DoD's $16M training contract awarded to Communication Technologies, Inc. for professional development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,961,307 ($16.0M)

Contractor: Communication Technologies, Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-03-26

End Date: 2010-06-26

Contract Duration: 92 days

Daily Burn Rate: $173.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ALTERNATE STAFFING - TASK ORDER 0015 AWARD

Place of Performance

Location: FORT MONROE, HAMPTON (CITY) County, VIRGINIA, 23651

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.0 million to COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC for work described as: ALTERNATE STAFFING - TASK ORDER 0015 AWARD Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the fixed-price nature and duration, though specific performance metrics are not detailed. 2. Competition was robust with 6 bidders, suggesting a competitive market for these services. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a short performance period and a single task order. 4. Performance context is limited to professional development training, a common government need. 5. Sector positioning is within professional services, a broad category with many providers.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of approximately $16 million for a 92-day period suggests a daily rate of roughly $173,492. This rate needs to be benchmarked against similar professional development training contracts to assess value. Without detailed service breakdowns or performance outcomes, a definitive value assessment is challenging. The firm-fixed-price structure, however, shifts some financial risk to the contractor.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. Six bidders participated in the competition, suggesting a healthy level of market interest and a reasonable degree of price discovery. The presence of multiple bidders generally supports the government's ability to secure competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that aims to secure the best possible price for the required training services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are Department of the Army personnel receiving professional and management development training. Services delivered include specialized training programs aimed at enhancing professional and managerial skills. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within the Army's operational areas, though specific locations are not detailed. Workforce implications involve upskilling military and civilian personnel within the Department of the Army.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and quality of the training provided.
The short duration of the task order (92 days) may limit the depth and long-term impact of the training.
Limited information on the specific curriculum and instructors raises questions about the suitability and expertise for the training needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a fair and accessible process for potential contractors.
The firm-fixed-price contract type transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor.
The contractor, Communication Technologies, Inc., has experience in providing services, though specific training expertise needs further review.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional and management development training sector, a segment of the broader professional services industry. This sector is characterized by a wide range of providers, from small specialized firms to large corporations. Government spending in this area is consistent, supporting the continuous need for employee development and skill enhancement across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting plans involving small businesses. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal based on this specific award. Further investigation into subcontracting opportunities would be needed for a comprehensive analysis.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Army's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, though detailed performance reports are not always publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Professional Development Training
Management Training Services
Department of Defense Training Contracts
Army Personnel Development Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics.
High daily rate requires further justification.
Limited information on specific training content and instructors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.0 million to COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ALTERNATE STAFFING - TASK ORDER 0015 AWARD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES, 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 $16.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-03-26. End: 2010-06-26.

What is the track record of Communication Technologies, Inc. in delivering similar professional development training services to the federal government?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Communication Technologies, Inc. has been awarded multiple contracts across various agencies, including the Department of Defense. While specific details on their training delivery performance for this particular task order are not readily available in the public domain, their history suggests experience in providing professional services. Further analysis would require examining past performance evaluations, any reported contract disputes, and the scope of previous training contracts they have executed to ascertain their specific expertise and reliability in the professional development training domain.

How does the per-diem cost of this training compare to industry benchmarks for similar professional development programs?

The approximate daily rate for this contract is calculated at $173,492 ($15,961,306.84 / 92 days). Benchmarking this figure against industry standards for professional and management development training is crucial for assessing value. Without specific details on the training content, duration per participant, instructor qualifications, and the level of customization, a precise comparison is difficult. However, this daily rate appears high and warrants further investigation into the specific services rendered to ensure it aligns with market rates for comparable government or commercial training initiatives.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this training contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this training contract. Typically, for professional development training, KPIs might include participant satisfaction surveys, pre- and post-training assessments of knowledge or skill acquisition, observed behavioral changes in the workplace, or the achievement of specific learning objectives outlined in the contract. The absence of this information in the award data makes it challenging to objectively evaluate the effectiveness and return on investment of the training provided by Communication Technologies, Inc.

What is the historical spending trend for professional and management development training within the Department of the Army?

Historical spending on professional and management development training within the Department of the Army is substantial and reflects a continuous investment in personnel. While this specific $16 million task order represents a snapshot, the Army consistently allocates significant resources to training programs aimed at enhancing leadership, technical, and soft skills across its civilian and military workforce. Trends often show an increasing emphasis on digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and adaptive leadership training, driven by evolving operational demands and technological advancements. Analyzing multi-year spending patterns would reveal specific areas of focus and budget fluctuations.

Were there any specific requirements or justifications for choosing a firm-fixed-price contract type for this training service?

The selection of a firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type for this training service suggests that the government had a clear understanding of the scope of work and desired outcomes. FFP contracts are generally preferred when the risks and uncertainties surrounding contract performance are minimal and the requirements are well-defined. This type of contract shifts the majority of the cost risk to the contractor, incentivizing them to manage their expenses efficiently to achieve profitability. For training services, an FFP structure implies that the government is purchasing a defined set of training modules or courses at a predetermined price, rather than reimbursing costs incurred.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Professional and Management Development Training

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912SU07R0007

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14151 NEWBROOK DR STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 90

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,961,307

Exercised Options: $15,961,307

Current Obligation: $15,961,307

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W912SU07D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline