State Department awards $3.5M contract for professional and security labor support to Tatitlek Government Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,505,870 ($3.5M)

Contractor: Tatitlek Government Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-07-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DS PROFESSIONAL AND SECURITY LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99503

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $3.5 million to TATITLEK GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: DS PROFESSIONAL AND SECURITY LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $3.5M over two years suggests a moderate investment in specialized support services. 2. Sole-source award indicates a lack of competitive bidding, potentially impacting price efficiency. 3. The contract's duration of 729 days allows for sustained service delivery but limits flexibility. 4. Focus on security labor support highlights critical needs within the Department of State's operations. 5. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to control costs, but requires careful scope management. 6. Performance is located in Alaska, suggesting a specific geographic operational requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.5 million over two years for professional and security labor support is moderate. Without comparable contract data or detailed scope of work, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the sole-source nature of the award raises concerns about potential overpayment compared to a competitive environment. The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government, assuming the scope is well-defined and managed effectively.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was solicited. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process, which typically yields multiple proposals and allows for price negotiation. The lack of competition means the government did not explore alternative solutions or pricing from other qualified contractors, potentially leading to a less favorable price.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible value due to the absence of competitive pressure to drive down costs. This award method limits transparency in pricing and could result in higher expenditures than if multiple bids were considered.

Public Impact

The Department of State benefits from specialized professional and security labor support services. Services are delivered to support the operational needs of the State Department. The geographic impact is concentrated in Alaska, indicating a specific regional requirement. Workforce implications include the potential for direct or indirect employment by Tatitlek Government Services in Alaska.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits price discovery and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
Lack of competition may reduce incentives for the contractor to optimize service delivery efficiency.
Firm-fixed-price contracts can lead to cost overruns if the scope of work is not precisely defined or managed.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration allows for sustained support, ensuring continuity of operations.
Award to a specific company suggests alignment with existing needs or capabilities.

Sector Analysis

The professional and technical services sector encompasses a wide range of consulting, support, and specialized labor. This contract falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690), a broad category. Government spending in this area is substantial, supporting various agencies' missions. Benchmarks for similar labor support contracts vary widely based on skill sets, duration, and location, but a $3.5 million award over two years for specialized support is within a typical range for moderate-sized engagements.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Tatitlek Government Services, LLC, a single entity, does not appear to directly benefit the small business ecosystem through set-asides or mandated subcontracting. Further analysis would be needed to determine if Tatitlek Government Services itself is a small business or if it utilizes small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of State. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (implied by 'AW' for Delivery Order), oversight might also be influenced by the terms of the base contract. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's performance work statement and monitored through regular performance reviews and payment processes. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Professional Services Contracts
Federal Security Labor Support
Government Consulting Services
Alaska Federal Contracts

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
Potential for higher costs
Limited transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $3.5 million to TATITLEK GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC. DS PROFESSIONAL AND SECURITY LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TATITLEK GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the track record of Tatitlek Government Services, LLC with the Department of State or similar agencies?

Information regarding Tatitlek Government Services, LLC's specific track record with the Department of State or similar agencies is not provided in the data. To assess their performance history, one would typically review past contract awards, performance evaluations (such as Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any documented issues or successes. A lack of readily available public performance data for this specific award necessitates further investigation into the company's history to gauge reliability and past performance quality. Without this context, it is difficult to assess the risk associated with awarding this contract solely to them.

How does the $3.5 million contract value compare to similar professional and security labor support contracts?

The $3.5 million contract value over two years for professional and security labor support is considered moderate. Benchmarking requires comparing it to contracts with similar scopes of work, required skill sets, and geographic locations. For instance, contracts for general administrative support might be lower, while those requiring highly specialized security clearances or technical expertise could be higher. The firm-fixed-price structure aims to cap costs, but the absence of competition makes direct value comparison challenging. Without specific data on comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent or questionable value, but the sole-source nature suggests potential for higher costs than a competitive bid.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source award for these services?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source award for professional and security labor support services include: 1. **Higher Costs:** Without competition, the contractor may not be incentivized to offer the lowest possible price, potentially leading to overspending. 2. **Limited Innovation:** The government misses out on potentially innovative solutions or service delivery methods that other vendors might offer. 3. **Reduced Accountability:** While performance is still monitored, the lack of competitive pressure can sometimes lessen the urgency for a contractor to exceed expectations. 4. **Potential for Complacency:** The incumbent contractor may become complacent, assuming future awards without needing to continuously prove their value. These risks highlight the importance of robust justification for sole-source awards and diligent contract management.

What is the expected effectiveness of these services given the contract's structure?

The expected effectiveness of these services hinges on several factors. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty, which is effective for budget management. The two-year duration allows for consistent service delivery, ensuring operational continuity. However, the sole-source nature introduces a risk to overall effectiveness if the chosen contractor is not the most capable or cost-efficient provider. The effectiveness will largely depend on the clarity of the performance work statement, the contractor's ability to meet those requirements, and the Department of State's oversight in monitoring performance and addressing any deficiencies. Without competition, the government relies heavily on the contractor's inherent capability and the effectiveness of its own internal management processes.

How has federal spending in 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) trended historically?

Federal spending in the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category (NAICS 541690) has generally shown a consistent upward trend over the past decade, reflecting the government's increasing reliance on specialized external expertise across various agencies. This category is broad and encompasses a wide array of services, from environmental consulting to management and financial consulting, and technical support. Factors driving this trend include evolving technological landscapes, complex regulatory environments, and the need for specialized skills that may not be available in-house. While specific year-over-year fluctuations occur, the overall trajectory indicates sustained demand for these types of services, making it a significant area of federal procurement.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 19AQMM24R0024

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 561 E 36TH AVE STE 400, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,142,395

Exercised Options: $15,142,395

Current Obligation: $3,505,870

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM24D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline