Booz Allen Hamilton awarded $12M contract for DOJ victim services, raising value-for-money questions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,058,916 ($12.1M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2022-08-01

End Date: 2026-05-05

Contract Duration: 1,373 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TRIBAL CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE USDOJ/OJP OFFICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME - AWARD TO BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $12.1 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: TRIBAL CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE USDOJ/OJP OFFICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME - AWARD TO BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a large, established firm, Booz Allen Hamilton, for victim services. 2. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 3. The duration of 1373 days suggests a long-term need for these services. 4. The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a broad search for qualified bidders. 5. The specific services involve administrative management and general management consulting. 6. The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value-for-money is difficult to assess without detailed performance metrics and comparison to similar services. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while common for consulting, can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against other T&M contracts for similar consulting services within the federal government would be necessary to determine if the $12 million award represents a fair price for the expected outcomes. The absence of specific deliverables and performance standards in the provided data makes a definitive value assessment challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 3 bids (no: 3) indicates a moderate level of competition for this specific delivery order. While full and open competition is generally preferred, the number of bidders can influence price discovery. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive prices. However, with only 3 bids, there's a possibility that more aggressive pricing could have been achieved with a larger pool of interested and capable vendors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are victims of crime, who will receive support through enhanced training and technical assistance programs. Services delivered include administrative management and general management consulting to improve the effectiveness of victim services. The geographic impact is national, supporting the US Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime across the United States. Workforce implications include potential training and capacity building for personnel involved in victim services within the DOJ and potentially partner organizations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost escalation if not closely monitored.
The large contract value over a significant period requires robust oversight to ensure efficiency.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the summary makes it hard to gauge true value for money.
Reliance on a single large contractor for critical victim support services could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair process for vendor selection.
Booz Allen Hamilton is a well-established contractor with significant experience in government consulting.
The contract aims to improve critical services for victims of crime, addressing a significant societal need.
The long duration indicates a sustained commitment to enhancing victim support infrastructure.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management consulting. The federal government spends billions annually on management and consulting services across various agencies. This contract represents a portion of the Department of Justice's spending dedicated to improving its operational efficiency and program delivery, particularly in the sensitive area of victim services. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other DOJ or OJP contracts for similar consulting services, as well as broader federal IT and administrative support contracts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb: false) was not a primary focus for this specific award, as it was not set aside for small businesses. Booz Allen Hamilton is a large prime contractor, and while they may utilize small business subcontractors, there is no explicit information provided to assess the extent of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses on this particular contract. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the most capable large business for the service delivery.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP). As a Time and Materials contract, rigorous monitoring of labor hours, rates, and direct costs will be crucial. The contract's duration and value necessitate regular performance reviews and financial audits to ensure accountability and prevent cost overruns. Transparency would be enhanced through public reporting of contract performance and expenditures, though specific details are not provided here. The Inspector General for the Department of Justice would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

DOJ Victim Assistance Programs
OJP Training and Technical Assistance
Federal Management Consulting Services
Victim Compensation and Support Services
Administrative Management Services

Risk Flags

Cost Control Risk (T&M Contract)
Performance Measurement Uncertainty
Potential for Scope Creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $12.1 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. TRIBAL CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE USDOJ/OJP OFFICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME - AWARD TO BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Office of Justice Programs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-01. End: 2026-05-05.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar 'Tribal Capacity Building Training and Technical Assistance' contracts within the DOJ/OJP?

Analyzing historical spending for similar contracts within the DOJ/OJP is crucial for context. While specific data for 'Tribal Capacity Building Training and Technical Assistance' is not provided, general trends in federal spending on consulting services (NAICS 541611) show significant and often increasing investment. The DOJ, in particular, allocates substantial funds to programs aimed at improving justice administration and victim support. Examining past awards for training and technical assistance, especially those focused on tribal entities or victim services, would reveal typical contract values, durations, and the types of contractors typically engaged. This analysis would help determine if the $12 million award to Booz Allen Hamilton aligns with historical norms or represents a significant deviation, potentially indicating increased program scope, inflation, or a shift in contracting strategy.

How does the hourly rate for Booz Allen Hamilton on this contract compare to industry benchmarks for management consulting services?

Benchmarking the hourly rates for Booz Allen Hamilton on this specific contract against industry standards is essential for assessing value for money. Management consulting rates can vary widely based on the firm's reputation, the seniority of the consultants, the complexity of the work, and the specific services provided. For a large, established firm like Booz Allen Hamilton, rates are typically on the higher end of the spectrum. Government contracts often have established ceiling rates or are subject to fair and reasonable pricing reviews. Comparing the proposed rates against GSA schedules, other federal contracts for similar services, and private sector benchmarks would reveal if the pricing is competitive. Without the specific hourly rates detailed in the contract, this comparison remains speculative but is a critical area for further analysis.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables associated with this contract, and how will performance be measured?

The key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables are critical for understanding the expected outcomes and measuring the success of this contract. For 'Tribal Capacity Building Training and Technical Assistance,' KPIs might include the number of training sessions conducted, the satisfaction rates of participants, the demonstrable improvement in victim service delivery capacity among tribal organizations, and the successful dissemination of technical assistance resources. Deliverables could encompass training materials, reports on technical assistance provided, and evaluations of program effectiveness. The contract's performance will likely be measured through regular progress reports, client feedback, and potentially independent evaluations. Robust KPIs and clear deliverables are fundamental to ensuring accountability and achieving the contract's objectives within the $12 million budget.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with the DOJ/OJP, particularly on contracts involving victim services or capacity building?

Booz Allen Hamilton has a substantial track record of performing various consulting and technical services for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its components, including the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). Their experience often spans areas such as program management, data analysis, strategic planning, and IT support across different federal agencies. While specific details on their past performance solely on 'Tribal Capacity Building Training and Technical Assistance' or direct victim services contracts may require deeper research into contract databases, their general experience with complex government programs suggests they possess the organizational capacity and expertise. Evaluating past performance reviews, any past performance issues or commendations, and the successful completion of similar scope contracts within the DOJ/OJP would provide a clearer picture of their suitability and reliability for this specific award.

Given the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent scope creep?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, while flexible, inherently carry a higher risk of cost overruns and scope creep if not managed diligently. For this contract, effective cost control mechanisms would typically include strict monitoring and reporting of labor hours and direct costs, adherence to pre-negotiated labor rates, and clear limitations on the total amount that can be billed. The government contracting officer and project managers play a vital role in overseeing the contractor's performance, ensuring that work performed aligns with the Statement of Work (SOW) and that any changes are formally documented and approved through contract modifications. Regular reviews of invoices, progress reports, and performance metrics are essential. The contract likely includes a ceiling price that cannot be exceeded without formal modification, acting as a primary cost control measure.

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

Solicitation ID: 15PVCD22Q00000001

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,735,385

Exercised Options: $13,867,874

Current Obligation: $12,058,916

Actual Outlays: $10,690,685

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F008DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline