Interior's CIO Office contract for management consulting services awarded to Portfolio Alignment Partners Inc. for $4.1M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,097,567 ($4.1M)

Contractor: Portfolio Alignment Partners Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-07-08

End Date: 2026-07-07

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER AND OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR SUPPORT SERVICES (CIOOD)

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92101

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $4.1 million to PORTFOLIO ALIGNMENT PARTNERS INC for work described as: CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER AND OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR SUPPORT SERVICES (CIOOD) Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for the Chief Information Officer and Office of the Director, crucial for departmental IT strategy and operations. 2. The administrative management and general management consulting services are vital for ensuring efficient and effective agency operations. 3. Competition was full and open, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services. 4. The contract duration of three years indicates a need for sustained support in these critical functions. 5. The award to Portfolio Alignment Partners Inc. signifies their capability to meet the complex needs of a federal agency's IT leadership. 6. Performance context is key, as the success of these services directly impacts the Department of the Interior's technological infrastructure and strategic goals.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $4.1 million over three years for administrative management and general management consulting services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for CIO support services within large federal agencies suggests that this pricing is within the expected range. The specific services procured, such as portfolio alignment and management consulting, are specialized and require experienced personnel, justifying the investment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 8 bidders (no) suggests a healthy level of competition for these administrative management and general management consulting services. This competitive environment likely contributed to achieving a fair market price and ensuring the selection of a qualified contractor.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive marketplace that drives down prices and encourages innovation, ultimately leading to better value for public funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Interior's Chief Information Officer and the Office of the Director, who receive critical support for strategic planning and execution. Services delivered include administrative management and general management consulting, aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of IT operations. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of the Interior's national operations, with potential implications for its various bureaus and offices. Workforce implications include the potential for enhanced IT leadership and strategic direction, indirectly supporting the federal workforce's technological capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project objectives are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical CIO support could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring continued alignment with evolving federal IT strategies and cybersecurity mandates will be crucial.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a strong pool of qualified vendors, increasing the likelihood of selecting a high-performing contractor.
The contract's focus on administrative and management consulting is essential for optimizing departmental operations.
A three-year duration allows for sustained support and the development of long-term strategic improvements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on administrative management and general management consulting. This sector is a significant component of federal contracting, supporting a wide array of agency functions. Comparable spending benchmarks for management consulting services within federal agencies often range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and duration, making this $4.1 million contract for a three-year period appear aligned with typical investments in strategic IT support.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed in the provided information. Without specific subcontracting plans, it is difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem for this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

CIO Support Services
Management and Consulting Services
IT Strategy and Planning
Federal Administrative Services
Departmental IT Modernization

Risk Flags

Potential for contractor performance issues
Risk of scope creep impacting budget
Need for continuous alignment with evolving IT policies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $4.1 million to PORTFOLIO ALIGNMENT PARTNERS INC. CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER AND OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR SUPPORT SERVICES (CIOOD)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PORTFOLIO ALIGNMENT PARTNERS INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-08. End: 2026-07-07.

What is the track record of Portfolio Alignment Partners Inc. in performing similar federal contracts?

A thorough review of Portfolio Alignment Partners Inc.'s contract history would be necessary to assess their track record. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any reported issues or disputes, and the types and values of previous federal awards. Understanding their experience with similar administrative management and general management consulting services, particularly within large federal agencies like the Department of the Interior, is crucial. A positive performance history suggests a lower risk of execution issues and a higher likelihood of successful contract completion. Conversely, a history of performance problems or contract terminations would raise significant concerns about their capability to meet the current contract's requirements.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar consulting services?

To benchmark the awarded price of approximately $4.1 million for three years against market rates, one would typically compare it to data from similar federal contracts for administrative management and general management consulting services. This involves analyzing the average hourly rates or total contract values for comparable services procured by other agencies. Factors such as the specific expertise required, the level of the consultants (e.g., senior advisors vs. junior analysts), and the geographic location of service delivery influence market rates. Given that this contract supports a Chief Information Officer's office, which often requires highly specialized expertise, the price needs to be evaluated in the context of the complexity and criticality of the services. Without access to a detailed breakdown of labor hours and rates, a precise comparison is challenging, but the overall value should be assessed against industry standards for federal IT consulting.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract could include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, scope creep leading to cost overruns, or a failure to adapt to evolving technological landscapes and agency priorities. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract oversight by the Department of the Interior, clearly defined performance metrics and deliverables, regular progress reviews, and strong communication channels with the contractor. The full and open competition process itself acts as a risk mitigation factor by selecting a vendor deemed most capable. Furthermore, contract clauses addressing change management and dispute resolution help manage potential issues proactively. The three-year duration allows for adjustments and course correction if initial performance deviates from expectations.

How effective are the services expected to be in supporting the Department of the Interior's IT strategy?

The effectiveness of these administrative management and general management consulting services is expected to be high, provided the contractor delivers as per the contract's statement of work. These services are designed to support the CIO and their office, which are central to formulating and executing the department's IT strategy. This includes areas like portfolio management, strategic planning, process improvement, and potentially policy development. The success will hinge on the contractor's ability to provide insightful analysis, actionable recommendations, and effective implementation support. The contract's value and duration suggest a significant commitment to leveraging external expertise to enhance IT governance and operational efficiency, thereby contributing positively to the department's overall strategic objectives.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar CIO support services within the Department of the Interior?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for CIO support services within the Department of the Interior would provide valuable context for this $4.1 million contract. This involves examining previous contracts awarded for similar functions, such as IT management consulting, strategic planning support, and administrative services for IT leadership. Understanding the average annual spend, the types of contractors previously engaged, and the duration of those contracts can help determine if the current award is consistent with past investments or represents a significant shift. For instance, if historical spending has been lower, it might indicate an expansion of services or a change in strategy. Conversely, if it aligns with previous expenditures, it suggests a continuation of established support mechanisms for the CIO's office.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 350 K ST, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92101

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,429,477

Exercised Options: $4,152,370

Current Obligation: $4,097,567

Actual Outlays: $3,309,044

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA23D002Y

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline