DOL awards $2.9M training contract to Windwalker Group LLC for workforce development

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,921,497 ($2.9M)

Contractor: Windwalker Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2022-07-19

End Date: 2025-08-01

Contract Duration: 1,109 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EBSA TRAINING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR WORKFORCE TO ENHANCE THE AGENCY'S EFFECTIVENESS.

Place of Performance

Location: VIENNA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22182

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $2.9 million to WINDWALKER GROUP LLC for work described as: EBSA TRAINING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR WORKFORCE TO ENHANCE THE AGENCY'S EFFECTIVENESS. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on enhancing agency effectiveness through workforce training. 2. Windwalker Group LLC is the sole awardee. 3. The contract duration is over 3 years, ending August 2025. 4. The NAICS code 611430 indicates professional and management development training.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.9M over 3 years appears reasonable for specialized training services. However, without specific deliverables or benchmarks, a precise value assessment is difficult. Benchmarking against similar government training contracts would provide better context.

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 potentially leads to higher costs than if multiple vendors had competed. The rationale for the sole-source award is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying more than necessary for these training services.

Public Impact

Employees at the Department of Labor will receive enhanced training. The agency aims to improve its overall effectiveness through this investment. The contract supports the professional development of the federal workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and price discovery.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.

Positive Signals

Focus on workforce development aligns with agency goals.
Contract duration provides stability for training initiatives.

Sector Analysis

The Professional and Management Development Training sector (NAICS 611430) is crucial for government agencies to maintain a skilled workforce. Spending in this area can vary significantly based on agency size and specific training needs. This contract represents a moderate investment for the Department of Labor.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded to a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management within the Department of Labor. Oversight should focus on ensuring the training delivered meets the stated objectives and provides value for money, especially given the sole-source nature of the award.

Related Government Programs

Professional and Management Development Training
Department of Labor Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Lack of clear performance metrics.
Potential for overpayment due to lack of price discovery.
No small business participation noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $2.9 million to WINDWALKER GROUP LLC. EBSA TRAINING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR WORKFORCE TO ENHANCE THE AGENCY'S EFFECTIVENESS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WINDWALKER GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-07-19. End: 2025-08-01.

What specific training outcomes are expected, and how will their achievement be measured to ensure the $2.9M investment provides tangible value to the agency's effectiveness?

The expected outcomes should be clearly defined performance metrics tied to the agency's strategic goals. Measurement could involve pre- and post-training assessments, employee performance reviews, and feedback mechanisms. Without these, it's difficult to ascertain if the training truly enhances effectiveness or if the funds are being utilized optimally.

What was the justification for awarding this contract sole-source, and were alternative competitive approaches considered to ensure the best possible price and quality for taxpayers?

The justification for a sole-source award is critical for transparency and accountability. Agencies typically cite reasons like unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of market availability. A thorough review of the justification is needed to confirm that competition was genuinely not feasible and that taxpayer funds were protected through appropriate price negotiation.

How does the cost per training hour or per participant compare to industry benchmarks for similar professional development services, and does this contract represent an efficient use of federal funds?

Benchmarking the cost per unit against similar government and commercial training contracts is essential. If the per-unit cost is significantly higher than benchmarks, it suggests potential inefficiencies or overpricing. This analysis would help determine if the $2.9M is an efficient allocation of resources or if savings could be achieved through better procurement strategies.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Professional and Management Development Training

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 1605C1-22-R-00016

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 529 MAIN ST STE P200, CHARLESTOWN, MA, 02129

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,921,497

Exercised Options: $2,921,497

Current Obligation: $2,921,497

Actual Outlays: $2,921,497

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline