DHS awards $6.4M contract for SETA support services to Noblis, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,403,101 ($6.4M)

Contractor: Noblis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-08-28

End Date: 2026-04-21

Contract Duration: 967 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: OUP SETA SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20528

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $6.4 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: OUP SETA SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for administrative management and general management consulting services. 3. Performance period extends over 967 days, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 5. The award is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The primary place of performance is Washington D.C.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $6.4 million for approximately 32 months of support appears within a reasonable range for specialized SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) services. However, without specific details on the scope of work and deliverables, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. Benchmarking against similar contracts for management consulting services would be necessary for a more definitive evaluation. The Time and Materials pricing structure necessitates close monitoring to ensure costs remain aligned with the anticipated value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of two bidders suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. While two bidders are better than one, a higher number of bids typically leads to more robust price discovery and potentially better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages a wider range of offers, potentially driving down costs and improving the quality of services received.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security benefits from enhanced administrative and management consulting services. Services provided are expected to support the operational efficiency and strategic planning of the agency. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia. The contract supports specialized consulting roles, potentially impacting the federal workforce through contractor augmentation.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Limited competition (2 bidders) may not have yielded the most cost-effective solution.
The specific deliverables and performance metrics are not detailed, making it hard to assess true value.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, ensuring a broad search for qualified contractors.
The contractor, Noblis, Inc., has a track record of performing government contracts.
The contract duration suggests a sustained need and potential for stable support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541611). This sector encompasses a wide range of advisory and assistance services to businesses and other organizations. Federal spending in this area supports various functions, including strategic planning, organizational improvement, and operational efficiency. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific nature of the SETA support provided, but the overall market for management consulting services to the federal government is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses arising from a set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, Noblis, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors depending on their own subcontracting plans and the specific needs of the contract, which are not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the designated contract specialist or administrator within the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations. Performance monitoring, invoice review, and adherence to contract terms are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are often internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

SETA Support Services
Management and Consulting Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracts
Administrative Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Moderate competition level (2 bidders) may limit optimal price discovery.
Lack of detailed scope of work makes definitive value assessment difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $6.4 million to NOBLIS, INC.. OUP SETA SUPPORT SERVICES

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 $6.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-28. End: 2026-04-21.

What is Noblis, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly within DHS?

Noblis, Inc. has a significant history of performing federal contracts across various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. They are known for providing a range of services, often in areas such as systems engineering, technical assistance, cybersecurity, and program management. Their past performance with DHS likely includes support for critical missions and operational initiatives. A detailed review of their contract history would reveal specific projects, performance ratings, and any past issues or commendations. This specific contract award suggests continued confidence in their ability to deliver the required SETA support services to DHS.

How does the $6.4 million value compare to similar SETA support contracts?

Benchmarking the $6.4 million value requires a detailed understanding of the specific SETA support services rendered, the duration of the contract (967 days, approximately 32 months), and the level of expertise required. For specialized technical assistance and management consulting within a large federal agency like DHS, this value appears moderate. Contracts for similar scope and duration can range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, heavily influenced by the complexity of the systems supported, the number of personnel involved, and the criticality of the mission. Without more granular data on deliverables and personnel hours, a precise comparison is challenging, but it does not immediately appear to be an outlier.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for these services?

The primary risk with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, such as this one, 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. This structure can incentivize longer task durations or less efficient work if not rigorously monitored. For the government, effective oversight is crucial to ensure that hours billed are reasonable and necessary, and that material costs are fair. Without strong controls and performance metrics, the total cost can exceed initial estimates, diminishing the value proposition for taxpayers.

How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for money in this context?

Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for money, as it allows the widest possible pool of potential contractors to bid. This broad competition typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. In this case, with two bidders, the level of competition was moderate. While it provided a basis for price discovery, a larger number of bids might have resulted in even more competitive pricing. The effectiveness also hinges on the clarity of the solicitation's requirements and the evaluation criteria used. A well-defined scope and robust evaluation process are essential to translate competitive offers into tangible value for the government.

What is the historical spending trend for similar administrative and management consulting services at DHS?

Analyzing historical spending trends for administrative and management consulting services at DHS requires access to detailed historical contract data. Generally, federal agencies like DHS utilize such services to enhance operational efficiency, manage complex programs, and provide strategic guidance. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on agency priorities, budget allocations, and the initiation of new programs or initiatives. Without specific historical data for DHS's spending on NAICS code 541611 or similar SETA support, it's difficult to establish a precise trend. However, it is common for large agencies to maintain consistent, albeit variable, spending levels in these areas to support ongoing administrative and management functions.

What are the implications of the contract being a delivery order?

This contract being a delivery order signifies that it is a task order issued under a pre-existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar type of contract vehicle. This means that the underlying contract was previously competed and awarded, establishing terms and conditions, including pricing structures and potential maximum values. The delivery order then specifies the exact quantity, delivery schedule, and price for a particular requirement. The implications are that the competition for the base contract vehicle likely occurred earlier, and this specific order leverages that established framework. It can streamline the procurement process for specific needs but means the competition for this particular task order might be limited to the parties on the base contract.

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: 70RSAT23R00000033

Offers Received: 2

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: $6,527,165

Exercised Options: $6,403,101

Current Obligation: $6,403,101

Actual Outlays: $5,186,281

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