DoD's Army National Guard contract for funeral honors and survivor outreach awarded to Management Support Technology, Inc. for over $30.9M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $30,903,935 ($30.9M)

Contractor: Management Support Technology, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-02-06

End Date: 2020-10-15

Contract Duration: 982 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS AND SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.9 million to MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED for work described as: MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS AND SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Key points: 1. Contract value of $30.9M over approximately 3 years indicates a significant investment in support services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability for the government. 4. Performance period of nearly 3 years allows for sustained service delivery. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541612 points to human resources consulting services, which may encompass the administrative and logistical aspects of the support provided. 6. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific details on the scope of 'funeral honors and survivor outreach services.' However, a $30.9 million award over roughly three years suggests a substantial program. The firm fixed-price contract type is generally favorable for cost control. Further analysis would require comparing the per-service cost or the overall program cost against similar contracts for military funeral honors and survivor support, if available, to assess true value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This typically leads to a more robust selection of qualified contractors and potentially better pricing due to market forces. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition suggests a healthy level of interest and a competitive environment for this type of service.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve service quality through innovation and efficiency.

Public Impact

Provides essential support services to families of deceased service members, offering dignity and respect during difficult times. Ensures the proper execution of military funeral honors ceremonies. Offers outreach and assistance to survivors, helping them navigate benefits and resources. Supports the morale and well-being of the Army National Guard personnel and their families. The services are likely delivered across various locations where Army National Guard members are based or where funerals are conducted.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if 'survivor outreach' is broadly interpreted.
Dependence on a single contractor for sensitive support services.
Ensuring consistent quality of service across diverse locations and circumstances.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process.
Firm fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty.
Contract duration allows for stable service provision.
Focus on critical support for military families.

Sector Analysis

The defense support services sector encompasses a wide range of activities, from logistics and maintenance to personnel support and administrative services. Contracts like this, focusing on personnel and family support, are crucial for maintaining military readiness and morale. The market for such services is often characterized by specialized providers and government-specific requirements. Benchmarking would involve comparing the cost and scope of this contract to other DoD contracts for similar support functions, which can vary significantly based on geographic reach and specific service offerings.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on small businesses would be through potential subcontracting opportunities if Management Support Technology, Inc. chooses to engage them. Without specific subcontracting plans or goals outlined in the award, it's difficult to assess the direct impact on the small business ecosystem. However, the absence of set-asides means larger prime contractors are eligible, which is typical for contracts of this scale and nature.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of the Army, specifically the contracting officer and program managers responsible for the Army National Guard's personnel and family support. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise concerning the contract's execution.

Related Government Programs

Military Funeral Honors Program
Survivor Benefit Plan Administration
Department of Defense Family Support Programs
Army National Guard Personnel Services

Risk Flags

Potential for undefined scope in 'survivor outreach services'.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Limited insight into contractor's past performance on similar sensitive contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.9 million to MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED. MILITARY FUNERAL HONORS AND SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TECHNOLOGY, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-02-06. End: 2020-10-15.

What is the specific scope of 'survivor outreach services' covered under this contract, and how is it measured?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of 'survivor outreach services.' Typically, these services can range from providing information on benefits (like the Survivor Benefit Plan, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation), offering counseling, assisting with administrative processes, and connecting survivors with support networks. Measurement of success would likely involve metrics such as the number of families contacted, satisfaction surveys from survivors, and the timely provision of requested information or assistance. Without the contract's SOW (Statement of Work), a precise definition and measurement criteria remain unknown, making it difficult to fully assess performance.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar funeral honors and survivor support contracts awarded by other branches of the military or DoD components?

Direct comparison of this $30.9 million contract for Management Support Technology, Inc. to similar contracts across the DoD is challenging without access to detailed scope and service level agreements of those other contracts. Funeral honors and survivor outreach can vary significantly in their components, geographic coverage, and the level of support provided. For instance, a contract focused solely on ceremonial honors might be less expensive than one that includes extensive case management and long-term survivor support. To perform a robust comparison, one would need to identify contracts with comparable service offerings, contract duration, and geographic scope, and then analyze their total value and per-unit costs (e.g., cost per ceremony, cost per survivor case managed).

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the performance of Management Support Technology, Inc. under this contract?

The provided contract data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate Management Support Technology, Inc. However, for a contract involving military funeral honors and survivor outreach, typical KPIs would likely include: timeliness of response to requests for honors, adherence to military protocols for ceremonies, survivor satisfaction rates (measured through surveys), accuracy and completeness of information provided to survivors, and effective coordination with military installations and funeral homes. The contracting officer and program managers would monitor these KPIs to ensure the contractor meets the performance standards outlined in the contract's Statement of Work.

What is the historical spending pattern for military funeral honors and survivor outreach services by the Army National Guard or the Department of Defense?

Historical spending data for military funeral honors and survivor outreach services by the Army National Guard or the broader Department of Defense is not directly available in the provided snippet. However, such services are a consistent requirement across all military branches due to the nature of military service. Spending in this area is generally driven by the number of service member deaths and the scope of services provided. Over time, costs can fluctuate based on inflation, changes in service requirements, and the competitive landscape for service providers. To understand historical patterns, one would need to analyze multi-year spending data from relevant DoD budget documents or contract databases.

What is the track record of Management Support Technology, Inc. in performing similar government contracts, particularly those involving sensitive support services?

The provided data identifies Management Support Technology, Inc. as the contractor but does not offer details on their specific track record with this or other government contracts. To assess their performance history, one would need to consult government contract databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any reported issues or successes. For sensitive support services like funeral honors and survivor outreach, a contractor's experience with similar populations, their demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, and their capacity for logistical coordination are critical factors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Human Resources Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11320 RANDOM HILLS RD STE 200, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, 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: $43,614,700

Exercised Options: $30,903,935

Current Obligation: $30,903,935

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W91WAW11D0034

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline