State Department contract for management consulting services awarded to Amentum Services, Inc. for over $13.4 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,474,395 ($13.5M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2018-09-27

End Date: 2022-07-15

Contract Duration: 1,387 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AF JMEC SOUTH SUDAN

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $13.5 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: AF JMEC SOUTH SUDAN Key points: 1. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The fixed-price award fee structure incentivizes performance while managing cost. 3. The contract duration of 1387 days indicates a significant, long-term need for these services. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541618 points to specialized management consulting services. 5. The award was made as a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework. 6. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests the primary award was not specifically targeted at small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging without more detailed service descriptions and comparable contract data. The fixed-price award fee structure is a common pricing model, but its effectiveness depends on the clarity of performance metrics and the contractor's ability to meet them. The total award amount of over $13.4 million over nearly four years suggests a substantial investment in management consulting, but its value proposition requires deeper analysis of the services rendered and their impact on the Department of State's mission.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The open nature of the competition suggests that the agency sought the best value proposition from the market.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging innovation among potential contractors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the Department of State personnel and operations that receive support from the management consulting services. The services delivered are categorized under 'Other Management Consulting Services,' which could encompass a wide range of support functions. The geographic impact is likely focused on the areas where the Department of State operates, potentially including overseas missions given the 'JMEC SOUTH SUDAN' designation. Workforce implications could include the augmentation of government staff with specialized expertise or the provision of strategic guidance to existing teams.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the consulting services provided makes it difficult to assess the direct impact and effectiveness.
The long duration of the contract could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Performance metrics for the award fee component are not publicly detailed, hindering an assessment of contractor performance incentives.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a potentially robust selection process.
Fixed-price award fee structure can align contractor incentives with government objectives.
The contract duration suggests a sustained need and commitment to addressing specific departmental challenges.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management consulting. This sector is a significant component of federal spending, supporting various agencies in areas like strategic planning, operational efficiency, and program management. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing other large-scale management consulting contracts awarded by the Department of State or similar agencies, considering the scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that it was not awarded as a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans or performance related to small businesses. This suggests that the primary focus of the award was not on engaging small businesses directly, though they could potentially be involved as subcontractors if Amentum Services, Inc. utilizes them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of State. Accountability measures are embedded in the fixed-price award fee structure, which links payment to performance. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance details and deliverables are often proprietary. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Management and Administrative Support Contracts
Professional and Management Consulting Services
International Operations Support Contracts
Logistics and Support Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to long contract duration.
Lack of detailed performance metrics for award fee assessment.
Limited public information on specific consulting services provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $13.5 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. AF JMEC SOUTH SUDAN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-27. End: 2022-07-15.

What specific management consulting services were provided under this contract, and how did they align with the Department of State's mission in South Sudan?

The provided data categorizes the services under NAICS code 541618, 'Other Management Consulting Services,' and mentions 'AF JMEC SOUTH SUDAN,' suggesting a focus on support for the African Union Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission in South Sudan. However, the exact nature of the consulting services—whether strategic planning, operational efficiency improvements, program management support, or other specialized advice—is not detailed. These services would align with the Department of State's broader mission of advancing U.S. foreign policy interests, promoting stability, and supporting international partnerships, particularly in complex environments like South Sudan. A deeper analysis would require access to the contract's statement of work and performance reports to understand the specific objectives and outcomes achieved.

How does the total contract value of over $13.4 million compare to other similar management consulting contracts awarded by the Department of State?

Comparing the total contract value of $13.4 million requires context regarding the duration and scope of services. This contract spans approximately 3.6 years (1387 days). Large-scale management consulting contracts for federal agencies can range from hundreds of thousands to tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity, duration, and criticality of the services. For the Department of State, contracts supporting overseas operations or complex policy initiatives often involve significant financial commitments. Without specific benchmarks for comparable contracts focused on similar geographic regions or functional areas (e.g., international commission support), it's difficult to definitively state whether $13.4 million represents high, low, or average spending. However, it indicates a substantial investment in external expertise for a specific operational need.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with the 'award fee' component of this contract, and how were they measured?

The provided data indicates a 'FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE' contract type, meaning a portion of the payment is contingent upon the contractor meeting or exceeding certain performance standards. However, the specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to determine the award fee are not publicly disclosed in the summary data. Typically, these KPIs would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or performance work statement (PWS) and could include metrics related to timeliness of deliverables, quality of analysis, effectiveness of recommendations, adherence to budget, and overall client satisfaction. The contracting officer and designated government representatives would evaluate the contractor's performance against these KPIs to determine the amount of the award fee. Without access to these specific metrics, a thorough assessment of the value derived from the award fee structure is not possible.

What is the track record of Amentum Services, Inc. in performing similar management consulting contracts for the federal government?

Amentum Services, Inc. is a significant government contractor with a broad portfolio of services, including management and technical support. While this specific contract is for management consulting, Amentum's broader experience often encompasses logistics, engineering, environmental services, and base operations support for various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and Department of Energy. Assessing their track record specifically in management consulting requires reviewing past performance evaluations and contract histories related to similar service types and complexities. Publicly available data often provides contract award history but may not detail the quality of performance unless specific issues or outstanding performance were highlighted. A comprehensive review would involve examining past performance questionnaires (PPQs) or other formal performance assessments if available.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration contract (1387 days) for management consulting services?

Long-duration contracts, such as this 1387-day award, present several potential risks. Firstly, there's the risk of 'scope creep,' where the requirements may evolve significantly over time, potentially leading to cost overruns if not managed through contract modifications. Secondly, a prolonged engagement can lead to 'vendor lock-in,' making it difficult and costly to switch providers even if performance becomes unsatisfactory or market alternatives improve. Thirdly, the relevance of initial strategic advice may diminish over an extended period due to changing geopolitical landscapes or organizational priorities. Finally, maintaining consistent quality and engagement from the contractor's team over several years can be challenging. Effective contract management, including regular reviews, clear communication, and flexibility for adjustments, is crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the designation 'AF JMEC SOUTH SUDAN' influence the interpretation of this contract's purpose and scope?

The designation 'AF JMEC SOUTH SUDAN' strongly suggests that this contract is directly related to supporting the African Union's Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) in South Sudan. JMEC was established to oversee the implementation of South Sudan's peace agreement. Therefore, the management consulting services likely pertain to supporting the operational, logistical, strategic, or administrative functions of JMEC, potentially involving tasks such as facilitating meetings, managing information flow, advising on implementation strategies, or providing technical expertise to support the peace process. This context implies a high-stakes, complex, and potentially sensitive operational environment, influencing the criticality and nature of the consulting services required.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other 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: 19AQMM18R0283

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIXED PRICE AWARD FEE (M)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 20501 SENECA MEADOWS PKWY STE 300, GERMANTOWN, MD, 20876

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,651,738

Exercised Options: $14,390,822

Current Obligation: $13,474,395

Actual Outlays: $3,048,904

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $129,301

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA17D0082

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline