State Department awards $3.5M for hotel lodging, supporting agent protection services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,535,057 ($3.5M)

Contractor: C W Worldwide Meetings Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-08-15

End Date: 2026-08-14

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HOTEL LODGING SERVICES - SUPPORTING DS/P/DP- DS AGENTS PROTECTIONG S

Place of Performance

Location: CLIFTON PARK, SARATOGA County, NEW YORK, 12065

State: New York Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $3.5 million to C W WORLDWIDE MEETINGS INC for work described as: HOTEL LODGING SERVICES - SUPPORTING DS/P/DP- DS AGENTS PROTECTIONG S Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized lodging and support services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Potential risks include service disruptions or quality variations. 4. Performance context is critical for ensuring agent safety and mission success. 5. This contract aligns with the State Department's mission support functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $3.5 million for hotel lodging and support services over two years appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized government contracts. Benchmarking against similar contracts for protective services or extended-stay lodging for government personnel would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs, but the ultimate value will depend on the quality and reliability of the services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. While the specific number of bidders is not provided, this procurement method generally fosters a competitive environment, which should lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The exclusion of sources clause might suggest specific requirements that narrowed the field, but the 'full and open' aspect is positive for competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging providers to offer the best possible services at a fair price.

Public Impact

Department of State agents and personnel requiring secure lodging. Provision of safe and reliable hotel accommodations. Services are geographically focused on New York (ST: NY, SN: NEW YORK). Supports the operational readiness and safety of diplomatic and protection personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for price increases in future contract renewals.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical lodging needs.
Ensuring consistent service quality across all lodging arrangements.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Full and open competition promotes market-driven pricing.
Contract duration provides stability for service provision.

Sector Analysis

The travel agency and lodging sector is a significant part of the broader services industry. Government contracts for lodging, especially those supporting sensitive operations like agent protection, are a niche within this market. The contract value of $3.5 million is moderate for a two-year service contract of this nature. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other government contracts for similar protective services or extended-stay accommodations in major metropolitan areas.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions for this contract, nor does it specify subcontracting goals. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. However, the primary contractor, C W WORLDWIDE MEETINGS INC, may engage small businesses for ancillary services, which would be detailed in their subcontracting plan if applicable.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though specific operational details of agent protection lodging may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Travel Services
Protective Services Contracts
Government Lodging Programs
Diplomatic Security Services

Risk Flags

Potential security vulnerabilities in lodging facilities.
Dependence on contractor's ability to maintain service quality.
Geographic concentration of services in a single state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $3.5 million to C W WORLDWIDE MEETINGS INC. HOTEL LODGING SERVICES - SUPPORTING DS/P/DP- DS AGENTS PROTECTIONG S

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is C W WORLDWIDE MEETINGS INC.

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: 2024-08-15. End: 2026-08-14.

What is the track record of C W WORLDWIDE MEETINGS INC in providing similar government lodging services, particularly those involving protective details?

Assessing the track record of C W WORLDWIDE MEETINGS INC is crucial for understanding their capability to fulfill the requirements of this contract. Information regarding their past performance on similar government contracts, especially those for the Department of State or other agencies requiring secure and reliable lodging for personnel, would be highly valuable. This includes examining past performance reviews, any history of contract disputes or terminations, and their experience with the specific geographic area (New York) and the nature of the services (supporting DS/P/DP-DS Agents Protection). A review of their financial stability and operational capacity would also contribute to a comprehensive assessment of their reliability.

How does the awarded price of $3.5 million compare to market rates for comparable hotel lodging and support services in New York?

To benchmark the value for money, the awarded price of $3.5 million needs to be compared against prevailing market rates for similar hotel lodging and support services in New York. This comparison should consider the duration of the contract (two years), the specific types of services required (beyond standard lodging, potentially including security-related support), and the volume of services anticipated. Factors such as the specific hotel locations, room types, amenities, and any negotiated discounts for government use would influence the per-unit cost. Without detailed market analysis or access to comparable contract data, it's challenging to definitively state if this price represents excellent value, but the firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract, and how will they be monitored?

The effectiveness and value of this contract are intrinsically linked to its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs). These metrics would likely include standards for room availability, quality of accommodation, response times for service requests, security protocols, and potentially agent satisfaction. Monitoring these KPIs and SLAs is essential for ensuring the contractor, C W WORLDWIDE MEETINGS INC, meets the Department of State's requirements for agent safety and operational support. The contract should outline the methods for performance monitoring, reporting frequencies, and remedies for non-compliance, likely managed by a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

What is the historical spending pattern for hotel lodging and support services by the Department of State, particularly in New York?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar services by the Department of State in New York can provide context for the current $3.5 million award. Understanding whether this amount represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of expenditure compared to previous years or similar contracts is important. This historical data can reveal trends in pricing, contractor performance, and the overall demand for such services. It also helps in identifying any significant shifts in procurement strategies or service needs that might have influenced the current contract's scope and value.

What specific risks are associated with providing lodging for protective services agents, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Providing lodging for protective services agents carries specific risks, including potential security breaches, compromised agent safety, and disruptions to critical operations. Risks could stem from the physical security of the hotel, the vetting of hotel staff, the proximity to potential threats, and the need for discretion. Mitigation strategies likely involve stringent security requirements for the chosen lodging facilities, background checks for personnel with access, secure communication protocols, and contingency plans for relocation or enhanced security measures. The contract's terms should detail these security provisions and the Department of State's role in overseeing their implementation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services › Travel Agencies

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1023 ROUTE 146, CLIFTON PARK, NY, 12065

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,535,057

Exercised Options: $3,535,057

Current Obligation: $3,535,057

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM24D0052

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline