services are being procured on an as-needed basis, with potential for future, separate contract actions if the need persists.
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
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: $21,943,642
Exercised Options: $21,943,642
Current Obligation: $21,943,642
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: 2011-01-24
Current End Date: 2011-08-07
Potential End Date: 2011-08-07 12:08:00
Last Modified: 2020-05-29
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