DoD's $88M EPASS contract for ISR support awarded to Odyssey Systems Consulting Group

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $88,075,188 ($88.1M)

Contractor: Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-09-01

End Date: 2025-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,733 days

Daily Burn Rate: $50.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: R&D

Official Description: SCAT 1 ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) FOR INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE RECONNAISSANCE FORCES DIRECTORATE, SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES AND PERSONNEL RECOVERY DIVISION (WIS)

Place of Performance

Location: WAKEFIELD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01880

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $88.1 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD. for work described as: SCAT 1 ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) FOR INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE RECONNAISSANCE FORCES DIRECTORATE, SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES AND PERSONNEL RECOVERY DIVISION (WIS) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd. for Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) support. 2. The contract falls under NAICS code 541712 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). 3. Awarded via Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources, indicating a competitive process. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. 5. This contract supports Special Operations Forces and Personnel Recovery Division.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure requires close monitoring to ensure value for money. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is recommended to assess pricing effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' method suggests a competitive bidding process was initiated, but specific details on source exclusion are not provided. This method aims for fair pricing through competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is intended to secure fair pricing, maximizing taxpayer value for essential ISR support services.

Public Impact

Supports critical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations for Special Operations Forces. Enhances personnel recovery capabilities, directly impacting mission success and safety. The R&D focus suggests investment in advanced technological solutions for defense. Long-term contract duration (through May 2025) provides stability for ongoing support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can incentivize contractor overspending.
Limited transparency on 'Exclusion of Sources' could mask reduced competition.
Contract duration may not align with evolving technological needs.

Positive Signals

Supports critical Special Operations Forces.
Awarded through a competitive process.
Focus on R&D for advanced capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development sector, specifically focusing on engineering and administrative support for ISR. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining technological superiority in defense.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' suggests a structured procurement process. However, ongoing oversight is crucial to manage the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure and ensure performance meets expectations.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Air Force Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns.
Potential for reduced competition due to 'Exclusion of Sources'.
Lack of specific detail on R&D deliverables.
Contract duration may exceed the pace of technological advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $88.1 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD.. SCAT 1 ENGINEERING PROFESSIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) FOR INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE RECONNAISSANCE FORCES DIRECTORATE, SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES AND PERSONNEL RECOVERY DIVISION (WIS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD..

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 $88.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-01. End: 2025-05-31.

What specific R&D advancements are expected from this contract to justify the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure?

The contract's R&D focus implies a pursuit of novel solutions in ISR technology. Specific advancements would likely be detailed in technical performance requirements and deliverables outlined in the contract's statement of work. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure allows for flexibility in research, but requires rigorous oversight to ensure the contractor is incentivized to achieve defined R&D objectives efficiently and cost-effectively.

How does the 'Exclusion of Sources' impact the overall competitiveness and potential for cost savings?

The 'Exclusion of Sources' clause, while part of a 'Full and Open Competition' framework, warrants scrutiny. It suggests that certain potential bidders were intentionally excluded, potentially narrowing the competitive field. Understanding the rationale for exclusion is key to assessing if it limited price discovery or introduced undue risk, potentially impacting the final negotiated price and overall value for taxpayers.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how is performance being measured?

Key performance indicators for this contract would likely focus on the successful development and implementation of ISR technologies, timely delivery of support services, and adherence to research objectives. Performance measurement would involve regular technical reviews, milestone tracking, and potentially user feedback from the Special Operations Forces. Effective oversight is critical to ensure the contractor meets these KPIs within the Cost Plus Fixed Fee framework.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA862220R8241

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 201 EDGEWATER DR STE 270, WAKEFIELD, MA, 01880

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $147,980,786

Exercised Options: $121,018,422

Current Obligation: $88,075,188

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $12,645,345

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS723

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline