Booz Allen Hamilton awarded $15M+ for scientific, engineering, and technical assistance by the Department of Justice

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,073,500 ($15.1M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2007-10-22

End Date: 2012-10-21

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: SCIENTIFIC ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $15.1 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: SCIENTIFIC ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the scope of scientific, engineering, and technical assistance. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a competitive award, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. Contract duration and delivery order structure indicate a phased approach to service delivery. 4. Performance context is tied to the Office of Justice Programs, suggesting support for law enforcement and justice initiatives. 5. Sector positioning within 'Engineering Services' aligns with the stated assistance type.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of over $15 million for scientific, engineering, and technical assistance appears to be within a reasonable range for the services provided by a large contractor like Booz Allen Hamilton. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized technical support within the federal government would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the contractor's established presence and the nature of the services, the pricing is likely competitive.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, indicating that it was likely competed under a broader indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle that allowed for multiple bidders. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a moderate level of competition, which is generally positive for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces.

Public Impact

The Office of Justice Programs benefits from specialized scientific, engineering, and technical expertise. Services delivered likely support various justice-related initiatives and research. Geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located. Workforce implications include employment for skilled engineers and scientists at Booz Allen Hamilton.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep given the 'time and materials' contract type, which could increase costs if not managed carefully.
Reliance on a single large contractor may limit opportunities for smaller, specialized firms in future procurements.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating potential for good value.
Contractor has a strong track record in providing technical and engineering services to the government.
Clear performance period with defined start and end dates.

Sector Analysis

The 'Engineering Services' sector (NAICS 541330) is a significant part of the federal procurement landscape, encompassing a wide range of specialized technical support. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services supporting government agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks for engineering and technical assistance contracts can vary widely based on agency and scope, but this $15M+ award is a substantial commitment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed here. Without specific subcontracting plans, it's difficult to assess the direct benefit to small businesses from this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Office of Justice Programs within the Department of Justice. Accountability measures are usually defined in the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS, where contract awards are recorded.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice IT Support Contracts
Engineering and Technical Services for Law Enforcement Agencies
Scientific Research and Development Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Limited visibility into specific performance metrics and outcomes.
Reliance on a single large contractor for critical support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $15.1 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. SCIENTIFIC ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Office of Justice Programs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-10-22. End: 2012-10-21.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with the Department of Justice and similar agencies?

Booz Allen Hamilton is a well-established government contractor with a long history of serving various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civilian agencies like the Department of Justice. Their track record typically involves providing a wide array of services, including IT, cybersecurity, management consulting, and engineering support. For the Department of Justice specifically, they have likely engaged in numerous contracts supporting law enforcement, justice system modernization, and policy analysis. Their extensive experience suggests a deep understanding of government requirements and a capacity to handle complex technical challenges, although specific performance metrics for individual contracts would need to be reviewed for a comprehensive assessment.

How does the $15 million contract value compare to similar engineering and technical assistance contracts?

The $15 million contract value for scientific, engineering, and technical assistance is a significant but not extraordinary amount for a contract awarded to a large, experienced firm like Booz Allen Hamilton. Federal spending on such services can range from a few million to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the complexity, duration, and scope of work. To benchmark effectively, one would compare this award to other contracts for similar services (e.g., engineering support, scientific analysis, technical consulting) awarded by agencies like the Department of Justice or other law enforcement-focused bodies. Factors such as the number of bidders, the contract type (e.g., time and materials vs. fixed price), and the specific technical requirements heavily influence pricing. Without more specific comparative data, it's reasonable to consider this value as moderate to high for a single delivery order.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of 'Time and Materials' contract?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like the one indicated here, carry inherent risks primarily related to cost control. The government pays for the actual labor hours at specified rates and the cost of materials used. This structure can lead to cost overruns if the scope of work is not well-defined or if contractor effort is not efficiently managed. Key risks include: 1) Scope Creep: Without strict oversight, the contractor might extend the effort beyond the original intent, increasing costs. 2) Inaccurate Effort Estimation: It can be challenging for the government to accurately estimate the total effort required upfront, making budget predictability difficult. 3) Contractor Efficiency: The incentive for the contractor to be highly efficient might be lower compared to fixed-price contracts. To mitigate these risks, robust government oversight, detailed tracking of labor hours, clear task definitions, and regular performance reviews are crucial.

How effective is the Office of Justice Programs in leveraging external technical expertise?

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) frequently utilizes external expertise to support its mission, which includes research, development, and implementation of programs related to crime and justice. Awards like this one to Booz Allen Hamilton indicate OJP's strategy of engaging specialized firms for scientific, engineering, and technical assistance. The effectiveness can be gauged by the successful application of the acquired expertise in improving justice initiatives, informing policy, or enhancing technological capabilities. While the contract itself doesn't detail program outcomes, OJP's consistent engagement with technical service providers suggests a recognized need and a functional process for leveraging such support to achieve its objectives.

What are the historical spending patterns for engineering and technical assistance within the Department of Justice?

Historical spending patterns for engineering and technical assistance within the Department of Justice (DOJ) show a consistent and significant investment in these areas. The DOJ, encompassing various components like the FBI, DEA, and Bureau of Prisons, requires substantial technical and engineering support for everything from forensic analysis and IT infrastructure to facility management and research. Over the years, spending has likely trended upwards, mirroring the increasing complexity of technological needs and the growing reliance on data analytics and specialized scientific support. The DOJ often utilizes a mix of contract types and sources, including large, established firms like Booz Allen Hamilton, as well as smaller specialized companies, often through competitive IDIQ vehicles. Analyzing historical data would reveal trends in specific service categories and the dominant contractors within the DOJ's technical support ecosystem.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,751,957

Exercised Options: $36,751,957

Current Obligation: $15,073,500

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F0025K

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline