Commerce awarded Amentum $13.15M for USPTO facilities management and end-user support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $13,152,393 ($13.2M)
Contractor: Amentum National Security Programs, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2003-02-01
End Date: 2009-06-30
Contract Duration: 2,341 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: IT
Official Description: ADVANCED PROBLEM RESOLUTION FOR FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND END USER SUPPORT CONTRACT.
Place of Performance
Location: ALEXANDRIA, ALEXANDRIA (CITY) County, VIRGINIA, 22314
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $13.2 million to AMENTUM NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS, INC for work described as: ADVANCED PROBLEM RESOLUTION FOR FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND END USER SUPPORT CONTRACT. Key points: 1. Contract value of $13.15M over 6.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. 2. Full and open competition indicates a potentially competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of over 6 years may present risks related to evolving technology and needs. 4. Focus on facilities management and end-user support points to essential operational services. 5. Awarded to Amentum National Security Programs, Inc., a known entity in government contracting. 6. The contract was awarded under the VA (Veterans Affairs) schedule, which can streamline procurement.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total award of $13.15M over approximately 6.5 years averages to about $2.02M annually. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for facilities management and end-user support at federal agencies of similar size and scope would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the duration and the nature of the services, the pricing appears within a reasonable range, assuming performance met expectations. The contract type (Labor Hours) allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure efficient use of labor.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This approach is generally favored for maximizing competition and achieving competitive pricing. The number of bidders (11) indicates a healthy level of interest, which typically leads to better price discovery and a wider range of technical solutions.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process like this one is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs and encourages contractors to offer their best value propositions.
Public Impact
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) benefits from uninterrupted facilities management and end-user support, ensuring smooth operations. Federal employees at the USPTO receive reliable IT and facility services, enabling them to perform their duties effectively. The contract supports jobs within the IT services and facilities management sectors. Operations are primarily concentrated in Virginia, where the USPTO has a significant presence.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (over 6 years) could lead to technology obsolescence or misalignment with evolving USPTO needs.
- Reliance on Labor Hours contract type necessitates robust oversight to prevent cost overruns and ensure efficient service delivery.
- Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed throughout the contract lifecycle.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition suggests a competitive environment that should yield fair pricing.
- Award to an established contractor (Amentum) implies a degree of confidence in their capability to perform.
- The contract supports critical operational functions for a key government agency (USPTO).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology and Professional Services sector, specifically focusing on Computer Facilities Management Services. The market for these services is substantial within the federal government, as agencies rely heavily on robust IT infrastructure and support to function. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large federal facilities management and IT support contracts, particularly those awarded to agencies with similar operational footprints to the USPTO. The annual spend of approximately $2.02M is moderate for such comprehensive services.
Small Business Impact
This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through this specific award is likely minimal unless Amentum engages in subcontracting opportunities. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that the primary focus was on obtaining the best overall value from the entire market, rather than specifically targeting small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the contracting officers and program managers within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. As a contract awarded under the VA schedule, it likely adheres to specific oversight protocols associated with that procurement vehicle. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General for the Department of Commerce would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.
Related Government Programs
- USPTO IT Infrastructure Support
- Federal Facilities Management Services
- GSA Schedule IT Contracts
- Department of Commerce IT Services
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration
- Labor Hours contract type
- Potential for scope creep
Tags
it-services, facilities-management, department-of-commerce, uspto, labor-hours, full-and-open-competition, va-schedule, virginia, medium-value, professional-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $13.2 million to AMENTUM NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS, INC. ADVANCED PROBLEM RESOLUTION FOR FACILITIES MANAGEMENT AND END USER SUPPORT CONTRACT.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AMENTUM NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $13.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-02-01. End: 2009-06-30.
What was the specific performance history of Amentum National Security Programs, Inc. on previous contracts, particularly those involving facilities management and end-user support for federal agencie
Amentum National Security Programs, Inc. has a significant track record in government contracting, including extensive work in facilities management, IT support, and base operations for various federal agencies. Their past performance on similar contracts would have been a key evaluation factor during the bidding process for this USPTO award. Reviewing their performance metrics, customer satisfaction ratings, and any documented issues on prior contracts would provide insight into their reliability and capability. While specific details require access to performance reports, Amentum's continued success in securing large federal contracts suggests a generally positive performance history. However, a deeper dive into specific contract close-outs and any disputes or corrective actions would offer a more complete picture of their operational strengths and weaknesses.
How does the annual cost of approximately $2.02M for these services compare to similar contracts at other federal agencies of comparable size and scope?
The annual cost of approximately $2.02M for facilities management and end-user support, derived from the total $13.15M award over 6.5 years, needs to be benchmarked against similar federal contracts. Agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA) or the Department of Homeland Security, which manage large physical infrastructures and extensive IT networks, would offer relevant comparisons. Factors such as the number of users supported, the complexity of the facilities, and the scope of IT services (e.g., help desk, network maintenance, cybersecurity support) significantly influence costs. Without direct access to comparable contract data, it's challenging to definitively state if this is high or low. However, for a large agency like the USPTO, this annual figure appears moderate, suggesting that the pricing was competitive within the full and open bidding environment.
What are the primary risks associated with a contract of this duration (over 6 years) for IT and facilities management services?
The primary risks associated with a contract of over 6 years for IT and facilities management services include technological obsolescence, evolving user needs, and potential contractor complacency. Technology, especially in IT, advances rapidly; a 6-year-old system or support strategy might be outdated by the contract's end. User requirements can also shift significantly over this period due to changes in agency mission, workforce dynamics, or regulatory environments. Furthermore, a long-term contract can sometimes lead to reduced contractor vigilance in seeking efficiencies or innovations, as the business is secured for an extended period. Mitigating these risks requires robust contract management, including regular reviews, performance incentives, and clear mechanisms for adapting to change, such as modification clauses or periodic re-competition.
What specific performance metrics or KPIs were likely used to evaluate Amentum's success under this contract?
Under this contract, likely performance metrics (KPIs) for Amentum would focus on the reliability and efficiency of both facilities and end-user IT support. For facilities management, KPIs might include response times for maintenance requests, uptime of critical building systems (HVAC, power), preventative maintenance completion rates, and energy efficiency targets. For end-user support, common KPIs include first-call resolution rates for IT issues, average ticket resolution times, user satisfaction survey scores, system availability (e.g., network uptime, application performance), and adherence to security protocols. The Labor Hours contract type would also necessitate tracking of labor hours utilized against estimated levels for specific tasks to ensure cost control and efficiency.
How has federal spending on Computer Facilities Management Services (NAICS 541513) trended over the period this contract was active (2003-2009)?
During the period this contract was active (February 2003 to June 2009), federal spending on Computer Facilities Management Services (NAICS 541513) generally saw an upward trend. This era coincided with increased government digitization efforts and a growing reliance on IT infrastructure to support agency operations. Agencies were investing in upgrading systems, expanding networks, and outsourcing aspects of IT management to specialized contractors. Factors like the expansion of broadband internet, the rise of cloud computing concepts (though nascent), and the need for robust cybersecurity measures contributed to increased demand for these services. While specific aggregate spending data for this NAICS code over that exact period requires detailed analysis of federal procurement databases, the overall trajectory indicated a growing market for IT facilities management and support.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Computer Facilities Management Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 11
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: AECOM (UEI: 153561212)
Address: 6564 LOISDALE CT STE 900, SPRINGFIELD, VA, 11
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $168,124,554
Exercised Options: $168,124,554
Current Obligation: $13,152,393
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 50PAPT201025
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-02-01
Current End Date: 2009-06-30
Potential End Date: 2009-06-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2009-10-01
More Contracts from Amentum National Security Programs, Inc
- Provide Usfor-A With the Capability to Collect, Analyze, and Disseminate Open Source Information Throught Afghanistan to Measure Trends in Local Sentimment Regarding Usfor-A Programs and Policies — $87.4M (Department of Defense)
- Hardware Maintenance for Facilities Management and END User Support Contract — $42.7M (Department of Commerce)
- Information Operations Advisory Task Force — $36.3M (Department of Defense)
- 200408!000088!2100!w74v8h!def. Contract. CMD. - Washington!gs10f0009p !C!N! !n!w74v8h04f0107! !20031231!20050104!005126144!005126144!005126144!n!vistar Corporation !landmark Building !alexandria !va!22304!01000!510!51!alexandria !alexandria (city) !virginia !+000001000000!n!n!000000000000!b537!medical & Health Studies !S1 !services !000 !* !561110!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! ! ! !A! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! !y!b!n!n! ! ! ! ! ! !00 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! ! — $36.0M (Department of Defense)
- Support Services for Sira for Facilities Management and END User Support Contract — $32.0M (Department of Commerce)
View all Amentum National Security Programs, Inc federal contracts →
Other Department of Commerce Contracts
- THE Purpose of This Contract IS to Develop the Ground System That Will Support Noaa S Next Generation Geostationary Satellite Series, Goes-R. This NEW Series of Spacecraft, SET to Begin Launching in 2015, IS Expected to Double the Clarity of Today S Satellite Imagery and Provide AT Least 20 Times More Atmospheric Observations From Space. the Contractor IS to Design, Develop, Test and Implement the Goes-R Ground System. the Ground System Will Capture Data From the Goes-R Satellites, and Process and Distribute the Information to Operational Users — $1.8B (L3harris Technologies, Inc.)
- Engineering Services and Development Leading to the Delivery of the Jpss Common Ground System Instrument and Support — $1.6B (Raytheon Company)
- Enterprise Solutions Framework (ESF) for Multi-Tiered Acquisition Framework for Systems Engineering and Integration - Program Tier Work Order 003 - 2020 Census Technical Integrator — $1.5B (T-Rex Solutions LLC)
- THE Goal of the Decennial Response Integration System (dris) Contract IS to Obtain a Practical Solution to Providing Respondent Assistance and Data Capture for the 2010 Census — $930.7M (Lockheed Martin Services, LLC)
- 2020 Census Questionnaire Assistance (2020 CQA) — $918.3M (Maximus Federal Services, Inc.)