State Department awards $21.8M contract for election observers and seconded personnel to Amentum Services, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,825,417 ($21.8M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2023-05-20

End Date: 2026-05-20

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: U.S. SECONDED PERSONNEL AND ELECTION OBSERVERS (US-SPEO)

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $21.8 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: U.S. SECONDED PERSONNEL AND ELECTION OBSERVERS (US-SPEO) Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in international election support and diplomatic personnel. 2. Amentum Services, Inc. has a substantial presence in government contracting, suggesting established capabilities. 3. The contract duration of nearly three years indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The 'Engineering Services' NAICS code may not fully capture the scope of election observation and personnel support. 5. Performance will be critical to ensuring effective U.S. engagement in international electoral processes.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $21.8 million over three years for seconded personnel and election observers appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for international technical assistance and election monitoring is challenging due to the unique combination of requirements. However, the pricing structure, likely involving labor rates and direct costs, will be a key factor in determining overall value for money. Without detailed cost breakdowns, a definitive assessment of cost-effectiveness is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The fact that it was competed suggests a healthy market for these specialized services. The number of bidders and the specific evaluation criteria would provide further insight into the intensity of the competition and its potential impact on pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and better service quality.

Public Impact

U.S. diplomatic missions and international organizations benefit from the provision of specialized personnel. The contract supports U.S. efforts to promote democratic processes and stability through election observation. Geographic impact is global, focusing on countries undergoing electoral processes. Workforce implications include the deployment of skilled professionals in international affairs and technical fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The NAICS code 'Engineering Services' may not accurately reflect the full scope of services required for election observation and seconded personnel, potentially impacting performance metrics and oversight.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's past performance or potential future effectiveness.
The 'Time and Materials' contract type can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully, requiring robust oversight.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process that could lead to better value.
The contract is awarded to Amentum Services, Inc., a large and established government contractor with experience in various service areas.
The contract duration of nearly three years indicates a stable, long-term requirement, allowing for consistent support to U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to government support services. This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized expertise, from engineering to international development. Spending in this area is often driven by foreign policy objectives, diplomatic needs, and the promotion of democratic institutions globally. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve contracts for international technical assistance, program management, and election support services provided to various government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and the impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Amentum Services, Inc. engages small businesses as subcontractors for specialized support.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the U.S. Department of State, which awarded the contract. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract terms and conditions, likely including performance standards, reporting requirements, and payment schedules. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed oversight reports or inspector general findings would provide a deeper assessment of accountability.

Related Government Programs

International Election Support Programs
Diplomatic Personnel Support
Foreign Assistance Programs
Technical Assistance Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
NAICS code mismatch may indicate scope definition challenges.
Geopolitical risks in deployment areas.
Dependence on host government cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $21.8 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. U.S. SECONDED PERSONNEL AND ELECTION OBSERVERS (US-SPEO)

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 $21.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-20. End: 2026-05-20.

What is the historical spending pattern for U.S. seconded personnel and election observers?

Historical spending on U.S. seconded personnel and election observers can vary significantly year-to-year, influenced by global political events, U.S. foreign policy priorities, and the number of countries undergoing electoral processes. While specific aggregate data for this combined category is not readily available, the Department of State and USAID consistently allocate funds towards international programs that involve election observation and the deployment of expert personnel. These expenditures are often part of broader democracy and governance initiatives. For instance, in fiscal years prior to this award, similar efforts might have been funded through various mechanisms, including direct contracts, interagency agreements, or contributions to international organizations. Analyzing trends would require examining budget allocations for programs related to democracy promotion, international security, and diplomatic support over several fiscal cycles.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar contracts for election observation services?

Comparing the $21.8 million award to similar contracts for election observation services requires identifying contracts with comparable scope, duration, and geographic reach. Contracts for election observation can range widely in value, from small, localized missions to large-scale, multi-year international efforts. Factors influencing cost include the number of observers deployed, the complexity of the electoral process, the duration of the mission, and the level of technical expertise required. For example, a contract supporting a single, short-term observation mission in a stable environment might cost a few hundred thousand dollars, while a comprehensive, long-term engagement in a challenging political climate could run into tens of millions. Without more specific details on the services provided under this Amentum contract, a precise comparison is difficult, but the $21.8 million suggests a significant and potentially broad-scope engagement.

What is Amentum Services, Inc.'s track record with the Department of State?

Amentum Services, Inc. has a significant track record of contracting with the U.S. Department of State, as well as other federal agencies. Their portfolio often includes a wide array of services, such as base operations support, logistics, facilities management, and technical services, often in complex overseas environments. The Department of State, in particular, relies on contractors for various support functions critical to its diplomatic missions. A review of federal procurement data would reveal the extent and nature of their past awards from the State Department. While this specific contract focuses on election observers and seconded personnel, Amentum's broader experience in providing services to government agencies, including the State Department, suggests they possess the organizational capacity and security clearances necessary for such work.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract?

Potential risks associated with this contract include geopolitical instability in the regions where election observers are deployed, which could endanger personnel and disrupt observation efforts. There's also a risk of political interference or lack of cooperation from host governments, hindering the effectiveness of observation missions. Furthermore, the 'Time and Materials' contract type carries a risk of cost escalation if not meticulously managed and overseen by the government. Contractor performance issues, such as failure to deploy qualified personnel or meet reporting deadlines, could also pose a risk to the program's objectives. Finally, the broad nature of 'Engineering Services' under the NAICS code might indicate a potential mismatch with the actual services, leading to challenges in performance evaluation and oversight.

How effective are U.S.-funded election observation missions generally?

U.S.-funded election observation missions are generally considered effective tools for promoting democratic principles and enhancing the credibility of electoral processes. By providing independent assessments of election conduct, these missions can deter fraud, identify irregularities, and offer recommendations for improving future elections. Their presence often increases public confidence in the legitimacy of the results. The effectiveness, however, is contingent upon several factors: the mission's mandate, the resources allocated, the expertise of the observers, the cooperation of electoral authorities and political actors in the host country, and the follow-up on recommendations. While U.S. missions aim for impartiality and objectivity, their perceived bias by certain political factions can sometimes limit their impact. Overall, they serve as a crucial component of U.S. foreign policy aimed at supporting democratic transitions and stability.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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: 19AQMM23R0075

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: PAE Government Services Inc.

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $39,234,371

Exercised Options: $23,627,011

Current Obligation: $21,825,417

Actual Outlays: $1,624,849

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU140

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline