USDA Awards $1.95M for Watch Officer Services to Excalibur Associates Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,953,686 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Excalibur Associates Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2023-05-01

End Date: 2027-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: USDA/OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY (OHS), EMERGENCY PROGRAMS DIVISION (EPD), OPERATIONS CENTER (OPSCENTER) - WATCH OFFICER REQUIREMENT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20250

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $2.0 million to EXCALIBUR ASSOCIATES INC for work described as: USDA/OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY (OHS), EMERGENCY PROGRAMS DIVISION (EPD), OPERATIONS CENTER (OPSCENTER) - WATCH OFFICER REQUIREMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Excalibur Associates Inc. for essential watch officer services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration is four years, ending April 30, 2027. 4. The total award value is $1,953,685.80. 5. Services are for the USDA's Office of Homeland Security, Emergency Programs Division.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The award value of $1.95M over four years appears reasonable for specialized security and operations center support. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for watch officer services would provide a more precise assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method generally promotes price discovery and competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests taxpayers are likely receiving fair value for the services rendered.

Public Impact

Ensures continuous monitoring and operational support for USDA's emergency programs. Supports homeland security functions within the Department of Agriculture. Provides critical situational awareness during emergencies and routine operations. Maintains operational readiness for the OHS Operations Center.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for increased costs if scope expands beyond initial requirements.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical operational support.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Clear definition of services for a critical function.
Long-term contract provides stability for operations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically security and emergency management support. Government spending in this area is consistent with the need for continuous operational oversight and homeland security functions across various agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Excalibur Associates Inc., is not specified as a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine the impact on small business participation in this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the USDA's Office of the Chief Financial Officer, suggesting established financial oversight. The duration and clear scope indicate a structured approach to accountability for service delivery.

Related Government Programs

Security Guards and Patrol Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Office of the Chief Financial Officer Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration is significant (4 years).
Services are critical to homeland security operations.
Potential for scope creep impacting final cost.
Reliance on a single vendor for essential functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $2.0 million to EXCALIBUR ASSOCIATES INC. USDA/OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY (OHS), EMERGENCY PROGRAMS DIVISION (EPD), OPERATIONS CENTER (OPSCENTER) - WATCH OFFICER REQUIREMENT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EXCALIBUR ASSOCIATES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Office of the Chief Financial Officer).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-01. End: 2027-04-30.

What specific metrics are used to evaluate the performance of Excalibur Associates Inc. in fulfilling the watch officer requirements?

Performance evaluation metrics are not detailed in the provided data. Typically, such contracts include key performance indicators (KPIs) related to response times, accuracy of reporting, adherence to protocols, and overall operational continuity. A review of the contract's statement of work and performance work statement would reveal these specific metrics and how they are measured.

Are there any contingency plans or alternative contractors identified in case Excalibur Associates Inc. fails to meet its obligations?

The provided data does not specify contingency plans or alternative contractors. Government contracts often include clauses for contractor default or failure to perform, which may allow for termination and re-competition or assignment to another entity. However, the existence and details of such plans would be found within the full contract documentation.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar watch officer services procured by other federal agencies?

A direct cost comparison is difficult without specific benchmarks for similar services across federal agencies. However, the firm fixed-price structure and full and open competition suggest an effort to achieve competitive pricing. A detailed cost-benefit analysis comparing this contract's per-unit cost against industry standards and other government contracts would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Guards and Patrol 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: 12314423Q0019

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1713 S LOIS AVE STE 200, TAMPA, FL, 33629

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,492,022

Exercised Options: $1,953,686

Current Obligation: $1,953,686

Actual Outlays: $1,275,904

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS07F0227W

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline