DoD awards $50M R&D contract to Parsons for Afghanistan WEBTAS TK Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $49,998,873 ($50.0M)
Contractor: Parsons Government Services Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-06-09
End Date: 2012-06-08
Contract Duration: 365 days
Daily Burn Rate: $137.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: WEBTAS TK SUPPORT TO AFGHANISTAN
Place of Performance
Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, EL PASO County, COLORADO, 80919
State: Colorado Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $50.0 million to PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INC. for work described as: WEBTAS TK SUPPORT TO AFGHANISTAN Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Parsons Government Services Inc. for WEBTAS TK Support. 2. The contract falls under Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. 3. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources. 4. The contract duration is 365 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Cost Plus Fixed Fee type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award amount is substantial for a single year of support.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting an attempt to ensure fair pricing. However, the specific nature of 'WEBTAS TK Support' might limit the pool of qualified bidders.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for specialized technical support in a complex geopolitical environment, with potential for cost inefficiencies inherent in cost-plus contracts.
Public Impact
Supports Department of Defense operations in Afghanistan. Funds research and development activities. Contract awarded to a single vendor, Parsons Government Services Inc.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to higher costs.
- Support for operations in Afghanistan carries inherent risks.
- Small business participation is not indicated.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition was utilized.
- Contract supports critical R&D efforts.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. Spending in this sector is crucial for technological advancement but can be prone to cost overruns due to the experimental nature of the work.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this contract award (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the prime contractor is likely a large business, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency. Oversight is crucial for cost-plus contracts to ensure funds are used efficiently and effectively, especially given the operational context.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Contract Management Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Support provided in a high-risk operational environment (Afghanistan).
- Lack of explicit small business subcontracting goals.
- Nature of R&D can lead to unpredictable costs and outcomes.
Tags
research-and-development-in-the-physical, department-of-defense, co, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $50.0 million to PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INC.. WEBTAS TK SUPPORT TO AFGHANISTAN
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $50.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-06-09. End: 2012-06-08.
What specific technologies or systems does WEBTAS TK Support entail, and how does this R&D contribute to the overall mission effectiveness in Afghanistan?
WEBTAS TK Support likely refers to technical support for a specific command and control or intelligence system (WEBTAS). The R&D aspect suggests potential enhancements or adaptations of this system for the unique challenges in Afghanistan. Understanding the specific deliverables and their impact on intelligence gathering, operational planning, or force protection is key to assessing its value.
What are the potential risks associated with providing technical support in a conflict zone like Afghanistan, and how are these risks mitigated by Parsons Government Services Inc.?
Risks include personnel safety, logistical challenges, security threats, and potential for contract scope creep due to evolving operational needs. Mitigation strategies would involve robust security protocols, contingency planning, flexible contract modifications, and close coordination with the contracting officer's representative to manage risks effectively.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee structure ensure effective resource utilization for this R&D effort, and what mechanisms are in place to prevent cost overruns?
A CPFF structure aims to incentivize the contractor to perform the work while allowing the government to share in cost savings if actual costs are below the target. Effective oversight, detailed cost tracking, regular audits, and clear performance metrics are essential to ensure resources are used efficiently and to control potential cost overruns.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Parsons Corporation
Address: 5875 TRINITY PKWY STE 230, CENTREVILLE, VA, 20120
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $49,998,873
Exercised Options: $49,998,873
Current Obligation: $49,998,873
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 11
Total Subaward Amount: $7,621,866
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: FA875009D0022
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-06-09
Current End Date: 2012-06-08
Potential End Date: 2012-06-08 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-04-25
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