DOI awarded ECS Federal $11.3M for technical and administrative support, with a 5-year duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,299,122 ($11.3M)

Contractor: ECS Federal, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2017-12-08

End Date: 2022-12-07

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DARPA STO COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $11.3 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC for work described as: DARPA STO COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the 5-year contract term and the nature of ongoing support services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with the primary risk being contractor performance over the extended period. 4. Performance context involves ongoing support, making direct comparisons to discrete project outcomes challenging. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the broader professional services category for government support. 6. The contract type (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) allows for flexibility but requires careful oversight of costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.3 million over five years averages to approximately $2.26 million annually. This figure seems reasonable for comprehensive technical and administrative support services to a large agency like the Department of the Interior. Benchmarking against similar support contracts within federal agencies would provide a more precise value assessment, but the duration and scope suggest a standard market rate.

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 bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a competitive environment, though the exact number of proposals received and their quality would offer deeper insight into the true level of competition. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive award process which typically drives down costs and ensures the government receives the best possible value for its investment in these essential support services.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior benefits from consistent technical and administrative support, enabling its various offices to function efficiently. Services delivered include consulting, technical assistance, and administrative functions crucial for agency operations. The geographic impact is primarily national, supporting the agency's widespread operations across the United States. Workforce implications include the provision of specialized skills and support personnel to the agency, potentially reducing the need for direct federal hires in certain capacities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type if not closely monitored.
Ensuring consistent quality of technical and administrative support over the full five-year term.
Dependency on a single contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and transparent procurement process.
The five-year contract duration provides stability and continuity for essential support services.
The CPFF structure allows for flexibility in adapting to evolving technical and administrative needs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically consulting services. This sector is a significant component of federal spending, supporting a wide array of agency functions. Comparable spending benchmarks for technical and administrative support contracts can vary widely based on agency size, scope of services, and duration, but this $11.3 million award over five years is within a typical range for such services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if ECS Federal, LLC chooses to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans or goals mandated in the contract, the direct benefit to the small business ecosystem is uncertain and depends on the prime contractor's strategy.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program's technical points of contact within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed cost breakdowns may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Professional and Technical Services
Administrative Support Services
Management and Consulting Services
Department of the Interior Operations Support

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent cost oversight.
Extended contract duration necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.
Limited competition (2 bidders) may reduce price discovery effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $11.3 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC. DARPA STO COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECS FEDERAL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-12-08. End: 2022-12-07.

What is the track record of ECS Federal, LLC in delivering similar technical and administrative support services to federal agencies?

ECS Federal, LLC has a history of providing IT and professional services to various federal agencies. Their contract portfolio includes support for areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and program management. For technical and administrative support, their experience would likely involve managing project lifecycles, providing subject matter expertise, and ensuring operational continuity. A detailed review of their past performance on similar contracts, including client feedback and any documented performance issues or successes, would be necessary to fully assess their capability for this specific Department of the Interior requirement. Their ability to adapt to agency-specific needs and maintain high service levels over extended periods is a key factor.

How does the awarded amount of $11.3 million over five years compare to similar contracts for technical and administrative support?

The awarded amount of $11.3 million over five years equates to an average annual value of approximately $2.26 million. This figure appears to be within a reasonable range for comprehensive technical and administrative support services to a federal agency of the Department of the Interior's size and scope. Benchmarking against contracts with similar service requirements, agency size, and contract duration would provide a more precise comparison. Factors such as the specific tasks, required expertise, and geographic distribution of services can influence costs. Without access to detailed scope of work and specific performance metrics of comparable contracts, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the annual average does not immediately suggest overpricing.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for these services?

The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is the potential for cost overruns, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. While the fixed fee incentivizes efficiency, it does not cap the total cost to the government. This structure requires robust oversight from the government to ensure that all costs incurred are reasonable, allocable, and necessary. Without diligent monitoring of expenditures and contractor performance, the total cost to the government could exceed initial estimates. The CPFF structure is often used when the scope of work is not precisely defined or is expected to evolve, providing flexibility but demanding strong government cost control measures.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for taxpayer money in this type of contract?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for taxpayer money. By allowing all responsible sources to compete, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. The Department of the Interior's decision to use this procurement method suggests a commitment to obtaining the best possible value. The fact that two bids were received indicates some level of competition, though a higher number of bidders would typically strengthen this assurance. The ultimate effectiveness also depends on the clarity of the solicitation requirements and the rigor of the evaluation process used to select the winning proposal.

What are the implications of the 5-year duration on contractor performance and government oversight?

A 5-year contract duration provides significant stability and continuity for the Department of the Interior, ensuring that essential technical and administrative support services are consistently delivered without interruption. For the contractor, it offers a predictable revenue stream, potentially encouraging investment in resources and personnel. However, a longer duration also increases the risk of contractor performance degradation over time if not actively managed. Government oversight becomes even more critical; regular performance reviews, clear communication channels, and proactive issue resolution are essential to maintain service quality and ensure accountability throughout the contract's life. It also allows for a deeper integration of the contractor's team with agency operations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical 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: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Asgn Incorporated

Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE STE 600, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,273,538

Exercised Options: $12,051,035

Current Obligation: $11,299,122

Actual Outlays: $7,098,463

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: IND17PC00385

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline