Department of Energy awards $11M HR talent acquisition support contract to Business Management Associates Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,963,980 ($11.0M)

Contractor: Business Management Associates Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Energy

Start Date: 2022-02-22

End Date: 2027-05-15

Contract Duration: 1,908 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS NEW TASK ORDER IS TO OBTAIN HR INFRASTRUCTURE TALENT ACQUISITION & OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 02/22/2022 TO 02/21/2027 THIS IS A TIME-AND-MATERIAL TASK ORDER ISSUED AGAINST GSA SCHEDULE CONTRACT GS-02F-0156AA. TASK A

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20585

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Energy obligated $11.0 million to BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES INC. for work described as: THIS NEW TASK ORDER IS TO OBTAIN HR INFRASTRUCTURE TALENT ACQUISITION & OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 02/22/2022 TO 02/21/2027 THIS IS A TIME-AND-MATERIAL TASK ORDER ISSUED AGAINST GSA SCHEDULE CONTRACT GS-02F-0156AA. TASK A Key points: 1. Contract focuses on HR infrastructure, talent acquisition, and outreach support. 2. Performance period spans over five years, indicating a long-term need. 3. Issued as a Time-and-Materials task order against a GSA Schedule, suggesting flexibility in service delivery. 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 5. The estimated value is over $10.9 million. 6. The contractor, Business Management Associates Inc., has secured this significant award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of over $10.9 million for HR talent acquisition and outreach support over five years appears substantial. Without specific benchmarks for similar services or detailed scope of work, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. The Time-and-Materials (T&M) pricing structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed closely, but it also allows for flexibility. Benchmarking against other GSA Schedule HR consulting services would provide a clearer picture of pricing competitiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 4 bidders suggests a reasonable level of competition for this HR support service. This competitive process is generally expected to drive better pricing and service quality as vendors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions, maximizing the value of federal spending.

Public Impact

The Department of Energy benefits from enhanced HR infrastructure and talent acquisition capabilities. Federal employees and potential recruits will experience improved outreach and support services. The contract supports the agency's mission by ensuring it can attract and retain necessary talent. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia, where the agency is headquartered.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time-and-Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost uncertainty if not closely monitored.
The long performance period (over 5 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical HR functions necessitates robust performance management.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
Issued against a GSA Schedule contract, suggesting pre-vetted vendor quality and streamlined acquisition.
The contract aims to improve HR infrastructure and talent acquisition, a critical function for agency success.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically Human Resources Consulting Services. The federal government is a significant consumer of HR services to manage its large workforce. Contracts like this are crucial for agencies to navigate complex hiring landscapes, ensure compliance, and build effective teams. Spending in this category is often benchmarked against GSA Schedule pricing and broader government-wide HR initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). As a result, small businesses were likely not the primary focus of this specific award, though they may participate as subcontractors. The impact on the broader small business ecosystem is minimal unless specific subcontracting goals are mandated and met by the prime contractor.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will likely be managed by the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers. As a GSA Schedule task order, it benefits from the established oversight framework of the GSA. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability rests with Business Management Associates Inc. to deliver services as per the contract terms and with the agency to monitor performance and expenditures.

Related Government Programs

GSA Federal Supply Schedule Contracts
Human Resources Consulting Services
Talent Acquisition Support
Department of Energy Acquisition Management

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time-and-Materials pricing structure.
Need for sustained vigilance over a long performance period (5+ years).
Reliance on a single contractor necessitates strong performance management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Energy awarded $11.0 million to BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES INC.. THIS NEW TASK ORDER IS TO OBTAIN HR INFRASTRUCTURE TALENT ACQUISITION & OUTREACH SUPPORT SERVICES. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 02/22/2022 TO 02/21/2027 THIS IS A TIME-AND-MATERIAL TASK ORDER ISSUED AGAINST GSA SCHEDULE CONTRACT GS-02F-0156AA. TASK A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-02-22. End: 2027-05-15.

What is the historical spending pattern for Business Management Associates Inc. with the Department of Energy?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns of Business Management Associates Inc. with the Department of Energy (DOE) is crucial for understanding their past performance and relationship with the agency. While this specific task order represents a significant award of over $10.9 million, it's important to examine if the company has held previous contracts with DOE, their value, duration, and the services provided. A review of federal procurement data would reveal if this is a new relationship or an expansion of an existing one. Consistent awards might suggest satisfactory performance, while a sudden large award could indicate a new capability or a critical need. Conversely, a lack of prior significant contracts might raise questions about their experience with the DOE's specific environment, although their presence on a GSA Schedule implies broader federal experience. Understanding this history provides context for the current award's significance and potential risks or benefits.

How does the estimated value of this contract compare to similar HR support contracts awarded by the Department of Energy or other federal agencies?

Comparing the estimated value of this $10.9 million HR talent acquisition and outreach support contract to similar federal awards is essential for assessing value for money. The Department of Energy (DOE) and other large federal agencies frequently procure HR services, including talent acquisition, staffing, and consulting. Benchmarking against contracts with comparable scopes of work, performance periods (over five years), and contract types (Time-and-Materials against GSA Schedule) provides critical context. If similar contracts are valued significantly higher or lower, it warrants further investigation into the reasons. Factors like geographic scope, specific service requirements (e.g., executive recruitment vs. general outreach), and the level of competition can influence pricing. A higher-than-average cost might indicate unique requirements or potential inefficiencies, while a lower cost could suggest favorable market conditions or a more streamlined approach. Without direct comparable data, a preliminary assessment suggests this is a substantial investment in HR support.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this HR talent acquisition support contract?

The success of this HR talent acquisition and outreach support contract hinges on clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with the Department of Energy's objectives. While not explicitly detailed in the provided data, typical KPIs for such a contract would likely include metrics related to time-to-fill open positions, cost-per-hire, quality of hires (e.g., retention rates after 6-12 months, performance reviews of new hires), candidate satisfaction, and outreach effectiveness (e.g., diversity of applicant pool, engagement with outreach events). The Time-and-Materials nature of the contract necessitates careful tracking of labor hours and resource utilization against these performance goals. The agency's ability to monitor and report on these KPIs will be critical for ensuring accountability and demonstrating the value derived from the contractor's services over the five-year period.

What is the potential risk associated with the Time-and-Materials (T&M) contract type for this HR support service?

The Time-and-Materials (T&M) contract type for this HR support service carries inherent risks, primarily related to cost control and scope creep. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the cost of materials. This structure offers flexibility, allowing the scope of work to evolve as needed, which can be beneficial for dynamic HR needs. However, it also means the total cost is not fixed upfront and can escalate if tasks take longer than anticipated or if resources are not managed efficiently. For the Department of Energy, the risk lies in potentially exceeding the estimated $10.9 million ceiling if oversight is insufficient. Robust monitoring of labor hours, adherence to agreed-upon rates, and clear task definitions are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure the contract remains within budget and delivers expected value.

How does the GSA Schedule contract vehicle impact the acquisition and oversight of this HR support service?

Utilizing a GSA Schedule contract vehicle (GS-02F-0156AA) for this HR support service significantly streamlines the acquisition process and provides a pre-vetted framework for oversight. GSA Schedules offer pre-negotiated pricing, terms, and conditions, reducing the time and effort required for the Department of Energy (DOE) to procure these services compared to a standalone solicitation. Vendors on GSA Schedules have already met specific qualification criteria, offering a baseline level of assurance regarding their capabilities. Oversight is facilitated through GSA's established contract management policies and the agency's own contracting officer responsibilities. While the task order is managed by DOE, GSA provides the overarching contract structure. This approach generally promotes fair pricing and compliance, though the agency remains responsible for monitoring contractor performance and ensuring the services meet the specific needs outlined in the task order.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Human Resources Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 89303022QHC000010

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 228 SOUTH WASHINGTON ST SUITE 330, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

Business Categories: Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,631,240

Exercised Options: $14,251,240

Current Obligation: $10,963,980

Actual Outlays: $8,921,991

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS02F156AA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline