DHS Coast Guard awards $2.27M task order to Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs for financial support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,265,740 ($2.3M)

Contractor: Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-04-01

End Date: 2027-03-31

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OASIS POOL ONE (1) 8A DIRECT AWARD TASK ORDER FOR FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20593

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $2.3 million to CHEROKEE NATION STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, L.L.C. for work described as: OASIS POOL ONE (1) 8A DIRECT AWARD TASK ORDER FOR FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for financial and administrative support services. 2. The awardee is Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C. 3. The contract has a duration of 1094 days. 4. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price type. 5. The NAICS code is 541330 (Engineering Services).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.27 million over approximately three years appears reasonable for specialized financial and administrative support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for government-wide support services would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' to an 8(a) direct awardee. This suggests a specific set-aside program was utilized, potentially limiting broader competition and impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for this contract. The specific impact depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided and the pricing relative to market rates.

Public Impact

Ensures continued financial and administrative operations for the U.S. Coast Guard. Supports a specific 8(a) small business, aligning with federal small business goals. The services provided are critical for the agency's functioning.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to 8(a) direct award.
NAICS code mismatch (541330 - Engineering Services vs. stated services).

Positive Signals

Supports a small business.
Firm Fixed Price contract type can control costs.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically related to administrative and financial support. Benchmarks for similar support services within federal agencies vary widely based on scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C., is an 8(a) certified small business. This award supports federal goals for contracting with small and disadvantaged businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be managed by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard. The effectiveness of oversight will depend on the agency's contract management capabilities and performance monitoring.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Potential NAICS code mismatch.
Limited competition due to 8(a) direct award.
Lack of detailed pricing breakdown for services.
Contract duration is substantial (1094 days).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $2.3 million to CHEROKEE NATION STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, L.L.C.. OASIS POOL ONE (1) 8A DIRECT AWARD TASK ORDER FOR FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHEROKEE NATION STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.

Is the NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services) accurately reflecting the 'Financial and Administrative Support Services' being procured?

The assigned NAICS code 541330 for Engineering Services appears to be a mismatch for a contract described as providing 'Financial and Administrative Support Services.' This discrepancy warrants investigation to ensure the correct industry classification is used for accurate market analysis and reporting. It could indicate an error in the contract data or a misunderstanding of the service scope.

What was the justification for the 8(a) direct award and exclusion of other sources, and how did this impact the final price?

The justification for an 8(a) direct award typically involves specific socioeconomic program requirements. While this promotes small business participation, it inherently limits broader competition. The impact on price discovery is significant, as a competitive bidding process among multiple qualified vendors is bypassed, potentially leading to a higher price than might be achieved in a fully open market.

How will the U.S. Coast Guard ensure effective performance and value for money given the limited competition and potential NAICS code discrepancy?

Effective performance and value will rely heavily on robust contract administration by the U.S. Coast Guard. This includes detailed performance work statements, regular monitoring of deliverables, and clear communication with the contractor. Proactive management and a focus on outcomes, despite the limited competition, are crucial to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70Z02324Q92200004

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Cherokee Nation

Address: 2 W. 2ND ST., STE 1500-28, TULSA, OK, 74103

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $4,143,316

Exercised Options: $2,265,740

Current Obligation: $2,265,740

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D8141

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline