DOE awards $44.8M for Engineering Services to SIGMA SCIENCE INC under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,823,077 ($44.8M)

Contractor: Sigma Science Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Energy

Start Date: 2021-05-01

End Date: 2026-04-30

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Engineering Services

Official Description: TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: AIKEN, AIKEN County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29803

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Energy obligated $44.8 million to SIGMA SCIENCE INC for work described as: TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $44.8 million over five years. 2. SIGMA SCIENCE INC is the sole awardee for these engineering services. 3. Potential risk associated with a single vendor for critical technical support. 4. The sector is Engineering Services, a vital component of government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is awarded on a Time and Materials basis, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar engineering service contracts is difficult without more granular data on the specific services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the award is a delivery order, implying it might be part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers, promoting competitive pricing. The total value of $44.8 million represents a significant investment.

Public Impact

Ensures continued technical support for critical Department of Energy operations. Supports a private sector company, contributing to the economy. The duration of the contract (5 years) provides stability for service delivery.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Potential for cost creep with Time and Materials pricing.
  • Lack of competition for this specific delivery order.
  • Dependence on a single vendor for essential services.

Positive Signals

  • Awarded through full and open competition.
  • Long-term contract provides service continuity.
  • Supports critical government functions.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services, a broad category encompassing design, consulting, and technical support. Spending in this sector is crucial for government infrastructure and operational efficiency. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific nature of the engineering services required.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Energy is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight is necessary to manage the Time and Materials pricing and ensure the delivery of required engineering services effectively.

Related Government Programs

  • Engineering Services
  • Department of Energy Contracting
  • Department of Energy Programs

Risk Flags

  • Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
  • Lack of ongoing competition for this specific delivery order.
  • Dependence on a single vendor for critical engineering services.
  • No small business participation indicated.

Tags

engineering-services, department-of-energy, sc, delivery-order, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Energy awarded $44.8 million to SIGMA SCIENCE INC. TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SIGMA SCIENCE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $44.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-05-01. End: 2026-04-30.

What specific engineering services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with the Department of Energy's strategic goals?

The contract specifies 'Engineering Services' broadly. To assess value, a detailed breakdown of the technical support, design, analysis, or consulting tasks is required. Understanding how these services directly contribute to the DOE's mission, such as energy research, infrastructure maintenance, or national security, is crucial for determining their strategic alignment and overall value to the government.

What mechanisms are in place to mitigate the risks associated with Time and Materials pricing and ensure cost control over the five-year period?

Effective risk mitigation for Time and Materials contracts involves stringent monitoring of labor hours, rates, and material costs. The Department of Energy should implement regular audits, require detailed progress reports, and establish clear ceiling prices or cost-plus-fixed-fee elements where feasible. Proactive communication with SIGMA SCIENCE INC and defined performance metrics are essential to prevent cost overruns and ensure accountability.

How will the effectiveness of SIGMA SCIENCE INC's performance be measured and evaluated throughout the contract lifecycle?

Performance effectiveness should be measured against clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) established within the contract. These metrics could include response times, resolution rates for technical issues, quality of deliverables, and adherence to project timelines. Regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms will ensure that the contractor meets expectations and that the services provided are effective in supporting the Department of Energy's objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesArchitectural, Engineering, and Related ServicesEngineering 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

Solicitation ID: 89233120QNA000131

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6565 AMERICAS PKWY NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $60,682,733

Exercised Options: $60,682,733

Current Obligation: $44,823,077

Actual Outlays: $39,196,189

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA18D005Q

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline

Start Date: 2021-05-01

Current End Date: 2026-04-30

Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2026-01-26

More Contracts from Sigma Science Inc

View all Sigma Science Inc federal contracts →

Other Department of Energy Contracts

View all Department of Energy contracts →

Explore Related Government Spending