USCIS Awards $36.6M for Service Center Operations Support, Central Research Inc. Wins Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,641,165 ($36.6M)
Contractor: Central Research Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2017-12-29
End Date: 2019-01-31
Contract Duration: 398 days
Daily Burn Rate: $92.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF USCIS SERVICE CENTER OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES (SCOSS)
Place of Performance
Location: DALLAS, DALLAS County, TEXAS, 75201
State: Texas Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $36.6 million to CENTRAL RESEARCH INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF USCIS SERVICE CENTER OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES (SCOSS) Key points: 1. Contract value of $36.6M for operational support services. 2. Awarded to Central Research Inc. under full and open competition. 3. Services provided to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 4. Focus on office administrative services within Texas. 5. Contract duration of 398 days.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $36.6M appears reasonable for the scope of office administrative services and operational support over a 13-month period. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative support services would provide a more definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a robust price discovery process. This method generally leads to competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process suggests that taxpayer funds were likely used efficiently, securing services at a market-driven price.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operational efficiency for USCIS service centers. Supports administrative functions critical to immigration processing. Impacts the timely delivery of services to the public. Potential for improved processing times due to dedicated support.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
- Dependence on a single vendor for critical support functions.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Supports essential government operations.
- Clear contract duration and value.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Office Administrative Services sector, specifically supporting the operational needs of a federal agency. Spending benchmarks for similar administrative support contracts can vary widely based on agency size and service complexity.
Small Business Impact
The provided data does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that small businesses could have participated if they met the requirements.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by USCIS contracting officers and program managers to ensure performance standards are met and funds are used appropriately. The contract's duration and value warrant regular review.
Related Government Programs
- Office Administrative Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Potential for cost overruns if labor hours are underestimated.
- Dependence on contractor for critical administrative functions.
- Limited visibility into specific service deliverables.
Tags
office-administrative-services, department-of-homeland-security, tx, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $36.6 million to CENTRAL RESEARCH INC. IGF::OT::IGF USCIS SERVICE CENTER OPERATIONS SUPPORT SERVICES (SCOSS)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CENTRAL RESEARCH INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $36.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-12-29. End: 2019-01-31.
What specific administrative services are included in this contract, and how do they contribute to USCIS's mission efficiency?
The contract covers office administrative services essential for USCIS Service Center Operations Support. This likely includes tasks such as document processing, data entry, scheduling, communication management, and general office support. These services are crucial for maintaining the smooth functioning of service centers, enabling USCIS to process applications and petitions efficiently and effectively, thereby supporting the agency's broader mission related to immigration and citizenship.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of Central Research Inc. in delivering these services?
The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract. Typically, for administrative support services, KPIs might include metrics like turnaround time for tasks, accuracy rates in data handling, adherence to procedural guidelines, and overall client satisfaction from USCIS program managers. Effective oversight would involve tracking these metrics to ensure service quality and value for taxpayer money.
How does the pricing structure (labor hours) compare to industry standards for similar administrative support contracts?
The contract utilizes a 'labor hours' pricing structure, which is common for service-based contracts where the exact effort is difficult to predetermine. Without specific details on the labor categories, rates, and estimated hours, a direct comparison to industry standards is challenging. However, the competitive bidding process suggests the rates were deemed fair and reasonable at the time of award.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Office Administrative Services › Office Administrative Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: HSSCCG-14-R-00027
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 506 ENTERPRISE DR STE 200, LOWELL, AR, 72745
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,641,165
Exercised Options: $36,641,165
Current Obligation: $36,641,165
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HSSCCG15D00001
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2017-12-29
Current End Date: 2019-01-31
Potential End Date: 2019-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-05-07
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