State Dept. Awards $12.3M Contract for Somalia Security Sector Oversight to Crisis Response Co

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,269,249 ($12.3M)

Contractor: Crisis Response CO LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2021-04-06

End Date: 2026-04-05

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: SUPPORT PROGRAM OVERSIGHT AND END-USER MONITORING FOR US FOREIGN ASSISTANCE SUPPORT TO SOMALIA SECURITY SECTOR.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $12.3 million to CRISIS RESPONSE CO LLC for work described as: SUPPORT PROGRAM OVERSIGHT AND END-USER MONITORING FOR US FOREIGN ASSISTANCE SUPPORT TO SOMALIA SECURITY SECTOR. Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical support for US foreign assistance in Somalia's security sector. 2. Crisis Response Co. LLC, a single awardee, will provide program oversight and monitoring. 3. The contract's value is substantial, indicating significant investment in the region's stability. 4. Competition method is 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources', suggesting a specific justification for limited initial bidding.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $12.3 million over five years for specialized management consulting services appears reasonable given the complex and sensitive nature of supporting foreign security assistance. Benchmarking against similar contracts for program oversight in conflict zones would provide a clearer picture of cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. This suggests that while the initial award might have been limited, the process aimed for broader competition before potentially excluding certain sources. The specific reasons for exclusion and their impact on price discovery require further investigation.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized to enhance the effectiveness and oversight of US foreign assistance, aiming to improve security outcomes in Somalia. The ultimate impact depends on the successful execution of the program.

Public Impact

Enhances accountability for US foreign aid in a high-risk region. Aims to improve the effectiveness of security sector support in Somalia. Supports US foreign policy objectives related to stability and counter-terrorism. Potential for long-term impact on regional security dynamics.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition justification needs scrutiny.
Geopolitical risks in Somalia could impact contract performance.
Measuring the direct impact of oversight services is challenging.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for program oversight.
Long-term contract duration allows for sustained support.
Focus on security sector reform is strategically important.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Other Management Consulting Services, specifically focusing on program oversight and end-user monitoring for foreign assistance. Spending in this category can vary widely based on geopolitical priorities and the complexity of the supported programs. The benchmark for similar contracts in volatile regions is difficult to establish due to unique contextual factors.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Crisis Response Co. LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business in this snippet. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was considered or achieved through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of State is responsible for overseeing this contract. The contract's objective of program oversight and end-user monitoring inherently includes accountability mechanisms. However, the effectiveness of this oversight relies heavily on the contractor's performance and the agency's diligence in monitoring the contractor.

Related Government Programs

Other Management Consulting Services
Department of State Contracting
Department of State Programs

Risk Flags

Geopolitical instability in Somalia.
Potential for aid diversion or misuse.
Difficulty in verifying end-user compliance.
Contractor performance risk in a challenging environment.
Limited initial competition may impact price discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $12.3 million to CRISIS RESPONSE CO LLC. SUPPORT PROGRAM OVERSIGHT AND END-USER MONITORING FOR US FOREIGN ASSISTANCE SUPPORT TO SOMALIA SECURITY SECTOR.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CRISIS RESPONSE CO LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-04-06. End: 2026-04-05.

What specific criteria led to the exclusion of other sources in the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' award method, and how did this impact the final price?

The justification for excluding sources under this method typically involves specific technical requirements, unique capabilities, or urgent needs that only certain contractors can meet. Understanding these criteria is crucial to assess if the exclusion was warranted and if it potentially limited price competition, possibly leading to a higher cost than a truly open market scenario. Further documentation from the agency is needed.

How will the effectiveness of the 'support program oversight and end-user monitoring' be measured, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure value for taxpayer money?

Measuring the effectiveness of oversight and monitoring services is inherently challenging. Key performance indicators should focus on the contractor's ability to identify risks, ensure compliance with program goals, provide timely and accurate reporting, and contribute to the overall success of the US foreign assistance program in Somalia. The contract should detail specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) KPIs.

What are the primary risks associated with providing end-user monitoring for US foreign assistance in Somalia's security sector, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks include the volatile security environment in Somalia, potential for diversion of assistance, corruption, and challenges in accessing end-users for monitoring. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust vetting of personnel, secure communication channels, regular site visits (where feasible), data verification processes, and close coordination with US embassy staff and Somali security agencies.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 121 RIVER OAKS DR, SOUTHLAKE, TX, 76092

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,541,322

Exercised Options: $13,579,222

Current Obligation: $12,269,249

Actual Outlays: $4,926,803

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: PRODUCTS OR SERVICES PURSUANT TO FAR 12.102(F)

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA17D0054

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline