State Department awards $18.9M contract for ILEA program support in New Mexico

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,917,241 ($18.9M)

Contractor: Alutiiq Information Management, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2022-12-27

End Date: 2025-12-26

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES AT THE ILEA FACILITY IN ROSWELL, NM.

Place of Performance

Location: ROSWELL, CHAVES County, NEW MEXICO, 88203

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $18.9 million to ALUTIIQ INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, LLC for work described as: REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES AT THE ILEA FACILITY IN ROSWELL, NM. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential administrative and management consulting services for a key facility. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about potential cost savings through competition. 3. Long-term contract duration suggests a sustained need for these support services. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. Geographic concentration in New Mexico may have local economic implications. 6. Contractor's performance history and specific value-for-money metrics require further examination.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $18.9 million over three years for administrative management and general management consulting services appears within a reasonable range for specialized program support. However, without specific details on the scope of services and comparable contract data for similar ILEA facility support, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging. The fixed-price structure is generally favorable for cost control, but the absence of competition limits the ability to benchmark pricing against market alternatives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not openly competed. This approach is typically used when only one responsible source is available or authorized by statute. The lack of competition means that the government did not benefit from a bidding process that could have potentially driven down prices or spurred innovation from multiple vendors. The rationale for the sole-source award needs to be clearly documented to ensure it was justified.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may have paid a higher price than if the contract had been competed. The absence of competitive pressure means there was less incentive for the contractor to offer the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the programs supported by the ILEA facility in Roswell, New Mexico, ensuring operational continuity. Services delivered include administrative management and general management consulting, crucial for program execution. The geographic impact is concentrated in Roswell, New Mexico, potentially supporting local employment and businesses. Workforce implications may include the direct employment of personnel by Alutiiq Information Management, LLC, and potential indirect support to the local economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
Lack of detailed service scope makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
Long contract duration without clear performance benchmarks could lead to complacency.
Geographic concentration might limit broader access to specialized support services.

Positive Signals

Fixed-price contract shifts risk to the contractor, encouraging efficient service delivery.
Contractor is likely experienced in providing support services to government facilities.
Award ensures continuity of essential program support at a critical facility.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. This sector is vital for supporting government operations across various agencies. The market for such services is competitive, but specific niche requirements, like those for specialized facilities such as ILEAs, can sometimes lead to limited competition or sole-source awards. Benchmarking would typically involve comparing rates and service packages for similar government support contracts.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Alutiiq Information Management, LLC, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. Furthermore, the data shows 'sb' as false, suggesting no specific small business subcontracting goals were mandated for this particular award. This means the primary contractor will likely handle the majority of the work, with limited direct benefit to the small business ecosystem unless subcontracting occurs organically.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency could be enhanced by making the justification for the sole-source award publicly available and by reporting on performance metrics.

Related Government Programs

ILEA Program Support
Department of State Administrative Services
Management Consulting Services
Federal Facility Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award lacks competitive justification.
Limited transparency on specific service deliverables and performance metrics.
Potential for higher costs due to absence of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $18.9 million to ALUTIIQ INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, LLC. REQUIREMENT FOR PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES AT THE ILEA FACILITY IN ROSWELL, NM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALUTIIQ INFORMATION MANAGEMENT, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-12-27. End: 2025-12-26.

What is the specific justification for this contract being awarded on a sole-source basis?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which is synonymous with a sole-source award. The specific justification for this determination is not detailed in the provided data. Typically, sole-source awards are made when only one responsible source is available, or when a compelling urgency, national security interest, or specific statutory authority dictates such an award. Without further documentation from the Department of State, the precise reason for bypassing the competitive bidding process remains unknown. This lack of transparency can raise concerns about whether the government secured the best possible value.

How does the contract value compare to similar program support services at other government facilities?

Comparing the $18.9 million contract value for three years of program support at the ILEA facility in Roswell, NM, to similar contracts is challenging without more granular data. The 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' NAICS code (541611) covers a broad range of activities. To make a meaningful comparison, one would need to identify contracts with similar scopes of work, facility types (e.g., training centers, specialized operational sites), geographic locations, and contract durations. The sole-source nature of this award also complicates direct benchmarking, as competitive bids often establish clearer market price points. A detailed analysis would require access to a broader database of federal contracts and a specific definition of 'program support services' in this context.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance standards for this contract?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) or performance standards for this contract. However, as it is a firm-fixed-price contract for administrative management and general management consulting services, the contractor, Alutiiq Information Management, LLC, is expected to deliver the defined services to a satisfactory level. Performance would likely be assessed based on factors such as timeliness of administrative support, accuracy of management consulting advice, adherence to program objectives, and overall contribution to the effective operation of the ILEA facility. The Department of State's contracting officer and program managers are responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with the contract's terms and conditions.

What is Alutiiq Information Management, LLC's track record with similar government contracts?

Alutiiq Information Management, LLC has a history of performing government contracts, particularly within the defense and federal sectors. While the provided data does not detail their specific performance on contracts identical to this one, their presence as a contractor suggests they possess the necessary capabilities and experience. A thorough assessment of their track record would involve reviewing past performance evaluations, any documented disputes or contract terminations, and their success in delivering similar administrative and management support services to federal agencies. Their ability to secure this sole-source award may also indicate a pre-existing relationship or specialized expertise valued by the Department of State.

What is the historical spending trend for program support services at the ILEA facility in Roswell, NM?

The provided data pertains to a single delivery order awarded in December 2022, with a duration extending to December 2025. It does not offer historical spending data for program support services at the ILEA facility in Roswell, NM, prior to this award. To understand historical spending trends, one would need to access contract databases for previous awards related to this facility or similar functions. Analyzing past spending would reveal whether this $18.9 million contract represents an increase, decrease, or consistent level of investment in program support services over time, and whether previous contracts were competed or sole-sourced.

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) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: SAQMMA17R0455

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 ALIMAQ DR, KODIAK, AK, 99615

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,086,806

Exercised Options: $21,086,806

Current Obligation: $18,917,241

Actual Outlays: $740,019

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 125

Total Subaward Amount: $45,728,357

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM18D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline