DoD's $20.9M Kazakhstan Nuclear Security Contract Awarded to URS Federal Services International, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,939,782 ($20.9M)
Contractor: URS Federal Services International, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2014-09-25
End Date: 2019-09-24
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Defense
Official Description: KAZAKHSTAN NUCLEAR SECURITY ENGAGEMENT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $20.9 million to URS FEDERAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC for work described as: KAZAKHSTAN NUCLEAR SECURITY ENGAGEMENT Key points: 1. The contract focuses on nuclear security engagement in Kazakhstan. 2. URS Federal Services International, Inc. secured the award. 3. The Department of Defense, specifically the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, is the awarding agency. 4. The NAICS code 541990 indicates 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The awarded amount of $20.9M over five years suggests a moderate annual spend.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, the specific pricing discovery mechanisms are not detailed, making it difficult to assess optimal price realization.
Taxpayer Impact: The contract's value is significant, and ensuring competitive pricing is crucial for maximizing taxpayer value in this specialized area of nuclear security.
Public Impact
Enhances international nuclear security cooperation. Supports U.S. non-proliferation efforts. Provides specialized technical services abroad. Contributes to global safety and security initiatives.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize contractor to increase costs.
- Long duration of contract (5 years) may reduce flexibility.
- Lack of detailed performance metrics makes oversight challenging.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Supports critical national security objective.
- Experienced contractor likely involved.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically related to defense and international security. Spending in this sector is often driven by geopolitical needs and national security priorities, with benchmarks varying widely based on the specific services and regions involved.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The prime contractor, URS Federal Services International, Inc., is a large entity, suggesting limited direct opportunities for small businesses as prime contractors on this specific award.
Oversight & Accountability
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is essential to ensure the effective and efficient execution of nuclear security programs and to manage costs associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF structure.
- Geopolitical risks in the region could impact operations and costs.
- Long contract duration may limit adaptability to changing needs.
- Complexity of nuclear security services requires specialized expertise.
- Oversight challenges in a foreign operational environment.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-defense, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $20.9 million to URS FEDERAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC. KAZAKHSTAN NUCLEAR SECURITY ENGAGEMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is URS FEDERAL SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Threat Reduction Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2014-09-25. End: 2019-09-24.
What specific technical services are being provided under this contract in Kazakhstan, and how do they directly contribute to nuclear security?
The contract likely involves a range of technical services such as expertise in nuclear material control and accounting, physical security enhancements for nuclear facilities, training of local personnel, and potentially assistance with the safe transport or storage of nuclear materials. These services directly contribute to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and materials by strengthening the security infrastructure and operational capabilities within Kazakhstan.
What are the key risks associated with the Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type in this sensitive international context, and how are they being mitigated?
The primary risk with CPFF is the potential for cost overruns as the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs plus a fixed fee. In a sensitive international context like nuclear security in Kazakhstan, risks include unforeseen operational challenges, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical instability impacting costs. Mitigation strategies would involve stringent cost monitoring, clear performance metrics, regular audits, and strong communication channels between the agency and the contractor.
How will the effectiveness of the nuclear security engagement be measured and evaluated over the contract's duration?
Effectiveness will likely be measured through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Quantitative measures could include the number of personnel trained, security system upgrades completed, or reduction in identified security vulnerabilities. Qualitative measures might involve assessments of improved operational procedures, enhanced threat detection capabilities, and the overall strengthening of Kazakhstan's nuclear security posture as deemed by subject matter experts and agency representatives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: HDTRA111R0007
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: PAE Government Services Inc.
Address: 1500 W 3RD ST. STE 200, CLEVELAND, OH, 44113
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $27,652,556
Exercised Options: $25,261,907
Current Obligation: $20,939,782
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $2,234,017
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HDTRA111D0009
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2014-09-25
Current End Date: 2019-09-24
Potential End Date: 2019-09-24 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-11
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