DHS Secret Service awards $17.6M contract for HR support services under GSA Schedule

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,657,090 ($17.7M)

Contractor: FYI - for Your Information, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2020-08-31

End Date: 2026-02-28

Contract Duration: 2,007 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER IS BEING WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF GSA SCHEDULE GS-02-F0009U FOR HUMAN RESOURCES SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20223

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $17.7 million to FYI - FOR YOUR INFORMATION, INC. for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER IS BEING WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF GSA SCHEDULE GS-02-F0009U FOR HUMAN RESOURCES SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded under GSA Schedule GS-02-F0009U, indicating pre-competed services. 2. The contract is for Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. 3. A firm-fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 4. The contract duration spans over 6 years, from August 2020 to February 2026. 5. The award was made using full and open competition. 6. The task order is valued at approximately $17.6 million.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $17.6 million over approximately 6.5 years for HR support services appears reasonable, especially given it was procured through a GSA Schedule, which typically offers competitive pricing. Benchmarking against similar HR consulting contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment, but the use of a pre-negotiated schedule suggests a degree of cost efficiency. The firm-fixed-price structure further enhances cost predictability.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, as indicated by the contract type. This means that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The fact that it was competed under a GSA Schedule suggests that multiple vendors likely vied for this opportunity, contributing to a competitive bidding process and potentially favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayers benefit from the widest possible range of offers, leading to potentially lower prices and higher quality services through market forces.

Public Impact

The U.S. Secret Service benefits from enhanced human resources support, enabling better management of its personnel. Services provided include administrative management and general management consulting, crucial for operational efficiency. The contract's impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the Secret Service is headquartered. Improved HR functions can lead to better employee morale, retention, and overall workforce productivity within the agency.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed effectively post-award.
Reliance on a single task order for a significant portion of HR support could pose a risk if the vendor underperforms.

Positive Signals

Awarded under a GSA Schedule, indicating pre-vetted vendors and competitive pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty.
Long-term duration allows for stable service delivery and relationship building.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on administrative and management consulting. The government's spending in this area is substantial, supporting a wide array of functions from strategic planning to operational efficiency. Contracts like this are common across federal agencies to procure specialized expertise that may not be available in-house, ensuring critical support services are met.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus was on competition among all eligible sources. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this task order. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the U.S. Secret Service's contracting officer and program managers. As it is awarded under a GSA Schedule, GSA also provides a layer of oversight. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Human Resources Consulting Services
Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds typical task order lengths, requiring careful performance monitoring.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical HR functions.
Lack of specific small business subcontracting goals mentioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $17.7 million to FYI - FOR YOUR INFORMATION, INC.. THIS TASK ORDER IS BEING WRITTEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF GSA SCHEDULE GS-02-F0009U FOR HUMAN RESOURCES SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FYI - FOR YOUR INFORMATION, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Secret Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-31. End: 2026-02-28.

What is the track record of FYI - FOR YOUR INFORMATION, INC. with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Homeland Security?

FYI - FOR YOUR INFORMATION, INC. has a history of federal contracting, as evidenced by this award under a GSA Schedule. To fully assess their track record, a deeper dive into their contract performance history across various agencies would be necessary. This includes examining past performance evaluations, any contract modifications, and their overall compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Their experience with the Department of Homeland Security specifically would be a key indicator of their suitability for this type of work, suggesting familiarity with agency needs and operating environments. Without specific past performance data, it's difficult to definitively gauge their reliability and effectiveness beyond the general indication of being an awardee on a GSA schedule.

How does the $17.6 million value compare to similar HR support contracts awarded by the Secret Service or DHS?

The $17.6 million value for HR support services over approximately 6.5 years represents an average annual value of roughly $2.7 million. To benchmark this effectively, comparisons should be made with other HR support contracts of similar scope and duration awarded by the U.S. Secret Service or the broader Department of Homeland Security. Factors such as the specific services included (e.g., recruitment, payroll, benefits administration, policy development), the number of personnel supported, and the contract type (firm-fixed-price vs. cost-plus) are critical for a fair comparison. If similar contracts are valued significantly higher or lower, it could indicate potential overpricing or exceptional value, respectively. The use of a GSA Schedule suggests that pricing is likely competitive within pre-negotiated rates.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks include potential underperformance by the contractor, leading to disruptions in HR services, and the risk of cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price structure is not managed tightly. Another risk is the potential for vendor lock-in, making it difficult to switch providers if dissatisfaction arises. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust performance monitoring by the Secret Service contracting officer and program managers, clear performance standards outlined in the contract, and regular communication channels. The use of a GSA Schedule can mitigate some risks by ensuring the vendor has already met certain qualification standards. However, ongoing vigilance and proactive contract management are essential to address any emerging issues.

How effective is the GSA Schedule procurement method for ensuring value for money in HR support services?

The GSA Schedule procurement method is generally effective for ensuring value for money, particularly for standardized services like HR support. It leverages bulk purchasing power and pre-negotiated pricing, reducing the administrative burden and time associated with traditional full and open competition for each individual requirement. Vendors on GSA Schedules have already undergone a rigorous vetting process. However, the 'best value' is not always guaranteed, as agencies must still exercise due diligence in selecting the most appropriate vendor and task order. The firm-fixed-price nature of this specific task order further enhances cost predictability, contributing to overall value.

What is the historical spending trend for HR support services within the U.S. Secret Service or DHS?

Analyzing historical spending trends for HR support services within the U.S. Secret Service or DHS is crucial for context. This involves examining spending patterns over the past several fiscal years to identify fluctuations, increases, or decreases in investment in these services. Understanding these trends can reveal whether this $17.6 million award represents a significant shift in resource allocation, an increase in demand for HR support, or simply a continuation of established spending levels. Comparing this award to previous contract values and durations for similar services would provide insight into the agency's long-term commitment and investment in its human capital management functions.

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

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8484 GEORGIA AVE, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910

Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,669,370

Exercised Options: $17,657,090

Current Obligation: $17,657,090

Actual Outlays: $12,448,162

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS02F0009U

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline