DHS awards $61.7M contract for SETA support services to Noblis, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $61,670,041 ($61.7M)

Contractor: Noblis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-04-01

End Date: 2026-05-19

Contract Duration: 1,144 days

Daily Burn Rate: $53.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: SETA SUPPORT SERVICES FOR S&T MCS

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $61.7 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: SETA SUPPORT SERVICES FOR S&T MCS Key points: 1. Contract provides critical support services for Science and Technology Directorate's Mission Capabilities. 2. Noblis, Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract duration extends over three years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. The primary service category is Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 6. The award was made by the Office of Procurement Operations within DHS.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $61.7 million over approximately three years for SETA support services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services contracts within DHS and other agencies for comparable support functions would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure warrants close monitoring to ensure costs remain within projected levels and deliver good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple capable vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders indicates a healthy level of competition for this requirement. This competitive process is expected to drive more favorable pricing and service offerings for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to lower prices and higher quality services, maximizing the value of federal dollars spent.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate benefits from enhanced mission capabilities. Services provided will support the management and execution of S&T Directorate programs. The contract is geographically focused on the District of Columbia. The contract supports professional services, potentially impacting the consulting and management services workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
The specific deliverables and performance metrics need rigorous oversight to ensure effectiveness.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The contractor, Noblis, Inc., is a well-established entity in the government contracting space.
The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need for these essential support services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically Administrative Management and General Management Consulting. This sector is crucial for supporting government operations across various agencies, providing expertise in areas like program management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized capabilities. The value of this contract is significant within its niche, contributing to the overall federal spending on management and administrative support.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate a specific small business set-aside. Noblis, Inc. is a large business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation is mandated or encouraged through subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the DHS Office of Procurement Operations and the S&T Directorate. Performance will be monitored against the terms and conditions of the Time and Materials contract, including deliverables and service levels. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance reports are typically internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

DHS SETA Support Services
Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Federal IT and Management Consulting Contracts
Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Need for rigorous performance monitoring to ensure service delivery meets expectations.
Dependency on contractor for critical support functions requires strong relationship management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $61.7 million to NOBLIS, INC.. SETA SUPPORT SERVICES FOR S&T MCS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLIS, INC..

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 $61.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-04-01. End: 2026-05-19.

What is Noblis, Inc.'s track record with DHS and similar federal agencies?

Noblis, Inc. has a significant history of contracting with federal agencies, including DHS. They are known for providing a range of professional services, including scientific, engineering, and technical assistance, as well as management consulting. Their past performance with DHS likely includes support for various directorates and programs, demonstrating their capability to meet complex government requirements. A detailed review of their contract history would reveal specific performance ratings, any past issues, and their success in delivering on similar SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) or management support contracts. Their established presence suggests a generally positive track record, but specific contract performance data is crucial for a complete assessment.

How does the $61.7 million value compare to similar SETA support contracts?

The $61.7 million value for three years of SETA support services for DHS's S&T Directorate is substantial but falls within the expected range for large-scale federal support contracts of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts awarded by DHS or other agencies for comparable SETA services, particularly those focused on scientific and technical program support, would provide context. Factors such as the specific technical domains, the level of expertise required, and the duration of support influence pricing. Without direct comparisons, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents exceptional value, but it aligns with the scale of support typically needed for major science and technology initiatives within federal agencies.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. If work is not managed efficiently, if labor hours are not carefully tracked, or if the scope of work expands without adequate controls, costs can escalate beyond initial estimates. For this $61.7 million DHS contract, effective oversight by the government is critical to monitor labor hours, ensure the necessity of all materials, and manage the overall effort to prevent uncontrolled cost growth and ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

How effective is the 'full and open competition' approach for ensuring optimal outcomes in management consulting services?

The 'full and open competition' approach is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring optimal outcomes in management consulting services, as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors and encourages robust competition. This broad solicitation allows the government to access a wider range of expertise, innovative solutions, and competitive pricing. By requiring proposals that demonstrate technical merit, past performance, and cost-effectiveness, the government can select the contractor best suited to meet its specific needs. While it requires more upfront effort in proposal preparation and evaluation, it typically leads to better value for the taxpayer and higher quality service delivery compared to more restrictive procurement methods.

What are the historical spending patterns for SETA support services within DHS?

Historical spending patterns for SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) support services within DHS are generally characterized by significant and consistent investment across various directorates and components. Agencies like DHS rely heavily on external expertise to supplement internal capabilities in areas such as research and development, program management, cybersecurity, and operational support. Spending in this category often fluctuates based on strategic priorities, new initiatives, and the lifecycle of major programs. Analyzing past DHS budgets and contract awards for SETA services would reveal trends in specific service areas, dominant contractors, and overall expenditure levels, providing context for the current $61.7 million award.

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

Solicitation ID: 70RSAT23R00000011

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2002 EDMUND HALLEY DR, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $80,058,518

Exercised Options: $70,238,429

Current Obligation: $61,670,041

Actual Outlays: $46,000,715

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $4,466,345

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70RSAT19D00000003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline