DoD's $21.6M contract for ARSOF training awarded to SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $21,659,884 ($21.7M)

Contractor: Seventh Dimension, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-11-16

End Date: 2024-11-15

Contract Duration: 365 days

Daily Burn Rate: $59.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ARSOF ORDERING PERIOD 1 TO- FULL TIME & RPS

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BRAGG, CUMBERLAND County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28310

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $21.7 million to SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC for work described as: ARSOF ORDERING PERIOD 1 TO- FULL TIME & RPS Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through comparison to similar training contracts. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process after source exclusion. 3. Risk indicators include contract type and performance period. 4. Performance context is specialized military training for ARSOF. 5. Sector positioning within defense training services. 6. Spending context is a single delivery order within a larger potential contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $21.6 million contract is challenging without specific details on the training curriculum and duration. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests that cost overruns are the contractor's responsibility. Comparing this to other specialized military training contracts would provide a clearer picture of its value. The absence of detailed performance metrics makes a definitive value assessment difficult at this stage.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition after exclusion of sources, suggesting that while multiple sources were considered, specific criteria led to the exclusion of some. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive process aimed at achieving fair market prices. This approach generally benefits price discovery by allowing a broad range of qualified contractors to participate.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process, even with source exclusion, is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel will benefit from enhanced full-time and rotational support training. Services delivered include specialized training crucial for ARSOF missions. Geographic impact is primarily within North Carolina, where ARSOF units are based. Workforce implications include the need for skilled instructors and support staff for SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if training requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on contractor's ability to maintain highly specialized instructors.
Risk of training obsolescence if curriculum does not adapt to evolving threats.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost uncertainty for the government.
Award to a single contractor streamlines management and accountability.
Specialized nature of training suggests a focus on critical mission readiness.

Sector Analysis

The defense training sector is a significant market driven by the need for continuous skill development and mission readiness. This contract falls within the technical and trade schools sub-sector, focusing on specialized military applications. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for advanced tactical training, simulation, and support services awarded by military branches, particularly SOCOM.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) is false for this contract. This suggests that the prime contractor, SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC, is not a small business, and there is no explicit small business set-aside. Subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not detailed here but would depend on the prime contractor's strategy and the nature of the services required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) contracting office and the relevant program managers. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified training services. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may be internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Special Operations Forces Training
Military Education and Training Services
Defense Contractor Support Services
Specialized Technical Training

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion criteria.
Lack of detailed performance metrics for value assessment.
Contract duration of only one year may require follow-on efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $21.7 million to SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC. ARSOF ORDERING PERIOD 1 TO- FULL TIME & RPS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (U.S. Special Operations Command).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-11-16. End: 2024-11-15.

What is the specific nature of the 'full-time & RPS' training provided under this contract?

The abbreviation 'RPS' in the context of ARSOF (Army Special Operations Forces) training likely refers to Rotational Support or Readiness Preparation Services. This suggests the contract covers ongoing, full-time training requirements for ARSOF personnel, potentially including mission rehearsals, specialized skill sustainment, and preparation for deployment cycles. The training would be tailored to the unique operational demands placed on ARSOF units, encompassing tactical skills, intelligence, communications, and other critical areas necessary for special operations missions. The exact curriculum and objectives would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW).

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar specialized military training services?

Direct price comparison is difficult without access to detailed pricing structures and the specific training modules covered. However, the contract is a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) award, which shifts cost risk to the contractor, SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC. This pricing type is common for services where the scope is well-defined. To benchmark, one would need to compare the per-service or per-trainee cost against other FFP contracts for similar advanced military training, considering factors like instructor-to-student ratios, required certifications, and the complexity of the subject matter. The $21.6 million value over one year suggests a significant investment in specialized capabilities.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the success of this training contract?

Specific KPIs for this contract are not publicly detailed in the provided data. However, for specialized military training contracts, common KPIs often include trainee pass/fail rates, instructor qualifications and performance evaluations, adherence to training schedules, successful completion of simulated or practical exercises, and feedback from trainees and their commanding officers. For ARSOF, metrics related to mission readiness and the application of learned skills in operational environments would be paramount. The government's evaluation would likely focus on whether the training effectively enhances the capabilities required for ARSOF missions.

What is the track record of SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC in providing similar defense training services?

SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC has a history of performing contracts within the defense sector, often related to training and simulation services. While specific details of past performance on contracts of this magnitude and specialization are not provided here, their ability to win a full and open competition award from USSOCOM suggests they possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and technical capabilities. A deeper dive into their contract history, including past performance reviews and any reported issues, would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their track record in delivering complex military training solutions.

What is the historical spending trend for ARSOF training services by the Department of Defense?

Historical spending on ARSOF training is part of the broader Department of Defense (DoD) training and education budget, which is substantial and fluctuates based on strategic priorities, operational tempo, and evolving threats. USSOCOM, as a combatant command, receives significant funding dedicated to maintaining the readiness and capabilities of its special operations forces. While specific annual figures for ARSOF training contracts are not readily available in this dataset, overall defense spending on special operations personnel and their associated support, including advanced training, has generally remained robust, reflecting the critical role these forces play globally. Analyzing past years' budgets and contract awards for USSOCOM would reveal trends in investment in specialized training.

Are there any identified risks associated with the 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition?

The 'exclusion of sources' clause, when used within a 'full and open competition' framework, implies that while the competition was broadly advertised, certain potential offerors were disqualified based on specific, pre-defined criteria outlined in the solicitation. This could be due to factors like security clearances, specialized equipment, past performance issues, or specific technical requirements that only a subset of the market could meet. The risk for taxpayers is that if these exclusion criteria are overly restrictive or improperly justified, they could inadvertently limit competition, potentially leading to higher prices or reduced innovation. However, if the exclusions are necessary and well-documented to ensure the specialized nature of the training is met, it can lead to a more effective outcome.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Other Technical and Trade Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: H9223919R0002

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 221 TIMBER TRAILS LN, MOCKSVILLE, NC, 27028

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,659,884

Exercised Options: $21,659,884

Current Obligation: $21,659,884

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: H9223923D0001

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline