DOE's $30M administrative support contract with SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC awarded in 2010, ending 2016
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,373,701 ($30.4M)
Contractor: Smart Data Solutions, LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2010-09-29
End Date: 2016-07-07
Contract Duration: 2,108 days
Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TAS::89 ::TAS SITE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: MORGANTOWN, MONONGALIA County, WEST VIRGINIA, 26507
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $30.4 million to SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: TAS::89 ::TAS SITE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 2. The contract type (Cost Plus Award Fee) can incentivize performance but may lead to higher costs if not managed closely. 3. Duration of 2108 days (approx. 5.8 years) indicates a long-term need for administrative support services. 4. The contract was awarded to a single entity, SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561110 points to a standard office administrative services requirement. 6. The contract was not set aside for small businesses. 7. The contract was awarded by the Department of Energy. 8. The contract was performed in West Virginia.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns. The Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) structure means the final cost is influenced by performance, making direct comparisons difficult. However, the total award amount of over $30 million over nearly six years suggests a significant investment in administrative support. Further analysis would require comparing the services rendered against industry standards for administrative support and evaluating the award fees paid relative to documented performance achievements.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that multiple sources were solicited and considered. The presence of 10 bidders (as suggested by 'no': 10) implies a robust competitive landscape for these administrative support services. A higher number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.
Taxpayer Impact: The extensive competition for this contract likely resulted in a more competitive price for taxpayers, as vendors vied to offer the best value. This process helps ensure that government funds are used efficiently by preventing inflated pricing that might occur in less competitive scenarios.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy benefits from consistent and reliable administrative support services, enabling its core functions to operate smoothly. The contract supports the operational efficiency of DOE offices, potentially impacting various energy-related programs and initiatives. The geographic impact is primarily in West Virginia, where the services were performed. The contract likely supported a workforce involved in administrative tasks, contributing to local employment in West Virginia.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The CPAF contract type requires careful monitoring to ensure award fees are justified by performance and do not inflate costs unnecessarily.
- Lack of small business set-aside may limit opportunities for smaller firms in this contracting space.
- The long duration of the contract could lead to vendor complacency if not actively managed.
- Specific details on performance metrics and achieved award fees are not readily available for a comprehensive value assessment.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
- The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need met by this award.
- The contract was awarded to SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC, a specific entity providing these services.
Sector Analysis
The administrative support services sector is a broad category encompassing a wide range of functions essential for the operation of government agencies and private businesses. This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services industry. The market for these services is highly competitive, with numerous providers ranging from large corporations to small businesses. Government spending in this area is consistent, reflecting the ongoing need for efficient office operations, record-keeping, and logistical support across various federal departments.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract were likely limited to the prime contractor's discretion. The absence of a set-aside suggests that the competition was geared towards larger or more established firms capable of handling the full scope of services.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers. The Cost Plus Award Fee structure necessitates detailed performance monitoring and evaluation to justify any award fees. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements and potential audits. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any concerns regarding fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's lifecycle.
Related Government Programs
- General Services Administration (GSA) Schedules for Administrative Services
- Department of Defense Administrative Support Contracts
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance on service contracts
Risk Flags
- Contract Type (CPAF) requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
- Long contract duration necessitates ongoing performance monitoring.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Tags
department-of-energy, administrative-support, definitive-contract, cost-plus-award-fee, full-and-open-competition, west-virginia, office-administrative-services, large-contract, professional-scientific-and-technical-services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $30.4 million to SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC. TAS::89 ::TAS SITE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $30.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2010-09-29. End: 2016-07-07.
What was the specific performance criteria used to determine award fees for SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC under this contract?
The provided data does not detail the specific performance criteria used for award fee determination. For Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contracts, these criteria are typically outlined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Objectives (SOO). They often include metrics related to timeliness, quality of deliverables, customer satisfaction, cost control, and adherence to schedules. Without access to the contract's full terms and conditions, it's impossible to specify the exact metrics. However, the Department of Energy's contracting officers would have been responsible for evaluating SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC's performance against these predefined standards to justify any awarded fees beyond the base cost.
How does the per-unit cost of administrative support services under this contract compare to similar contracts awarded by the Department of Energy or other federal agencies?
A direct per-unit cost comparison is not feasible with the provided data. The contract value is a total award amount, and the 'units' of administrative support are not defined (e.g., per hour, per task, per employee supported). To perform such a comparison, one would need to identify comparable contracts with similar scopes of work, contract types (like CPAF), and performance periods. Then, one would need to extract or estimate the cost per unit of service delivered. Benchmarking would involve analyzing data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or specialized cost-estimating tools to find average rates for similar administrative support services within the federal government. The CPAF structure further complicates direct comparisons as the final cost is variable.
What were the primary risks identified during the solicitation and award process for this contract, and how were they mitigated?
The provided data does not explicitly list risks identified during the solicitation and award process. However, common risks for large administrative support contracts include contractor performance failures, cost overruns, security breaches, and inadequate staffing. Given the 'full and open competition' award, risks related to insufficient competition were likely low. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust evaluation criteria during the bidding phase, clear performance standards in the contract, regular oversight by contracting officers, and potentially performance bonds. The CPAF structure itself is a risk mitigation tool, aiming to align contractor incentives with government objectives, though it requires careful management to prevent uncontrolled cost growth.
What is the historical spending pattern for administrative support services at the Department of Energy, and how does this contract fit within that pattern?
The provided data focuses on a single contract and does not offer a broader historical spending pattern for administrative support services at the Department of Energy (DOE). To establish a pattern, one would need to analyze DOE's spending on similar services (NAICS code 561110 or related codes) over multiple fiscal years. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, number of awards, types of services procured, and dominant contractors. This specific $30 million contract, awarded in 2010 and ending in 2016, represents a significant, long-term investment in administrative support during that period. Its size and duration suggest it fulfilled a substantial portion of DOE's needs for these services at the time.
What was the track record of SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC regarding federal contracts prior to and during the performance of this Department of Energy contract?
The provided data identifies SMART DATA SOLUTIONS, LLC as the contractor but does not include information about their prior or concurrent federal contract history. To assess their track record, one would need to consult federal procurement databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). These systems would provide details on past contract performance, including ratings, past performance issues, and any disciplinary actions. A thorough review would examine their history with the Department of Energy and other agencies to understand their reliability, quality of service, and compliance with contractual terms across multiple engagements.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Office Administrative Services › Office Administrative Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: DE-SOL0000332
Offers Received: 10
Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8701 GEORGIA AVE STE 700, SILVER SPRING, MD, 20910
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,613,047
Exercised Options: $30,613,047
Current Obligation: $30,373,701
Contract Characteristics
Multi-Year Contract: Yes
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2010-09-29
Current End Date: 2016-07-07
Potential End Date: 2016-07-07 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-06-06
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