DoD's $30M automotive repair contract to BARDES SERVICES INC shows long-term engagement with a single provider

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,955,141 ($30.0M)

Contractor: Bardes Services Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2002-01-11

End Date: 2010-01-31

Contract Duration: 2,942 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Place of Performance

Location: TINKER AFB, OKLAHOMA County, OKLAHOMA, 73145

State: Oklahoma Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $30.0 million to BARDES SERVICES INC for work described as: Key points: 1. The contract duration of 2942 days suggests a sustained need for these services. 2. A single awardee over such a long period may indicate limited market dynamism or a highly specialized requirement. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government. 4. The absence of small business set-aside flags suggests this was not specifically targeted for smaller enterprises. 5. The contract's value, while substantial, needs benchmarking against similar long-term maintenance agreements. 6. The 'Other Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance' NAICS code points to a broad scope of services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of approximately $30 million over nearly 8 years for automotive repair and maintenance services is significant. Without specific details on the scope of work, it's difficult to definitively benchmark the value. However, the duration suggests a consistent need. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract offers predictability, but the lack of comparative data makes a precise value-for-money assessment challenging. Further analysis would require understanding the specific services rendered and comparing them to industry standards and other government contracts for similar maintenance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons. The fact that there were 9 bidders suggests a reasonably competitive initial process. However, the long duration and single awardee over time raise questions about whether the initial competition effectively drove down long-term costs or if subsequent modifications or renewals favored the incumbent.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive initial award is generally beneficial for taxpayers, as it encourages multiple companies to offer their best pricing. However, the long-term nature of this contract warrants scrutiny to ensure sustained value and prevent potential price creep over the contract's life.

Public Impact

Military personnel and vehicles within the Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, benefit from the consistent availability of automotive repair and maintenance. Essential operational readiness of the Air Force's vehicle fleet is supported by these services. The services are likely geographically concentrated around Air Force bases where BARDES SERVICES INC operates. The contract supports jobs within the automotive repair and maintenance sector, potentially including skilled technicians.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration with a single awardee could indicate a lack of ongoing competition or potential for complacency.
The 'after exclusion of sources' clause warrants understanding the rationale behind any exclusions to ensure fairness and full market utilization.
Without detailed performance metrics, it's hard to assess the consistent quality and efficiency of services over the contract's lifespan.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
A substantial number of initial bidders (9) suggests a competitive start to the contract.
The contract has been active for a significant period, indicating a sustained need and likely a proven capability from the contractor.

Sector Analysis

The automotive repair and maintenance sector is a critical support industry for government fleets, ensuring operational readiness. This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services category, specifically focusing on mechanical and electrical repair. The market includes numerous small and large businesses offering specialized services. Benchmarking this contract's value would involve comparing its per-unit costs or overall value against similar long-term fleet maintenance agreements within the federal government and the commercial sector.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the 'sb' field is false, indicating no specific small business participation was mandated. This suggests that larger businesses or those not qualifying under small business definitions were the primary focus. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans, but for a contract of this nature and duration, it's possible that smaller, specialized automotive shops could be engaged as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Air Force's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

General Services Administration (GSA) Fleet Management
Department of Transportation Vehicle Maintenance Contracts
Other DoD Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance Contracts
Base Operations Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term single awardee
Potential for unexercised competition
Lack of detailed performance data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $30.0 million to BARDES SERVICES INC. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BARDES SERVICES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $30.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2002-01-11. End: 2010-01-31.

What specific types of automotive vehicles and equipment were covered under this contract, and what was the estimated fleet size?

The provided data does not specify the exact types of vehicles or the estimated fleet size covered by this contract. The NAICS code '811118 - Other Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance' suggests a broad range of services applicable to various automotive vehicles, potentially including cars, trucks, specialized military vehicles, and related equipment. To understand the full scope, one would need to consult the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) or Performance Work Statement (PWS). This document would detail the specific assets requiring maintenance, the expected service levels, and potentially the geographic locations where these services were to be performed. Without this detail, assessing the contract's true scale and impact is limited.

How did the final awarded amount compare to the initial estimated value or ceiling?

The provided data indicates a total 'Award Amount' (a) of $29,955,140.78. However, the data does not include an 'Estimated Value' or 'Ceiling' for the contract at its inception or during its lifecycle. Therefore, a direct comparison between the final awarded amount and an initial estimate cannot be made from this dataset alone. To perform this analysis, historical contract modification data or the original solicitation documents would be necessary to identify the initial projected costs or maximum financial commitment. Understanding this variance is crucial for assessing budget adherence and potential cost overruns or savings.

What were the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate BARDES SERVICES INC's performance throughout the contract duration?

The provided summary data does not include specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or performance ratings for BARDES SERVICES INC. Typically, government contracts include performance standards related to timeliness of service, quality of repairs, customer satisfaction, and adherence to safety protocols. These KPIs are usually detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW). Performance evaluations are often documented through Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) or similar internal mechanisms. Without access to these performance records, it is impossible to assess the contractor's track record beyond the fact that the contract was awarded and fulfilled over its duration.

Were there any contract modifications or change orders that significantly altered the scope or cost of the original award?

The provided data does not detail any contract modifications or change orders that may have occurred during the contract's lifecycle from January 11, 2002, to January 31, 2010. The 'Award Amount' (a) of $29,955,140.78 represents the total value obligated. To determine if this amount reflects significant changes from the original award, a review of contract modification history would be required. Such modifications could include adjustments to scope, quantity, delivery schedules, or pricing. Analyzing these changes is essential for understanding how the contract evolved and whether the final value accurately reflects the services rendered compared to the initial agreement.

What is the typical market rate or average cost for similar automotive repair and maintenance services in the geographic areas where this contract was performed?

The provided data does not specify the geographic locations where the services were performed, nor does it offer market rate data for automotive repair and maintenance. The NAICS code 811118 covers a wide range of services, and costs can vary significantly based on location (e.g., urban vs. rural, high cost-of-living areas), the specific types of vehicles serviced (e.g., standard sedans vs. heavy-duty military trucks), and the complexity of the repairs. To establish a benchmark, one would need to research commercial service provider pricing in relevant areas, consult industry cost guides, or analyze other federal contracts for similar services performed in comparable locations. Without this comparative data, assessing the cost-effectiveness of this $30 million contract is speculative.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Automotive Repair and Maintenance › Other Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 9

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Contractor Details

Address: 12412 CLIFTON HUNT DR, CLIFTON, VA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline