DHS awards $45.5M to Amentum for BIOWATCH Laboratory Staffing Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $45,481,906 ($45.5M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-04-17

End Date: 2029-01-16

Contract Duration: 1,735 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: BIOWATCH LABORATORY STAFFING SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $45.5 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: BIOWATCH LABORATORY STAFFING SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Amentum Services, Inc. for $45.5M. 2. Services fall under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330). 3. Full and open competition was utilized. 4. Contract duration is 1735 days. 5. The contract is a delivery order under an existing contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a delivery order, making direct pricing comparison difficult without the base contract details. The Time and Materials pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. However, as a delivery order, the price discovery is influenced by the terms of the parent contract.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential laboratory staffing support, with the cost determined through a competitive process, aiming for value.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of critical BIOWATCH laboratory operations. Supports national security and public health through specialized scientific services. Provides employment opportunities within the engineering and laboratory support sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost escalation with Time and Materials pricing.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Supports a vital national security program.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, which is crucial for government operations requiring specialized technical expertise. Benchmarks for similar staffing support contracts can vary widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data provided does not indicate any specific set-aside for small businesses. The prime contractor, Amentum Services, Inc., is a large business.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations managed this award. Oversight will be critical to monitor performance and control costs under the Time and Materials structure.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Office of Procurement Operations Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M pricing.
Lack of transparency on base contract value.
Dependence on a single large business contractor.
Need for stringent performance monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $45.5 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. BIOWATCH LABORATORY STAFFING SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM SERVICES, 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 $45.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-17. End: 2029-01-16.

What is the total value of the base contract from which this delivery order was issued, and how does the pricing compare to similar engineering support contracts?

The provided data only details the value of this specific delivery order ($45.5M). Information on the base contract's total value and its pricing structure relative to industry benchmarks is not available. A comprehensive value assessment requires access to the parent contract and comparative market data for similar engineering and laboratory staffing services.

What are the specific risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model for this laboratory staffing support contract?

The primary risk with T&M is the potential for cost overruns, as the final price is directly tied to the hours worked and materials used, rather than a fixed price. Without robust oversight and clear task definitions, contractor efficiency can be difficult to monitor, potentially leading to inflated costs for the government.

How effectively does this contract ensure the continuity and quality of BIOWATCH laboratory operations given the duration and staffing support nature?

The contract's duration of nearly five years suggests an intent to ensure long-term stability for BIOWATCH operations. However, effectiveness hinges on Amentum's ability to consistently provide qualified personnel and manage resources efficiently under the T&M model. Regular performance reviews and clear deliverables are essential to guarantee quality and operational continuity.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $89,671,356

Exercised Options: $45,815,989

Current Obligation: $45,481,906

Actual Outlays: $19,033,591

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F046CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline