DHS awards $10.1M for Tactical Village Classroom construction to Cheroeenhaka Nottoway Enterprises, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,075,919 ($10.1M)

Contractor: Cheroenhaka Nottoway Enterprises, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-08-14

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,235 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.2K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TACTICAL VILLAGE CLASSROOM TASK ORDER

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 $10.1 million to CHEROENHAKA NOTTOWAY ENTERPRISES, LLC for work described as: TACTICAL VILLAGE CLASSROOM TASK ORDER Key points: 1. Contract awarded for construction services, indicating a need for physical infrastructure development. 2. The awardee is a small business, potentially aligning with federal small business goals. 3. The contract is a delivery order under a larger agreement, suggesting a phased approach to project execution. 4. Fixed-price contract type implies that cost risks are largely borne by the contractor. 5. The project is located in the District of Columbia, a key federal hub. 6. The duration of the contract extends over three years, suggesting a substantial project scope.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $10.1 million for a tactical village classroom task order appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized construction projects of this nature. Without specific details on the scope of work, size, and complexity of the 'tactical village classroom,' direct comparison to similar contracts is challenging. However, given the fixed-price nature, the government has established a ceiling cost. Further analysis would require benchmarking against construction costs for similar government facilities in the DC metropolitan area.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a sole-source, not available for competition. This indicates that the U.S. Secret Service likely identified a specific contractor deemed uniquely qualified or that other procurement methods were not feasible or advantageous for this particular task order. The lack of competition means that price discovery through market forces was bypassed, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple bids were solicited.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers may not have received the benefit of competitive pricing, as the government did not solicit multiple offers to ensure the best value was obtained.

Public Impact

The U.S. Secret Service will benefit from enhanced training facilities for its personnel. The contract delivers construction services for a 'Tactical Village Classroom,' likely supporting specialized operational training. The project's geographic impact is concentrated in the District of Columbia. The construction work will likely involve a local workforce, contributing to employment in the region.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing, potentially increasing costs for taxpayers.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award raises questions about fairness and efficiency.
Construction projects can be prone to cost overruns and delays, even with fixed-price contracts, if scope is not well-defined.

Positive Signals

Award to a small business aligns with federal small business utilization goals.
Fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government, assuming scope is well-managed.
Delivery order structure allows for phased execution and potential flexibility in project management.

Sector Analysis

The construction sector is a significant component of federal spending, encompassing a wide range of projects from infrastructure to specialized facilities. This contract falls under commercial and institutional building construction. Federal agencies frequently contract for construction services to maintain and upgrade facilities. Benchmarking this specific award against broader construction spending requires detailed analysis of project scope, location, and specific construction types, but the overall federal commitment to construction remains substantial.

Small Business Impact

The award to Cheroeenhaka Nottoway Enterprises, LLC, a small business, is a positive signal for small business participation in federal contracting. As this is a sole-source award, it suggests a specific strategic decision to engage this particular small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if this award contributes to broader small business subcontracting goals or if it represents a direct award that bypasses the broader small business ecosystem in favor of a single entity.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the U.S. Secret Service's contracting and program management offices. As a task order under a larger agreement, the parent contract likely has established oversight mechanisms. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and the project's progress would be key indicators of effective oversight. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Buildings Fund
Military Construction
General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service
Department of Homeland Security Facilities Management

Risk Flags

Sole-source award without clear justification
Potential for uncompetitive pricing
Limited public information on contractor performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $10.1 million to CHEROENHAKA NOTTOWAY ENTERPRISES, LLC. TACTICAL VILLAGE CLASSROOM TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHEROENHAKA NOTTOWAY ENTERPRISES, LLC.

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 $10.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-14. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific scope of work for the 'Tactical Village Classroom' and how does it justify a sole-source award?

The specific scope of work for the 'Tactical Village Classroom' task order is not detailed in the provided data. However, the justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, specialized knowledge, or urgent requirements that cannot be met through full and open competition. For a 'tactical village classroom,' this could involve highly specialized construction techniques, integration of specific security or training technologies, or a requirement for a contractor with intimate knowledge of the Secret Service's operational needs and existing facilities. Without the official Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC), it is difficult to definitively assess the validity of the sole-source designation. Further inquiry would involve reviewing the agency's procurement documentation for this award to understand the specific rationale provided for bypassing competitive bidding.

How does the $10.1 million cost compare to similar construction projects for training facilities within the federal government?

Benchmarking the $10.1 million cost for this 'Tactical Village Classroom' task order against similar federal construction projects requires detailed comparison parameters. Factors such as square footage, complexity of specialized systems (e.g., simulation technology, security features), location (construction costs vary significantly by region), and the specific type of facility are crucial. For instance, constructing a basic classroom might cost significantly less than a facility designed for realistic tactical simulations, which could involve advanced materials, integrated technology, and specific environmental controls. Without these specifics, a direct comparison is difficult. However, federal construction projects, especially in high-cost areas like the District of Columbia, can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per square foot depending on the project's unique requirements. A task order of this magnitude suggests a substantial and potentially complex facility.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for a construction project of this value?

The primary risk associated with a sole-source award for a construction project of this value is the potential for inflated pricing due to the absence of competitive pressure. Without multiple bids, the government may not achieve the best possible price for the services rendered. Additionally, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of adequate market research or planning by the agency, potentially leading to suboptimal contractor selection or project outcomes. There's also a risk that the chosen contractor, while potentially qualified, may not possess the most innovative or cost-effective solutions that a competitive environment might foster. Furthermore, sole-source awards can sometimes lead to perceptions of favoritism or a lack of transparency, potentially impacting public trust and contractor morale.

What is the track record of Cheroeenhaka Nottoway Enterprises, LLC in completing federal construction contracts?

Information regarding the specific track record of Cheroeenhaka Nottoway Enterprises, LLC in completing federal construction contracts is not provided in the initial data. To assess their performance, one would typically review their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), the number and value of previous federal contracts awarded to them, and their history of on-time and within-budget project completion. As a small business, their portfolio might be less extensive than larger firms, but their ability to successfully execute this $10.1 million task order will be critical. A review of federal procurement databases and agency performance records would be necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of their past performance and reliability.

How does this contract align with the U.S. Secret Service's overall mission and training objectives?

This contract for a 'Tactical Village Classroom' directly aligns with the U.S. Secret Service's mission, which involves protecting national leaders, ensuring the integrity of the nation's financial infrastructure, and safeguarding critical government functions. Effective protection and investigation require highly trained personnel capable of responding to a wide range of threats in complex environments. A tactical village classroom likely serves as a realistic training ground for agents to practice skills such as protective operations, counter-assault tactics, dignitary protection in simulated hostile environments, and potentially investigative techniques. Investing in such specialized training facilities is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Secret Service workforce.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 27345 AQUIA PATH DR, COURTLAND, VA, 23837

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,075,919

Exercised Options: $10,075,919

Current Obligation: $10,075,919

Actual Outlays: $1,425,326

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70US0923D70092044

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline