DHS awards $13.8M contract for JCDC planning support to JCS SOLUTIONS LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,783,467 ($13.8M)

Contractor: JCS Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: JCDC PLANNING OFFICE SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $13.8 million to JCS SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: JCDC PLANNING OFFICE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value of $13.8M for planning support services. 2. JCS SOLUTIONS LLC is the sole awardee. 3. Contract duration is approximately two years. 4. Services fall under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting. 5. Awarded via full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 6. The contract type is a Definitive Contract with labor hours. 7. Virginia is the primary location for performance. 8. The contract has a base period ending September 29, 2026.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $13.8 million for two years of planning support appears to be within a reasonable range for management consulting services, though specific benchmarks are difficult to ascertain without more detailed service descriptions. The award to JCS SOLUTIONS LLC, a single entity, necessitates a closer look at pricing and value delivered compared to potential alternatives. The absence of a specific base contract or prior award data makes direct comparison challenging. The contract's structure as labor hours allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure efficient resource utilization and prevent cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources were excluded prior to the solicitation, or the solicitation itself was limited in scope. The number of bidders is not explicitly stated, but the award type suggests a competitive process was initiated. The limited nature of the competition could potentially impact price discovery, as a smaller pool of potential offerors may lead to less aggressive bidding.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process, even if limited, as it aims to secure fair market prices. However, the exclusion of certain sources warrants scrutiny to ensure no potentially more cost-effective solutions were overlooked.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically the JCDC Planning Office, which will receive essential support. The services delivered will focus on administrative management and general management consulting, crucial for planning and operational efficiency. Performance is primarily located in Virginia, potentially impacting the local economy through employment and business activity. The contract supports federal government operations, contributing to national security and preparedness initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'after exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type requires further investigation to understand the rationale and impact on overall competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and value for money of the services provided.
The definitive contract type, while flexible, can sometimes lead to scope creep if not managed tightly.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating an effort to secure fair pricing.
The contract duration of two years provides stability for planning efforts.
The services are critical for the JCDC Planning Office's mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically management and administrative consulting. The federal government is a significant consumer of these services, utilizing them for strategic planning, operational improvements, and policy development across various agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks for similar consulting services can vary widely based on scope, duration, and contractor expertise. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) is not a stated requirement or focus for this particular contract. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the necessary expertise, and the impact on the small business ecosystem may be indirect, unless JCS SOLUTIONS LLC voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Homeland Security's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures will be embedded within the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where award details are published. The Inspector General's office for DHS may conduct audits or investigations if concerns regarding waste, fraud, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

DHS Planning and Support Services
Management and Consulting Services
Federal Administrative Support Contracts
JCDC Initiatives

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Potential for cost overruns with labor hours contract type.
Need for detailed performance metrics to assess value.
Unclear rationale for source exclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $13.8 million to JCS SOLUTIONS LLC. JCDC PLANNING OFFICE SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JCS SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the specific nature of the 'JCDC PLANNING OFFICE SUPPORT' services being procured?

The contract specifies 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' (NAICS code 541611) for the JCDC Planning Office. This typically involves providing expertise in areas such as strategic planning, organizational analysis, process improvement, policy development, and general administrative support to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning office's operations. The exact deliverables would be detailed in the Statement of Work (SOW) attached to the definitive contract, outlining specific tasks, objectives, and expected outcomes for the two-year period.

How does the $13.8 million contract value compare to similar federal contracts for management consulting services?

Benchmarking the $13.8 million contract value requires comparing it against similar contracts for management and administrative consulting services within the federal government, particularly those awarded by agencies like DHS. Factors such as contract duration (729 days), labor categories, and the specific scope of work are crucial. While a precise comparison is difficult without access to the detailed SOW and labor rates, this value suggests a significant engagement, likely involving a team of consultants over the contract's lifespan. The average federal contract for management consulting can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on complexity and duration. This award appears to be in the mid-to-high range for a two-year planning support contract.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'definitive contract' awarded on a 'labor hours' basis?

Definitive contracts are fixed-price or cost-reimbursement contracts that are awarded for an indefinite quantity, usually for a specific period. Awarding on a 'labor hours' basis means the government pays for the direct labor hours expended at specified fixed hourly rates, plus applicable overhead, and other direct costs. Potential risks include cost overruns if the labor hours exceed estimates, scope creep if the work expands beyond the initial intent, and difficulties in accurately forecasting the total cost. Effective oversight, clear task orders, and diligent monitoring of labor hours are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure value for money.

What does 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' imply for the bidding process and potential savings?

This procurement method suggests that the initial intent was for full and open competition, but specific sources were excluded from consideration before the solicitation was issued, or the solicitation itself was limited. This could be due to reasons such as prior performance, specific technical capabilities, or other pre-defined criteria. While it still involves competition, the exclusion of potential bidders narrows the field. This might lead to less aggressive pricing compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition, as the number of viable offerors is reduced. The rationale for exclusion is critical to understanding if it was justified and if it potentially limited taxpayer savings.

What is the track record of JCS SOLUTIONS LLC in performing similar federal contracts?

Information regarding JCS SOLUTIONS LLC's track record is crucial for assessing performance risk. A review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving management consulting and planning support for agencies like DHS, would reveal their ability to meet deadlines, manage costs, and deliver quality services. Data from contract databases (like FPDS) can provide insights into their contract history, including award types, values, and completion status. A positive track record suggests a lower risk of performance issues, while a history of issues would warrant closer scrutiny of this new award.

How does this contract align with broader DHS strategic goals or initiatives related to the JCDC?

The Joint Cybersecurity Defense Coordination (JCDC) office is a critical component of DHS's strategy to enhance national cybersecurity. Contracts supporting the JCDC Planning Office are directly aligned with the agency's mission to protect critical infrastructure and federal networks from cyber threats. This specific contract, by providing planning support, likely contributes to the development and refinement of cybersecurity strategies, operational plans, and interagency coordination efforts. Understanding the specific objectives outlined in the SOW would further clarify its contribution to the JCDC's overall strategic objectives and the broader cybersecurity mission of DHS.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 70RCSJ24R00000015

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4114 LEGATO RD STE 710, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,691,109

Exercised Options: $13,783,467

Current Obligation: $13,783,467

Actual Outlays: $4,084,247

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $2,275,457

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline