USDA Bio-Preferred Program Management Support Contract Awarded to Integrated Management Strategies LLC for $4.08M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,076,931 ($4.1M)

Contractor: Integrated Management Strategies LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2021-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO USDA RD-RBS BIO-PREFERRED PROGRAM. THIS CONTRACT EFFORT INVOLVES THE PERFORMANCE OF A VARIETY OF TASKS PROVIDING A SPECTRUM OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT, FEDERAL PROCUREMENT EXPERTISE, BIO-B

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $4.1 million to INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES LLC for work described as: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO USDA RD-RBS BIO-PREFERRED PROGRAM. THIS CONTRACT EFFORT INVOLVES THE PERFORMANCE OF A VARIETY OF TASKS PROVIDING A SPECTRUM OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT, FEDERAL PROCUREMENT EXPERTISE, BIO-B Key points: 1. Contract supports the USDA Rural Housing Service's Bio-Preferred Program. 2. Integrated Management Strategies LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract has a duration of 5 years. 4. Services include program management, technical support, and federal procurement expertise. 5. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price type.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.08M over 5 years appears reasonable for specialized program management and technical support services. Benchmarking against similar consulting contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded sole-source, meaning there was no open competition. This limits price discovery and may not ensure the government receives the best possible value.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about potential overpayment, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Supports a key USDA initiative promoting bio-based products. Ensures continuity of program management and technical expertise for the Bio-Preferred Program. Potential for increased costs due to sole-source award. Long-term contract may limit opportunities for other qualified firms.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Supports a critical USDA program.
Provides specialized technical and management expertise.
Long-term contract ensures program stability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on the complexity and duration of the support required.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to a small business, and there is no explicit mention of small business subcontracting goals. This represents a missed opportunity for small business engagement.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this award warrants close oversight to ensure the contractor is delivering value and that the pricing remains fair throughout the contract term.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Agriculture Contracting
Rural Housing Service Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for inflated costs due to lack of competition.
No small business participation identified.
Contract duration may exceed actual need.
Limited transparency on specific technical expertise justifying sole-source.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $4.1 million to INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES LLC. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO USDA RD-RBS BIO-PREFERRED PROGRAM. THIS CONTRACT EFFORT INVOLVES THE PERFORMANCE OF A VARIETY OF TASKS PROVIDING A SPECTRUM OF PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL SUPPORT, FEDERAL PROCUREMENT EXPERTISE, BIO-B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Rural Housing Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What specific technical expertise does Integrated Management Strategies LLC bring to the Bio-Preferred Program that justifies a sole-source award?

The justification for a sole-source award typically hinges on unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or a critical need for continuity that cannot be met by other sources. For this contract, the specific technical expertise would likely relate to the intricacies of the USDA's Bio-Preferred Program, including its regulatory framework, market development strategies for bio-based products, and federal procurement processes unique to agricultural and environmental initiatives.

How will the USDA ensure fair pricing and value for money given the sole-source nature of this contract?

The USDA can ensure fair pricing through rigorous cost analysis, benchmarking against similar services (even if not directly comparable), and establishing clear performance metrics. Regular reviews of the contractor's performance and costs, along with negotiation of equitable adjustments for any scope changes, are crucial. Independent cost estimates and market research, even post-award, can provide a basis for validating the pricing.

What is the long-term impact on the Bio-Preferred Program's effectiveness if the sole-source provider's performance declines?

A decline in performance by a sole-source provider could significantly hinder the Bio-Preferred Program's effectiveness. Without competitive pressure, there's less incentive for the contractor to innovate or maintain high standards. The USDA would face challenges in transitioning to a new provider, potentially leading to disruptions in program operations, reduced outreach, and a failure to meet program objectives related to promoting bio-based products.

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) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 12RADA21R0003

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5285 SHAWNEE RD STE 303, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22312

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,480,284

Exercised Options: $4,159,494

Current Obligation: $4,076,931

Actual Outlays: $3,523,905

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline