DoD's $19.3M Engineering Services Contract Awarded to T3W Business Solutions for Air Force Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,298,674 ($19.3M)

Contractor: T3W Business Solutions, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-02-01

End Date: 2025-08-31

Contract Duration: 2,038 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE FOR RQ (STAARQ)

Place of Performance

Location: SAN DIEGO, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92110

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.3 million to T3W BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC. for work described as: SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE FOR RQ (STAARQ) Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized engineering advisory services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract (over 5 years) indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. Fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty for the government. 5. The award is for engineering services, a critical component of defense operations and development. 6. The contractor, T3W Business Solutions, Inc., has secured a substantial federal award. 7. The contract is managed by the Department of the Air Force, highlighting its strategic importance.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award value of approximately $19.3 million over its period of performance is substantial for engineering advisory services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized engineering support within the Department of Defense is necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests an effort to control costs. The awarded amount appears reasonable given the multi-year duration and the specialized nature of the services required by the Air Force.

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 the solicitation was broadly advertised and multiple bids were likely considered. The presence of 3 bids suggests a moderate level of competition. While not an exhaustive number, it implies that the Air Force sought competitive proposals to ensure fair pricing and service quality. The specific exclusion of sources clause may warrant further investigation into its rationale.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive bidding process for this contract is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and encouraged T3W Business Solutions to offer competitive terms to secure the award.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of the Air Force, which will receive critical engineering advisory and assistance services. These services are essential for supporting various Air Force programs and operational needs. The contract's impact is likely concentrated within the defense sector and potentially affects specific Air Force installations or project teams. The contract supports specialized engineering roles, potentially creating or sustaining high-skilled jobs within the contractor's workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'after exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type requires clarification to ensure no potential bidders were unfairly excluded.
The specific nature of the 'science & technology advisory and assistance' needs further definition to fully assess performance requirements.
The long contract duration could present risks if requirements evolve significantly or if contractor performance falters over time.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
Awarding under full and open competition generally leads to better value and service.
The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term need that the contractor is positioned to meet.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector within the federal government is vast, encompassing a wide range of specialized support for defense, infrastructure, and research projects. This contract falls within the broader category of professional, scientific, and technical services, specifically engineering. The Department of Defense is a major consumer of such services, often requiring highly specialized expertise for complex weapon systems, aircraft, and technological development. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the engineering services category (NAICS 541330), with values varying significantly based on project scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by a set-aside. The primary focus of this award is on the capabilities of T3W Business Solutions, Inc. The impact on the small business ecosystem is indirect; while T3W may engage small businesses as subcontractors, it is not a requirement of this specific contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Defense Engineering Services
Air Force Advisory and Assistance Contracts
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Science and Technology Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Competition Clause Ambiguity
Long-Term Contract Performance Risk
Scope Definition for Advisory Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.3 million to T3W BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, INC.. SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE FOR RQ (STAARQ)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is T3W BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, 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 $19.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-02-01. End: 2025-08-31.

What is the specific nature of the 'Science & Technology Advisory and Assistance' services provided under this contract?

The contract, identified as 'SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY AND ASSISTANCE FOR RQ (STAARQ)', suggests that T3W Business Solutions, Inc. is providing expert advice and support related to scientific and technological advancements for the Air Force. This could encompass a wide range of activities, including research and development support, technology assessment, strategic planning for future technologies, systems engineering advice, and program management assistance for technology-intensive projects. The 'RQ' designation might refer to a specific program, system, or research area within the Air Force that requires this specialized expertise. Without further details on 'RQ', the precise scope remains broad but clearly centers on leveraging technical knowledge to inform Air Force decision-making and program execution.

How does the awarded amount of approximately $19.3 million compare to similar engineering services contracts within the Department of Defense?

The $19.3 million total award value for T3W Business Solutions, Inc. is a significant sum, placing it in the mid-to-large tier for individual engineering services contracts. Within the Department of Defense, which procures billions in engineering services annually, this amount is substantial but not extraordinary. Contracts for major weapon system development or large-scale infrastructure projects can easily exceed hundreds of millions or billions. However, for specialized advisory and assistance services, especially those focused on science and technology, $19.3 million over a multi-year period represents a considerable investment. Benchmarking requires comparing it to contracts with similar NAICS codes (like 541330) and service descriptions, focusing on contracts awarded by the Air Force or other DoD branches for similar durations and scopes of work to ascertain if the pricing is competitive and reflects fair market value.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate T3W Business Solutions, Inc.'s performance on this contract?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not detailed in the provided data. However, for a 'Science & Technology Advisory and Assistance' contract, typical performance metrics would likely include the quality and timeliness of technical reports and recommendations, the effectiveness of advisory support in influencing program decisions, adherence to project milestones, and the overall satisfaction of the Air Force program managers. For a firm-fixed-price contract, meeting the defined scope of work and deliverables within the agreed-upon schedule and cost is paramount. Performance evaluations would likely involve regular reviews by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and potentially formal performance assessments at key intervals throughout the contract's duration.

What is the historical spending pattern for 'Science & Technology Advisory and Assistance' services by the Department of the Air Force?

Historical spending patterns for 'Science & Technology Advisory and Assistance' (S&T A&A) services by the Department of the Air Force (DAF) are substantial and reflect the DAF's continuous need for cutting-edge technological support. While specific figures for 'STAARQ' are not available historically, the DAF consistently invests heavily in R&D, advanced technologies, and strategic planning, often relying on external expertise. Contracts for advisory and assistance services, particularly in S&T domains, are a recurring procurement vehicle. Analyzing broader DAF spending on professional, scientific, and technical services (NAICS 541) and specifically engineering services (541330) would reveal a trend of significant, often increasing, investment. This particular contract represents a portion of that ongoing commitment to maintaining technological superiority.

What is the potential risk associated with the 'after exclusion of sources' clause in the contract's competition type?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' clause, while still a form of open competition, introduces a layer of complexity and potential risk. It implies that while the opportunity was generally advertised, certain sources or types of sources were intentionally excluded from consideration. The rationale for this exclusion must be clearly documented and justifiable, often based on specific technical requirements, security clearances, or prior performance that only a limited set of contractors could meet. The risk lies in whether this exclusion was truly necessary and legally sound. If the exclusion was overly restrictive or not properly justified, it could lead to protests, limit the pool of qualified bidders, potentially increase costs by reducing competition, and raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the procurement process.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3921 AMPUDIA ST, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92110

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,398,216

Exercised Options: $20,372,529

Current Obligation: $19,298,674

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $8,403,516

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS143

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline