DHS awards $2.25M for chemical stockpile emergency preparedness technical assistance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,252,222 ($2.3M)

Contractor: IEM International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-29

End Date: 2023-12-31

Contract Duration: 458 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE CHEMICAL STOCKPILE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM (CSEPP) NATIONAL BENCHMARK 7

Place of Performance

Location: MORRISVILLE, WAKE County, NORTH CAROLINA, 27560

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.3 million to IEM INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE CHEMICAL STOCKPILE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM (CSEPP) NATIONAL BENCHMARK 7 Key points: 1. Contract focuses on critical emergency preparedness for chemical stockpiles. 2. Technical assistance aims to enhance national response capabilities. 3. Contract duration of 458 days indicates a focused, short-term need. 4. The administrative management and general management consulting services sector is broad, requiring specific focus on emergency preparedness. 5. Performance context is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of technical assistance in real-world scenarios. 6. Risk indicators include the potential for unforeseen emergencies requiring immediate, expert intervention.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $2.25 million for technical assistance in emergency preparedness appears reasonable given the critical nature of the services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized consulting in disaster response and preparedness is necessary for a definitive value assessment. The 'time and materials' pricing structure suggests costs will align with actual effort expended, which can be efficient if managed closely, but also carries a risk of cost overruns if not tightly controlled.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and encourage the selection of the most capable provider. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by ensuring that the government receives competitive pricing and the best value for its investment in critical services like emergency preparedness.

Public Impact

Citizens in areas with chemical stockpiles benefit from enhanced preparedness and response capabilities. The services delivered will support the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP). Geographic impact is national, focusing on areas where chemical stockpiles are located. Workforce implications include the need for specialized technical expertise in emergency management and chemical safety.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in technical assistance requirements.
Ensuring timely and effective implementation of recommendations.
Dependency on contractor expertise for critical safety information.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting strong vendor interest and potential for quality.
Focus on a critical national security and public safety program (CSEPP).
Clear objective of providing technical assistance for preparedness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management consulting. The market for emergency preparedness and response services is specialized, often involving firms with deep expertise in public safety, environmental science, and risk management. Spending in this area is driven by regulatory requirements and the ongoing need to mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials and potential threats.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a small business set-aside. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses have opportunities to participate in subcontracting for specialized technical assistance.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would likely be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security. Accountability measures would include performance reviews, adherence to contract terms, and the successful delivery of technical assistance. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific performance metrics may be internal.

Related Government Programs

Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP)
Department of Homeland Security Grants
Emergency Management and Response Services
Technical Assistance Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'time and materials' contract type.
Dependency on contractor expertise for critical safety functions.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure effectiveness of technical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.3 million to IEM INTERNATIONAL, INC.. CONTRACTOR WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE CHEMICAL STOCKPILE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM (CSEPP) NATIONAL BENCHMARK 7

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IEM INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-29. End: 2023-12-31.

What is the specific technical expertise IEM International, Inc. brings to the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP)?

IEM International, Inc. is a well-established provider of emergency management and preparedness solutions. For the CSEPP program, their technical assistance likely involves expertise in areas such as risk assessment, consequence management, emergency planning, training development, and exercise design. They are known for supporting government agencies in developing robust response strategies for complex threats, including those involving chemical agents. Their role would be to provide specialized knowledge and guidance to enhance the preparedness posture of facilities and communities surrounding chemical stockpiles, ensuring compliance with program objectives and improving overall safety and security.

How does the $2.25 million contract value compare to typical spending for similar technical assistance in emergency preparedness?

The $2.25 million contract value for technical assistance in emergency preparedness is within a reasonable range for specialized consulting services supporting a national program like CSEPP. Contracts of this nature often involve significant expertise and can span multiple years or require intensive support during specific phases. Benchmarking against similar contracts awarded by FEMA, DHS, or other agencies involved in disaster management and hazardous materials response would provide a more precise comparison. Factors influencing cost include the scope of work, the level of expertise required, the duration of the contract, and the number of sites or personnel being supported. Without specific comparable data, it's difficult to definitively label it as high or low, but it reflects a substantial investment in a critical safety program.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks associated with this contract include the potential for unforeseen emergencies that may require immediate, specialized intervention beyond the scope of routine technical assistance, leading to scope creep and cost overruns. Another risk is the dependency on the contractor's specialized knowledge, where any disruption in service or loss of key personnel could impact program continuity. Mitigation strategies likely involve clearly defined contract deliverables, robust performance monitoring by FEMA, and contingency planning within the contract to address emergent needs. The 'time and materials' pricing structure, while flexible, requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain aligned with the value delivered and that the contractor is incentivized for efficiency.

What is the historical spending pattern for technical assistance related to CSEPP or similar programs?

Historical spending on technical assistance for CSEPP and similar emergency preparedness programs has been consistent, reflecting the ongoing need for specialized support in managing chemical stockpiles and mitigating associated risks. Agencies like FEMA and the Department of Defense (which historically managed some aspects of chemical demilitarization) allocate significant resources annually to ensure preparedness. Spending can fluctuate based on program priorities, threat assessments, and the lifecycle of stockpile management (e.g., periods of heightened activity or transition). The $2.25 million awarded here represents a portion of the overall CSEPP budget, which encompasses various activities including infrastructure, personnel, training, and technical support. Analyzing multi-year spending trends for CSEPP would reveal patterns in investment and the relative importance placed on technical assistance.

How does the 'full and open competition' award method impact the value and quality of services received by the government?

Awarding this contract through 'full and open competition' is a significant positive signal for both value and quality. This method allows any responsible source to submit a bid, fostering a competitive environment where multiple companies vie for the contract. This competition typically drives down prices as contractors offer their best terms to win the work. Furthermore, it increases the likelihood that the government will select the offeror with the best combination of technical capability, past performance, and price. For taxpayers, this means a greater assurance that the $2.25 million is being spent efficiently and that the selected contractor, IEM International, Inc., is likely the most qualified and cost-effective choice available in the market for this specialized technical assistance.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2801 SLATER RD STE 200, MORRISVILLE, NC, 27560

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,252,222

Exercised Options: $2,252,222

Current Obligation: $2,252,222

Actual Outlays: $1,012,995

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FA2019A00000004

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline