DoD's $616M contract for management consulting services awarded to Basile, Baumann, Prost & Associates, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,080,494 ($13.1M)

Contractor: Basile, Baumann, Prost, Cole & Associates, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2005-02-15

End Date: 2008-11-30

Contract Duration: 1,384 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: 200505!600015!1700!N40080!NAV FAC ENGINEERING CMD WASHINGT!N4740803D8401 !A!N! !N!0010 ! !20050215!20050331!616427324!616427324!616427324!N!BASILE BAUMANN PROST & ASSOCIA!177 DEFENSE HWY STE 10 !ANNAPOLIS !MD!21401!01600!003!24!ANNAPOLIS !ANNE ARUNDEL !MARYLAND !+000000700000!N!N!000000000000!R799!OTHER MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541611!E! !5!B!S! ! ! !20200930!B! ! !A! !A!N!Z!2!009!B! !Z!N!Z! ! !N!B!N!N! ! !A! !A!A!000!A!B!N! ! ! !Y!1708!N00052!0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: ANNAPOLIS, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 21401

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.1 million to BASILE, BAUMANN, PROST, COLE & ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: 200505!600015!1700!N40080!NAV FAC ENGINEERING CMD WASHINGT!N4740803D8401 !A!N! !N!0010 ! !20050215!20050331!616427324!616427324!616427324!N!BASILE BAUMANN PROST & ASSOCIA!177 DEFENSE HWY STE 10 !ANNAPOLIS !MD!21401!01600!003!24!ANNAPOLIS !ANNE… Key points: 1. Contract awarded for administrative management and general management consulting services. 2. The contract has a duration of 1384 days, indicating a long-term need for these services. 3. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 4. The primary service is consulting, which supports strategic planning and operational efficiency. 5. The contract was issued as a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $616,427,324 over approximately 3.8 years suggests a significant investment in consulting services. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale management consulting contracts within the Department of Defense is challenging without more specific service details. However, the duration and value indicate a substantial commitment. The pricing structure, based on labor hours, allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness. Without detailed breakdowns of labor categories and rates, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult, but the competitive award process may have helped secure reasonable pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The fact that it was competed openly suggests that the Department of the Navy sought a wide range of potential contractors, likely leading to a more thorough evaluation of capabilities and cost proposals. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition itself is a positive indicator for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by promoting a level playing field for contractors, which can drive down costs and improve the quality of services received. It ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, thereby maximizing the potential for cost savings and innovation.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Navy and potentially other Department of Defense entities requiring administrative and management consulting expertise. The services delivered are expected to enhance operational efficiency, strategic planning, and overall management effectiveness within the DoD. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting various naval commands and facilities across the United States. Workforce implications may include the direct employment of consultants by the contractor and potential indirect impacts on government personnel who collaborate with or manage these consulting efforts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if the consulting engagement is not tightly managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant duration could lead to vendor lock-in.
Ensuring the quality and relevance of consulting advice over the contract's lifespan requires ongoing performance monitoring.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
The contract duration suggests a sustained need and potential for long-term strategic support.
The contractor has secured a significant award, implying a level of trust and capability recognized by the DoD.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. This sector is a critical support function for government agencies, providing expertise in areas such as organizational structure, process improvement, and strategic planning. The market for these services is large and competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized consulting capabilities. The Department of Defense is a major consumer of such services, often requiring highly specialized knowledge to navigate complex bureaucratic and operational environments. Benchmarking this contract's value against the broader federal spending on management consulting would place it among significant awards, reflecting the scale of DoD's operational needs.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside designation, as indicated by the 'ss' and 'sb' fields being false. The award was made under full and open competition. While there is no direct set-aside, the prime contractor, Basile, Baumann, Prost & Associates, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill certain aspects of the contract. The extent of small business subcontracting would depend on the contractor's strategy and the specific requirements of the consulting services. Without explicit subcontracting plans or data, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, but opportunities may exist through the prime contractor's procurement practices.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Navy contracting officer and their representatives. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and invoice review are standard oversight mechanisms. The contract's duration and value necessitate robust accountability measures to ensure services are delivered as specified and within budget. Transparency is typically managed through contract reporting requirements and public contract databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Management Consulting Services
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Support Contracts
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Contracts
Administrative and General Management Consulting

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to labor hour pricing.
Risk of scope creep in long-term consulting engagements.
Need for continuous performance monitoring to ensure quality and relevance of services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.1 million to BASILE, BAUMANN, PROST, COLE & ASSOCIATES, INC.. 200505!600015!1700!N40080!NAV FAC ENGINEERING CMD WASHINGT!N4740803D8401 !A!N! !N!0010 ! !20050215!20050331!616427324!616427324!616427324!N!BASILE BAUMANN PROST & ASSOCIA!177 DEFENSE HWY STE 10 !ANNAPOLIS !MD!21401!01600!003!24!ANNAPOLIS !ANNE ARUNDEL !MARYLAND !+000000700000!N!N!000000000000!R799!OTHER MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !000 !* !541611!E! !5!B!S! ! ! !202

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BASILE, BAUMANN, PROST, COLE & ASSOCIATES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-02-15. End: 2008-11-30.

What is the specific nature of the administrative management and general management consulting services provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' (NAICS code 541611). While the specific tasks are not detailed, this category typically encompasses a broad range of services aimed at improving organizational efficiency and effectiveness. This can include strategic planning, organizational design, process re-engineering, performance management, policy development, and general management advisory services. For a large entity like the Department of the Navy, these services could be applied to areas such as logistics, human resources, financial management, acquisition processes, or operational readiness. The 'LABOR HOURS' (pt) pricing structure suggests that the contractor provides personnel to perform these consulting functions, with billing based on the time spent by their consultants.

How does the contract value of approximately $616 million compare to other similar management consulting contracts within the DoD?

A direct comparison of the $616 million contract value to other similar management consulting contracts within the DoD is difficult without more granular data on the scope and duration of those other contracts. However, this value represents a substantial investment, placing it among the larger awards for consulting services. The Department of Defense is known to procure significant amounts of consulting support across various domains, including strategic planning, IT modernization, and operational efficiency. Contracts of this magnitude often span multiple years and involve a wide array of specialized expertise. While specific benchmarks are elusive, a $616 million award over nearly four years suggests a comprehensive and long-term engagement critical to the Navy's operational or administrative functions.

What are the potential risks associated with a contract of this size and duration for consulting services?

Contracts of this magnitude and duration, such as this $616 million award to Basile, Baumann, Prost & Associates, Inc., carry several potential risks. One primary risk is 'scope creep,' where the project's objectives expand beyond the original agreement, leading to increased costs and timelines. Another risk is vendor lock-in, where the government becomes overly reliant on the contractor's specific knowledge and processes, making it difficult to transition to new providers or internal capabilities. Ensuring consistent quality of service over several years can also be challenging, requiring robust performance management and quality assurance protocols. Furthermore, the significant financial commitment necessitates diligent oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure that the consulting services deliver tangible value and meet the intended objectives.

What does the 'LABOR HOURS' pricing structure imply for cost control and value for money?

The 'LABOR HOURS' (pt) pricing structure means the contractor is paid based on the number of hours worked by their personnel, multiplied by agreed-upon hourly rates. This structure offers flexibility, allowing the scope of work to adapt to evolving needs without requiring constant renegotiation of fixed prices. However, it places a significant emphasis on effective oversight to control costs. Without strict monitoring of hours worked, potential inefficiencies or unnecessary labor could inflate the total cost. For value for money, the government must ensure that the hourly rates are competitive and that the work performed is efficient and directly contributes to the contract's objectives. Regular reviews of timesheets, labor categories, and overall progress are crucial for managing costs and ensuring the consulting services provide a strong return on investment.

What is the track record of Basile, Baumann, Prost & Associates, Inc. in securing and performing large federal contracts?

The award of a $616 million contract by the Department of the Navy to Basile, Baumann, Prost & Associates, Inc. indicates a significant track record in securing large federal contracts. This substantial value suggests the company has demonstrated the capability, capacity, and competitive pricing necessary to win major government procurements. While specific details of their past performance are not provided in the data, such a large award typically implies a history of successful project execution, adherence to contract terms, and positive past performance evaluations from previous government clients. Companies that consistently win large contracts often possess established relationships with agencies, robust management systems, and a proven ability to deliver complex services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 177 DEFENSEHIGHWAY STE 10, ANNAPOLIS, MD, 21401

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N4740803D8401

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline