Booz Allen Hamilton awarded $36.4M task order for ARPA-E technical and administrative support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $36,369,395 ($36.4M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2024-04-30
End Date: 2025-02-28
Contract Duration: 304 days
Daily Burn Rate: $119.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: NEW TASK ORDER FOR ARPA-E: TECHNICAL, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20024
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $36.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: NEW TASK ORDER FOR ARPA-E: TECHNICAL, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for ARPA-E's mission to advance clean energy technologies. 2. Task order awarded under a broad indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 3. Competition dynamics suggest potential for competitive pricing within the IDIQ framework. 4. Performance period is relatively short, indicating a focused scope of work. 5. Geographic concentration in Washington D.C. may reflect proximity to agency headquarters. 6. The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code is broad, encompassing diverse support functions.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $36.4 million for a 10-month period appears reasonable for specialized technical and administrative support to a high-profile research agency like ARPA-E. Benchmarking against similar support contracts for federal research and development agencies would provide further context, but the scope suggests a need for experienced personnel. The labor hours pricing structure allows for flexibility in resource allocation based on evolving project needs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the selection of a capable contractor. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation is a positive indicator for price discovery.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective service delivery and a wider pool of innovative solutions.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiary is the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), which receives critical support for its operations and program management. Services include technical, professional, and administrative support, enabling ARPA-E to effectively manage its portfolio of clean energy research projects. The geographic impact is concentrated in Washington D.C., where ARPA-E is headquartered, facilitating close collaboration. The contract supports a workforce of skilled professionals in technical, scientific, and administrative fields.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'technical, professional, and administrative support' is not tightly managed.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance issues arise.
- The short performance period might necessitate a rapid ramp-up, potentially leading to initial inefficiencies.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- Booz Allen Hamilton is a well-established contractor with a significant presence in government contracting.
- The task order structure allows for flexibility in adapting to ARPA-E's evolving needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting a government agency focused on energy research and development. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms capable of providing specialized support. ARPA-E's unique mission to fund high-risk, high-reward energy technologies requires a specialized support cadre, making this a niche but important segment of the broader professional services market.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting goals for small businesses. As a large prime contractor, Booz Allen Hamilton may have opportunities to engage small businesses as subcontractors, but this is not a primary focus based on the provided information. Further analysis of the IDIQ contract's subcontracting plan would be necessary to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this task order would typically fall under the Department of Energy's contracting and program management offices, with potential involvement from ARPA-E leadership. Inspector General oversight is standard for Department of Energy contracts. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics are often internal.
Related Government Programs
- ARPA-E Program Management Support
- Department of Energy Professional Services Contracts
- Federal R&D Agency Support Services
- Technical Consulting Services for Government
Risk Flags
- Broad NAICS code may obscure specific service details.
- Short performance period could impact initial efficiency.
- Reliance on incumbent contractor for specialized support.
Tags
energy, department-of-energy, arpa-e, professional-services, technical-support, administrative-support, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, labor-hours, district-of-columbia, booz-allen-hamilton
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $36.4 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. NEW TASK ORDER FOR ARPA-E: TECHNICAL, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $36.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-04-30. End: 2025-02-28.
What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with the Department of Energy and ARPA-E specifically?
Booz Allen Hamilton has a long-standing and extensive track record of providing a wide range of services to the Department of Energy (DOE) and its various agencies, including ARPA-E. Their engagements typically span strategic planning, program management, technical analysis, cybersecurity, and IT modernization. For ARPA-E, Booz Allen has historically supported program development, technical reviews, and administrative functions. Their deep understanding of the energy sector and government contracting processes positions them as a frequent awardee for such support services. Reviewing historical contract awards and performance evaluations would provide a more granular view of their specific performance on past ARPA-E related tasks.
How does the value of this task order compare to previous support contracts for ARPA-E?
Comparing the $36.4 million value of this task order to previous ARPA-E support contracts requires access to historical contract data. However, given ARPA-E's mission and operational scale, task orders in the tens of millions of dollars for comprehensive technical and administrative support over a period of roughly one year are not uncommon. The value is influenced by the specific scope of work, the level of expertise required, and the duration. If previous support contracts were significantly smaller or larger, it could indicate a change in ARPA-E's needs, funding levels, or contracting strategy. A detailed historical analysis would be needed for a precise comparison.
What are the key risks associated with this type of support contract?
Key risks for this type of support contract include scope creep, where the requirements expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. There's also a risk of contractor performance issues, where the quality of technical or administrative support may not meet expectations, potentially hindering ARPA-E's program objectives. Over-reliance on a single contractor for critical functions can also be a risk if the contractor faces financial instability or significant personnel turnover. Ensuring clear performance metrics, robust oversight, and contingency planning are crucial to mitigate these risks.
How effective is the 'full and open competition' process in ensuring value for money for ARPA-E support services?
The 'full and open competition' process is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money for ARPA-E support services. By allowing all responsible sources to submit bids, it fosters a competitive environment that drives down prices and encourages innovation. This process increases the likelihood that ARPA-E will receive high-quality services at a fair and reasonable cost. However, the effectiveness is contingent on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the agency's ability to accurately assess proposals. A well-executed full and open competition typically yields better value than sole-source or limited competition awards.
What are the implications of the 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code for contract oversight?
The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990) code is very broad, encompassing a wide array of services that don't fit into more specific categories. This breadth can present challenges for contract oversight. It means the specific nature of the support provided under this task order could vary significantly. Oversight mechanisms must be robust enough to ensure that the services delivered align precisely with the stated requirements and that the contractor is performing within the defined scope. Clear performance work statements and detailed deliverables are essential to manage oversight effectively under such a broad classification.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation
Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $36,369,395
Exercised Options: $36,369,395
Current Obligation: $36,369,395
Actual Outlays: $35,693,608
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 4
Total Subaward Amount: $10,450,000
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89703024DAR000002
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-04-30
Current End Date: 2025-02-28
Potential End Date: 2025-10-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-10-30
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