Air Force personnel support contract awarded to Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc. for over $19.8 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,877,458 ($19.9M)

Contractor: Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2013-10-01

End Date: 2018-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,917 days

Daily Burn Rate: $10.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF THE HUMAN RESOURCES/MULTIPLE PERSONNEL FUNCTIONS (MPF) CONTRACT PROVIDES ADMINISTRATIVE AND PERSONNEL SUPPORT FOR THE MILITARY PERSONNEL ELEMENT (MPE) AND THE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ELEMENT (CPE) AT THE AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND (AFGSC) INSTALLATIONS: BARKSDALE, MINOT AND WHITEMAN AFBS. THE MPE IS THE SINGLE MANAGER OF MILITARY PERSONNEL DATA SYSTEM (MILPDS) FOR ALL UNITS AND MEMBERS SERVICED, WHETHER ON BASE OR GEOGRAPHICALLY SEPARATED. THE CPE IS THE SINGLE MANAGER OF BASE APPROPRIATED FUNDS PERSONNEL. THE MISSION OF THE MPE AND CPE ARE TO PROVIDE QUALITY PERSONNEL SUPPORT THROUGH THE ADMINISTRATION OF PERSONNEL PROGRAMS TO COMMANDERS, MILITARY MEMBERS&THEIR FAMILIES, CIVILIANS AND RETIREES, IN BOTH PEACETIME AND WARTIME.

Place of Performance

Location: HAMPTON, HAMPTON CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23665

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.9 million to HYPERION BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF THE HUMAN RESOURCES/MULTIPLE PERSONNEL FUNCTIONS (MPF) CONTRACT PROVIDES ADMINISTRATIVE AND PERSONNEL SUPPORT FOR THE MILITARY PERSONNEL ELEMENT (MPE) AND THE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ELEMENT (CPE) AT THE AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND (AFGSC) INSTALLATIONS: BARKSDALE, M… Key points: 1. Contract provides essential administrative and personnel support for military and civilian personnel at key Air Force Global Strike Command installations. 2. Services encompass management of military personnel data systems and administration of appropriated funds personnel. 3. The contract aims to deliver quality personnel support to commanders, members, families, civilians, and retirees. 4. Performance period spans over five years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 6. The fixed-price contract type helps to control costs for the government.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $19.8 million over approximately five years for administrative and personnel support at three major Air Force installations appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar contracts for comprehensive HR and personnel services at large military commands would provide a more precise value assessment. However, the scope of services, including managing MILPDS and civilian personnel data, suggests a significant operational requirement. The firm fixed-price structure offers cost certainty for the government, mitigating risk of cost overruns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging bidders to offer competitive pricing and robust service offerings to secure the award. The presence of 8 bidders suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of support service.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically leads to better pricing and service quality for taxpayers by ensuring the government receives the best value through a wide range of proposals.

Public Impact

Military members and their families stationed at Barksdale, Minot, and Whiteman AFBs benefit from streamlined personnel support services. Civilian personnel employed by the Air Force at these installations receive administrative and HR support. The contract ensures the continuity of critical personnel functions, supporting the operational readiness of the Air Force Global Strike Command. Retirees of the Air Force may also benefit from access to personnel support services. The contract supports the administrative infrastructure necessary for the effective management of personnel within the Air Force.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if transition to a new contractor is complex.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical personnel functions could pose a risk if performance degrades.
Ensuring consistent service quality across all three geographically dispersed installations requires robust oversight.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process.
Firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability.
Long-term contract duration suggests a stable and reliable service provider.
Contract supports essential functions for military and civilian personnel, contributing to morale and readiness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on administrative and human resources support. The market for such services is broad, encompassing numerous companies capable of providing personnel management, administrative assistance, and data system support. The Air Force, as a major government entity, represents a significant client for these types of services, with spending often driven by the need for specialized support at large installations. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found in contracts for HR outsourcing, facility management, and administrative support for large organizations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not specifically set aside for this contract, nor is there an explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses. The award went to Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc., which may or may not be a small business itself. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation, either as prime contractors or subcontractors, and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the contracting officer's representative (COR) within the Department of the Air Force. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and adherence to contract terms are key oversight functions. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Military Personnel Support Services
Civilian Human Resources Management
Administrative Support Contracts
Air Force Personnel Management Systems
Base Operations Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for service disruption if contractor performance falters.
Complexity in transitioning services if contract is re-competed.
Ensuring consistent quality across multiple installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.9 million to HYPERION BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF THE HUMAN RESOURCES/MULTIPLE PERSONNEL FUNCTIONS (MPF) CONTRACT PROVIDES ADMINISTRATIVE AND PERSONNEL SUPPORT FOR THE MILITARY PERSONNEL ELEMENT (MPE) AND THE CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ELEMENT (CPE) AT THE AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND (AFGSC) INSTALLATIONS: BARKSDALE, MINOT AND WHITEMAN AFBS. THE MPE IS THE SINGLE MANAGER OF MILITARY PERSONNEL DATA SYSTEM (MILPDS) FOR ALL UNITS AND MEMBERS SERVICED, WHETHER ON BASE OR GEOGRAPHICALLY SEPARATED. THE CPE IS THE SINGLE MANAGER OF BASE AP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HYPERION BIOTECHNOLOGY, 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 $19.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2013-10-01. End: 2018-12-31.

What is Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc.'s track record with government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc. has a history of receiving government contracts, primarily within the Department of Defense. While this specific contract focuses on administrative and personnel functions for the Air Force Global Strike Command, the company's broader portfolio may include other service areas. A detailed review of their contract history would reveal the types of services provided, their performance ratings on past contracts, and any significant issues or accolades. Understanding their past performance is crucial for assessing their reliability and capability in fulfilling the current contract's requirements. Information from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would be essential for a comprehensive analysis of their track record.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar personnel support contracts awarded by the Air Force or other branches of the military?

Benchmarking the cost of this $19.8 million contract against similar personnel support contracts requires access to detailed data on contracts with comparable scope, duration, and service levels across different military branches. Factors such as the number of personnel supported, the complexity of administrative systems managed (like MILPDS), and the geographic spread of installations (Barksdale, Minot, Whiteman) significantly influence pricing. Without direct comparable contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm fixed-price nature suggests an effort to control costs. A thorough analysis would involve identifying contracts for HR, administrative, and personnel data management services at similarly sized military commands and comparing their total contract values, per-unit costs (if applicable), and performance periods.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks for this contract include potential degradation of service quality over its five-year duration, challenges in maintaining consistent support across geographically dispersed bases, and the risk of vendor lock-in if transitioning to a new provider proves difficult. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust performance monitoring by the COR, clear service level agreements (SLAs) within the contract, and regular performance reviews. The firm fixed-price structure helps mitigate financial risk for the government. Furthermore, the competitive nature of the initial award process can incentivize the contractor to maintain high performance standards to be considered for future contract renewals. The Air Force would also have contingency plans for service disruptions.

How effective has Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc. been in delivering the required administrative and personnel support services under this contract?

Assessing the effectiveness of Hyperion Biotechnology, Inc. in delivering services under this contract requires access to performance reports, such as those found in CPARS, and feedback from the Air Force personnel and units serviced. Key performance indicators would likely include timeliness of service, accuracy of data management, responsiveness to inquiries, and overall satisfaction of end-users (military members, civilians, families). Without specific performance data, it's difficult to definitively state effectiveness. However, the contract's continuation over its full term suggests a level of satisfactory performance, though potential areas for improvement may exist and would be detailed in performance reviews.

What has been the historical spending trend for administrative and personnel support services at the Air Force Global Strike Command installations covered by this contract?

Analyzing historical spending trends for administrative and personnel support at Barksdale, Minot, and Whiteman AFBs prior to or during this contract period would provide context for the $19.8 million award. This would involve examining previous contracts for similar services, including their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Understanding whether spending has increased, decreased, or remained stable can indicate changes in service requirements, efficiency initiatives, or inflationary pressures. A consistent or increasing spending trend might suggest growing personnel numbers or evolving support needs, while a decrease could point to consolidation or improved efficiency. This historical data is crucial for evaluating the current contract's value and necessity.

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: FA489012R0019

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 13302 LANGTRY ST, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78248

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Other Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $19,897,458

Exercised Options: $19,897,458

Current Obligation: $19,877,458

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline