Booz Allen Hamilton awarded $26.85M for ARPA-E technical support, facing full and open competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $26,850,000 ($26.9M)
Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2025-08-29
End Date: 2027-02-28
Contract Duration: 548 days
Daily Burn Rate: $49.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: TECHNICAL, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (TPASS) FOR ARPA-E.
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20585
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $26.9 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: TECHNICAL, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (TPASS) FOR ARPA-E. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential technical, professional, and administrative support to ARPA-E. 2. The award was made under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract is approximately 1.5 years, ending in February 2027. 4. The contract type is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 covers 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. 6. The base contract value is $4.89M, with the potential to reach $26.85M. 7. The contract is not set aside for small businesses.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $26.85 million over approximately 1.5 years for technical, professional, and administrative support services appears reasonable given the scope of supporting ARPA-E's mission. Benchmarking against similar support contracts for research and development agencies is necessary for a definitive value assessment. The base award of $4.89 million suggests an initial phase of work, with the potential for significant growth, which is common for such support services.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This process typically involves a solicitation where multiple companies can compete, leading to a more competitive pricing environment and potentially better value for the government. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a healthy level of competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through competitive bidding and ensuring the government receives the best possible services at a fair price.
Public Impact
The primary beneficiaries are the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) and its program managers, who will receive critical support. Services delivered include technical, professional, and administrative assistance, crucial for managing complex energy research projects. The geographic impact is centered in the District of Columbia, where ARPA-E is headquartered. Workforce implications include the potential for skilled professionals to be employed by Booz Allen Hamilton to fulfill these support roles.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if initial requirements are not clearly defined, leading to cost overruns.
- Reliance on a single large contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance falters.
- The significant increase from the base award to the maximum value warrants close monitoring of task orders and expenditures.
Positive Signals
- Award to a well-established contractor like Booz Allen Hamilton suggests a high likelihood of successful performance.
- Full and open competition indicates a structured and transparent procurement process.
- The contract supports ARPA-E, a vital agency for advancing energy technologies, implying strategic importance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting a government agency focused on advanced energy research. The market for such support services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in program management, technical analysis, and administrative functions. Spending in this category is often driven by the need for specialized knowledge and objective support for complex government initiatives like those undertaken by ARPA-E.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract are likely limited unless they are part of Booz Allen Hamilton's broader supply chain or are awarded separate, smaller contracts.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers responsible for ARPA-E. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) where contract awards are reported. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- ARPA-E Program Management Support
- Department of Energy Administrative Services
- Federal Technical Consulting Contracts
- Research and Development Support Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if scope is not well-defined.
- Contractor performance risk.
- Dependency on a single large contractor.
Tags
professional-services, technical-support, administrative-support, department-of-energy, arpa-e, booz-allen-hamilton, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, district-of-columbia, naics-541990, research-and-development, energy-sector
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $26.9 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. TECHNICAL, PROFESSIONAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (TPASS) FOR ARPA-E.
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 $26.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-08-29. End: 2027-02-28.
What is the historical spending pattern for technical and administrative support services at ARPA-E?
Analyzing historical spending for ARPA-E's support services requires accessing detailed contract databases over several fiscal years. Typically, agencies like ARPA-E engage contractors for a range of services including program management, technical reviews, data analysis, and administrative functions. Spending can fluctuate based on agency priorities, project lifecycles, and the availability of internal resources. Without specific historical data for ARPA-E's TPASS contracts, it's difficult to provide precise figures. However, it is common for R&D focused agencies to allocate a significant portion of their budget towards external expertise to supplement internal capabilities and manage the complex portfolio of research projects. The current award of up to $26.85 million suggests a substantial need for such support over its period of performance.
How does the awarded amount compare to similar contracts for technical support at other federal R&D agencies?
Comparing this $26.85 million contract to similar ones requires identifying contracts with comparable scope (technical, professional, administrative support) and agency type (R&D focused). Agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), or Department of Energy's other research offices might have similar support contracts. Contract values can vary widely based on the specific mission, size of the agency, and duration. A contract of this magnitude for a 1.5-year period is substantial, suggesting ARPA-E requires significant external support. Benchmarking would involve looking at the average cost per year for similar services across these agencies, considering factors like labor rates and overhead.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) expected for this contract?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract would likely focus on the quality, timeliness, and efficiency of the technical, professional, and administrative support provided to ARPA-E. Specific KPIs could include: adherence to project timelines for assigned tasks, accuracy and completeness of reports and analyses, responsiveness to ARPA-E staff requests, successful management of project documentation, and overall client satisfaction. Performance metrics would be detailed in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS). Failure to meet these KPIs could result in contract remedies, including potential termination or reduced payment.
What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with the Department of Energy and ARPA-E?
Booz Allen Hamilton is a large, established government contractor with a significant history of serving various federal agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE). Their extensive experience typically includes providing a wide array of services such as management consulting, IT support, cybersecurity, and technical assistance. While specific contract history with ARPA-E would require a detailed search, Booz Allen's broad presence within the DOE suggests they possess the necessary clearances, understanding of the agency's mission, and established relationships to perform effectively. Their past performance ratings on similar contracts would be a key factor in the award decision.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for comprehensive support services?
Relying on a single contractor like Booz Allen Hamilton for comprehensive support services presents several potential risks. One primary risk is a lack of competitive pressure, which could lead to complacency or reduced innovation over time. Another risk is vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch providers if performance issues arise. Furthermore, if the contractor experiences significant financial difficulties or internal disruptions, it could severely impact ARPA-E's operations. Dependence on one entity also concentrates risk; if the contractor fails to meet critical requirements, the agency's ability to function could be jeopardized. Mitigation strategies include robust contract oversight, clear performance standards, and contingency planning.
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: $69,069,058
Exercised Options: $69,069,058
Current Obligation: $26,850,000
Actual Outlays: $12,934,233
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 2
Total Subaward Amount: $2,400,000
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: 2025-08-29
Current End Date: 2027-02-28
Potential End Date: 2027-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-03
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