DOE awards $4.89M for EM/HQ Technical Support, citing limited competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $4,888,446 ($4.9M)
Contractor: Catawba-Tea, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2023-04-13
End Date: 2025-12-13
Contract Duration: 975 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: EM/HQ/BRIDGE CTSS- TASK ORDER 15- TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE OFFICES OF SAFEGUARDS, SECURITY, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, AND DIRECTORS (EM 3.1 AND 3.114)
Place of Performance
Location: ROCK HILL, YORK County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29730
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $4.9 million to CATAWBA-TEA, LLC for work described as: EM/HQ/BRIDGE CTSS- TASK ORDER 15- TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE OFFICES OF SAFEGUARDS, SECURITY, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, AND DIRECTORS (EM 3.1 AND 3.114) Key points: 1. The contract focuses on essential technical support for Safeguards, Security, and Emergency Preparedness within the Department of Energy. 2. Limited competition was cited, potentially impacting price discovery and overall value for taxpayers. 3. The contract's duration of nearly two years suggests ongoing support needs. 4. The NAICS code 562910 points to Remediation Services, indicating a specialized area of support.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $4.89M for technical support services is difficult to benchmark without specific details on the scope of work and comparable contracts. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status for pricing information further hinders a precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under limited competition, meaning fewer vendors were solicited. This approach can sometimes lead to higher prices compared to full and open competition, as the pressure to offer the most competitive bid is reduced.
Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may result in a less optimal price for taxpayers, as a wider pool of bidders could have potentially driven down costs.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of critical safety and security operations within the Department of Energy. Supports essential functions for emergency preparedness and directorates, maintaining operational readiness. The award highlights the ongoing need for specialized technical expertise in sensitive government areas.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- Lack of detailed pricing information hinders value assessment.
Positive Signals
- Supports critical safety and security functions.
- Ensures operational continuity for key DOE offices.
Sector Analysis
The Department of Energy frequently procures technical support services for its complex operations, including those related to environmental management, security, and emergency preparedness. Benchmarks for similar support contracts can vary widely based on the specific technical expertise and scope required.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific contract award, as the awardee is CATAWBA-TEA, LLC. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Energy is responsible for overseeing this contract to ensure that the technical support services provided meet the required standards and objectives. Accountability for performance and cost management rests with the agency.
Related Government Programs
- Remediation Services
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition may result in higher costs.
- Lack of detailed pricing information hinders thorough value assessment.
- Potential for vendor lock-in due to specialized knowledge.
- Scope of work could be broad, making oversight challenging.
Tags
remediation-services, department-of-energy, sc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $4.9 million to CATAWBA-TEA, LLC. EM/HQ/BRIDGE CTSS- TASK ORDER 15- TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE OFFICES OF SAFEGUARDS, SECURITY, EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, AND DIRECTORS (EM 3.1 AND 3.114)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CATAWBA-TEA, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $4.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-04-13. End: 2025-12-13.
What specific technical support tasks are included in this contract, and how do they align with the remediation services NAICS code?
The contract specifies technical support for Offices of Safeguards, Security, Emergency Preparedness, and Directors. While the NAICS code is 562910 (Remediation Services), the tasks likely extend beyond direct remediation to encompass the technical infrastructure, planning, and operational support necessary for these critical safety and security functions within the DOE's environmental management mission.
What factors led to the determination of limited competition for these essential technical support services?
The determination of limited competition likely stems from the highly specialized nature of the technical support required, potentially involving unique expertise, security clearances, or existing knowledge of DOE systems and protocols. Agencies may limit competition when only a few sources are capable of meeting the stringent requirements, though this should be justified.
How will the effectiveness of the technical support be measured to ensure value for taxpayer money, given the limited competition?
Effectiveness will be measured through performance metrics defined in the contract, such as response times, issue resolution rates, and adherence to security protocols. Regular performance reviews by the Department of Energy will assess contractor performance against these metrics, ensuring accountability and value despite the limited competition.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 996 AVENUE OF THE NATIONS, ROCK HILL, SC, 29730
Business Categories: Category Business, Government, Native American Tribal Government, Limited Liability Corporation, 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: $4,888,446
Exercised Options: $4,888,446
Current Obligation: $4,888,446
Actual Outlays: $4,888,446
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89303323DEM000087
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-04-13
Current End Date: 2025-12-13
Potential End Date: 2025-12-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-19
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