DOE awards $3.5M for Utilities Management Support, with Exeter Associates Inc. managing services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,514,105 ($3.5M)
Contractor: Exeter Associates, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2023-09-05
End Date: 2026-09-12
Contract Duration: 1,103 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: UTILITIES MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES (UMSS) FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S (DOE) FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS (FEMP)
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21044
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $3.5 million to EXETER ASSOCIATES, INC. for work described as: UTILITIES MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES (UMSS) FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S (DOE) FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS (FEMP) Key points: 1. Contract focuses on supporting the Federal Energy Management Programs (FEMP). 2. Exeter Associates, Inc. secured this purchase order. 3. The contract duration is over 3 years, ending in September 2026. 4. Services are categorized under 'Other Management Consulting Services'. 5. This award was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). 6. The contract type is Time and Materials, indicating flexible scope. 7. The base award value is approximately $3.18M, with potential for growth.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $3.5M over three years for utilities management support appears reasonable for specialized consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for federal energy management program support would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The Time and Materials pricing structure allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring to ensure costs remain aligned with the evolving needs of the FEMP.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), suggesting a competitive process for awards under the federal micro-purchase and small purchase thresholds. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP generally aims to foster competition among a broader range of vendors, including small businesses. This approach is intended to ensure fair pricing and access to a variety of service providers.
Taxpayer Impact: Competition under SAP generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for taxpayers compared to sole-source awards. It ensures that multiple qualified firms have an opportunity to bid, driving efficiency and value.
Public Impact
Federal agencies will benefit from improved utilities management and energy efficiency through FEMP. The services delivered will support the Department of Energy's mission to promote sustainable energy practices. The geographic impact is national, as FEMP supports federal facilities across the United States. The contract supports specialized consulting roles within the energy management sector.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
- Limited public information on the specific performance metrics and success criteria for this contract.
- The base award is $3.18M, with potential for the full $3.51M, requiring vigilance on scope creep.
Positive Signals
- Awarded to Exeter Associates, Inc., a firm with experience in management consulting.
- The contract supports the critical mission of the Federal Energy Management Programs (FEMP).
- Competition under SAP suggests a structured procurement process aimed at value.
Sector Analysis
The Federal Energy Management Programs (FEMP) operate within the broader energy sector, focusing on improving energy efficiency and sustainability across federal government operations. This contract for utilities management support services falls under management consulting, a segment that supports various government functions. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in energy efficiency, facility management, and regulatory compliance. The total award value of $3.5M is modest within the context of federal energy spending, but significant for specialized support services.
Small Business Impact
The contract was competed under SAP, which can provide opportunities for small businesses. However, the data indicates this specific award was not a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Exeter Associates, Inc. is the prime contractor. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this contract's scope.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Federal Energy Management Programs. As a purchase order, it falls under standard federal procurement regulations. Transparency regarding performance metrics and expenditures would be enhanced through public reporting mechanisms, though specific details are not readily available in the provided data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Federal Energy Management Programs (FEMP)
- Department of Energy Consulting Services
- Utilities Management Contracts
- Energy Efficiency Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
- Need for robust oversight to ensure value for money.
- Limited public data on specific performance metrics and outcomes.
Tags
energy-management, utilities-support, consulting-services, department-of-energy, federal-energy-management-program, competed-under-sap, time-and-materials, purchase-order, exeter-associates, maryland, management-consulting
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $3.5 million to EXETER ASSOCIATES, INC.. UTILITIES MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES (UMSS) FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY'S (DOE) FEDERAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS (FEMP)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is EXETER 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 $3.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-05. End: 2026-09-12.
What is the track record of Exeter Associates, Inc. with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Energy?
Exeter Associates, Inc. has a history of performing federal contracts, including work with the Department of Energy. Their experience often lies in providing specialized consulting services, such as program management, policy analysis, and technical support. A review of their contract history would reveal the types of services rendered, past performance ratings, and any significant issues encountered. For this specific contract, their ability to successfully manage utilities and energy efficiency programs for FEMP will be crucial. Past performance data, if available through federal procurement databases like SAM.gov or FPDS, would offer insights into their reliability and effectiveness in similar engagements.
How does the $3.5M award compare to typical spending on similar utilities management support services by the federal government?
The $3.5M award for Utilities Management Support Services (UMSS) for the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Programs (FEMP) is a moderate-sized contract. Federal spending on energy management and consulting services can vary widely, from small, specialized task orders to multi-year, multi-million dollar programs. Contracts supporting FEMP often involve technical expertise in energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and facility optimization. To benchmark this award, one would compare it to other contracts awarded by agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Defense (DoD), or other energy-focused entities for similar consulting and program support. The 'Other Management Consulting Services' NAICS code (541618) encompasses a broad range of activities, so precise comparisons require matching contract scopes of work.
What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for these services?
The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, such as this one for utilities management support, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. This structure can incentivize longer project durations or less efficient work if not rigorously monitored. For the Department of Energy, risks include exceeding the $3.5M ceiling without a commensurate increase in delivered value, scope creep where unapproved work is performed, and difficulties in accurately forecasting final costs. Effective oversight, detailed reporting of hours and expenses, and clear definition of tasks are critical to mitigating these risks.
How effective is the Federal Energy Management Programs (FEMP) in achieving its energy efficiency goals, and how does this contract contribute?
The Federal Energy Management Programs (FEMP) aims to help federal agencies reduce energy costs and environmental impact. Its effectiveness is often measured by the aggregate energy and cost savings achieved across federal facilities. FEMP provides resources, training, and technical assistance to agencies. This contract for utilities management support services directly contributes to FEMP's mission by providing specialized expertise to manage and optimize energy usage within federal buildings. The success of this contract will be reflected in improved energy performance metrics, cost savings, and enhanced sustainability practices within the agencies served by FEMP. Data on FEMP's overall performance, available through DOE reports, would indicate the program's broader impact.
What are the historical spending patterns for utilities management support services within the Department of Energy?
Historical spending patterns for utilities management support services within the Department of Energy (DOE) can be analyzed by examining past contract awards under relevant categories, such as management consulting (NAICS 541618) or energy-specific services. The DOE, being a leader in energy research and policy, likely engages in consistent spending on services that support its energy efficiency and management mandates. This $3.5M award represents a portion of that ongoing investment. Analyzing trends over several fiscal years would reveal whether spending in this area is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable, and identify key contractors or types of services most frequently procured. Such analysis helps contextualize current spending and forecast future needs.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Solicitation ID: 89303023RFP000001
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 10480 LITTLE PATUXENT PKWY, COLUMBIA, MD, 21044
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,564,087
Exercised Options: $3,842,623
Current Obligation: $3,514,105
Actual Outlays: $2,062,429
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-05
Current End Date: 2026-09-12
Potential End Date: 2028-09-12 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-08
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