DoD's $44M EPASS contract to Odyssey Systems Consulting Group shows strong competition and R&D focus

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,036,191 ($44.0M)

Contractor: Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-07-18

End Date: 2024-07-17

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $120.6K/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: ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) IN SUPPORT OF SZQ DIRECTORATE.

Place of Performance

Location: WAKEFIELD, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01880

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $44.0 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD. for work described as: ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) IN SUPPORT OF SZQ DIRECTORATE. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process. 2. Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences is a key focus area. 3. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control. 4. A single delivery order was issued, suggesting a focused scope of work. 5. The contract duration is one year, allowing for agile adaptation. 6. The awardee, Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, has a track record with federal contracts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $44 million for a one-year duration appears reasonable for specialized engineering and professional support services. Benchmarking against similar R&D support contracts is challenging without more granular data on the specific services rendered. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) structure, while offering flexibility, requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent scope creep. The number of bids received (12) suggests a competitive market for these services.

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,' which typically means that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 12 bids indicates a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A higher number of bidders generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more innovative solutions, as contractors vie to win the award.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are likely being used efficiently, as multiple companies competed to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. This competitive environment helps to drive down costs and improve the overall value received by the government.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force benefits from specialized engineering, professional, and administrative support services for its SZQ Directorate. This contract supports research and development activities, potentially leading to advancements in physical, engineering, and life sciences. The services provided are crucial for the operational effectiveness and strategic goals of the SZQ Directorate. The contract's impact on the workforce is likely concentrated among highly skilled professionals in engineering and research fields.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

CPFF contracts require diligent oversight to manage costs effectively and ensure value for money.
The specific nature of R&D can introduce inherent risks and uncertainties in project outcomes.
Reliance on a single delivery order might indicate a narrow focus, but also potential for future task orders.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive process.
The contractor, Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, has experience in supporting federal agencies.
The contract supports critical R&D functions within the Department of Defense.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Research and Development (R&D) sector, specifically under NAICS code 541712 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences except Biotechnology). This sector is characterized by innovation, specialized expertise, and often long-term projects. Federal spending in R&D is crucial for technological advancement and national security. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific sub-disciplines and scale of the SZQ Directorate's research efforts.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). While this specific award may not directly benefit small businesses through set-asides, the prime contractor, Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, may engage small businesses as subcontractors. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the broader impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Accountability measures would include performance reviews, adherence to the contract's statement of work, and financial reporting. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Research and Development Services
Engineering Support Services
Professional Services Contracts
Department of Defense Contracts
Air Force Directorate Support

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Research and Development inherently carries technical and performance risks.
Potential for scope creep in CPFF contracts if not managed closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $44.0 million to ODYSSEY SYSTEMS CONSULTING GROUP, LTD.. ENGINEERING, PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES (EPASS) IN SUPPORT OF SZQ DIRECTORATE.

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 $44.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-18. End: 2024-07-17.

What is the track record of Odyssey Systems Consulting Group with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd. has a significant history of federal contracting, primarily with the Department of Defense and various branches of the military. Their contract portfolio often includes support services, engineering, and program management. Reviewing their past performance evaluations and contract awards can provide insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to manage complex projects. Data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) would detail their award history, including agencies served, contract types, and dollar values. This specific contract, valued at approximately $44 million, aligns with their typical engagement scale, suggesting a continued relationship based on demonstrated capabilities.

How does the pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) compare to other contract types for similar R&D services, and what are the implications for value?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts are common in R&D where the scope may evolve and precise costs are difficult to predict upfront. Unlike fixed-price contracts, CPFF reimburses the contractor for allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee. This structure can be advantageous when innovation and flexibility are paramount, as it encourages the contractor to explore solutions without being overly constrained by a fixed budget. However, it places a greater burden on the government to meticulously monitor costs and ensure efficiency. Compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, CPFF offers less cost certainty for the government but can yield better results in high-uncertainty R&D environments. The value is realized if the R&D objectives are met effectively and efficiently, requiring strong government oversight to manage the contractor's costs.

What are the primary risks associated with this specific R&D contract, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risks associated with this R&D contract include technical uncertainty, potential cost overruns, and schedule delays. R&D inherently involves exploring the unknown, meaning project outcomes are not guaranteed, and unforeseen challenges can arise. The CPFF structure, while flexible, can increase the risk of cost escalation if not managed tightly. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust project management by the SZQ Directorate, clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and stringent financial oversight to scrutinize incurred costs. The one-year duration also allows for periodic re-evaluation and adjustment of the project's direction or scope, reducing the risk of investing in a failing endeavor for an extended period.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar engineering, professional, and administrative support services within the Department of the Air Force or DoD?

Historical spending on Engineering, Professional & Administrative Support Services (EPASS) within the Department of the Air Force and the broader DoD is substantial and varied. These services are critical for supporting complex military operations, research initiatives, and program management across numerous directorates and commands. Annual spending often runs into billions of dollars across the entire department, encompassing a wide range of specialized expertise. Contracts like this one, focused on R&D support, represent a segment of this larger spending category. Analyzing historical data reveals trends in contract types (e.g., CPFF vs. FFP), competition levels, and average contract values for similar services, providing context for the current award's scale and terms.

How does the number of bidders (12) influence the potential for cost savings and innovation for this contract?

A total of 12 bidders for this contract signifies a competitive marketplace for the specialized R&D support services required by the SZQ Directorate. A higher number of bidders generally increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing, as companies strive to offer their most attractive proposals to secure the award. This competitive pressure can lead to significant cost savings for the government compared to a sole-source or limited-competition scenario. Furthermore, a diverse pool of bidders can introduce a wider range of innovative approaches, technical solutions, and methodologies, potentially leading to more effective and efficient achievement of the R&D objectives. The government can leverage this competition to negotiate favorable terms and select the offer that provides the best overall value.

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: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › C – National Defense R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 201 EDGEWATER DR, WAKEFIELD, MA, 01880

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $272,546,691

Exercised Options: $60,441,258

Current Obligation: $44,036,191

Actual Outlays: $3,194

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADS426

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline