DoD awards $5.6M for ARSOF training, with Seventh Dimension LLC securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,655,096 ($5.7M)

Contractor: Seventh Dimension, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-11-16

End Date: 2026-11-15

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ARSOF INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING SUPPORTING NATIONAL DEFENSE

Place of Performance

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

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $5.7 million to SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC for work described as: ARSOF INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING SUPPORTING NATIONAL DEFENSE Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the specialized nature of initial entry training for elite forces. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration of one year with a potential for renewal indicates ongoing support needs. 4. The fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. Training services are critical for maintaining the readiness of U.S. Special Operations Command personnel. 6. The North Carolina location suggests a focus on regional training infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $5.66 million for a one-year training support period seems aligned with specialized military training requirements. Benchmarking against similar contracts for elite unit training is challenging due to the unique nature of ARSOF. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be a positive indicator of value if performance is met. The absence of extensive modifications or change orders in the provided data also points towards a well-defined scope and potentially good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was broad, specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons. The data does not specify the number of bidders, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competitive environment was intended. This approach generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offer.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging high-quality service delivery.

Public Impact

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) personnel will benefit from enhanced initial entry training. The services delivered will support national defense objectives by ensuring SOF readiness. Training is likely to be concentrated in North Carolina, impacting the local economy and workforce. Specialized instructors and support staff will be employed to deliver the training.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if training requirements evolve significantly beyond the initial scope.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical initial entry training could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure incentivizes contractor efficiency and cost control.
Full and open competition suggests a strong market response and potential for best value.
The contract is for a defined period, allowing for reassessment of needs upon expiration.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader education and training sector, specifically focusing on specialized technical and trade schools (NAICS 611519). The market for military training services is substantial, driven by the continuous need for personnel readiness and skill development across various branches and special operations units. This contract supports a niche within that market, catering to the unique requirements of ARSOF.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) is not a primary focus for this specific contract award, as both are marked as false. There is no explicit mention of small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. This suggests that the prime contractor, Seventh Dimension, LLC, is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for small businesses would depend on their subcontracting strategy, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Special Operations Command contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to meet defined performance standards. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Special Operations Forces Training
Military Education Services
Defense Contractor Support
Federal Training Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' requires further scrutiny of exclusion criteria.
Limited public information on the number of bidders and specific performance metrics.
Potential for reliance on a single contractor for critical training functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $5.7 million to SEVENTH DIMENSION, LLC. ARSOF INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING SUPPORTING NATIONAL DEFENSE

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 $5.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-11-16. End: 2026-11-15.

What is Seventh Dimension, LLC's track record with government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Seventh Dimension, LLC has a history of securing contracts with the U.S. government, primarily within the defense sector. While specific details on past performance metrics are not provided in this summary, their ability to win this ARSOF training contract suggests a demonstrated capability to meet the requirements of military clients. Further analysis would involve reviewing their contract history for performance ratings, past issues, and the types of services previously rendered to assess their reliability and expertise in delivering complex training solutions.

How does the $5.66 million contract value compare to similar ARSOF or special operations training contracts?

Direct comparison of the $5.66 million value for this one-year contract is difficult without access to a comprehensive database of similar, highly specialized ARSOF initial entry training contracts. Training for elite units often involves unique methodologies, security clearances, and specialized equipment, which can drive costs higher than standard military training. However, the value appears reasonable for a year of dedicated support to a critical SOCOM mission. Benchmarking against broader military training contracts might show variations, but the specificity of ARSOF requirements likely justifies this investment.

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

Key risks include potential contractor underperformance, failure to meet specialized training objectives, or cost overruns if the firm-fixed-price contract is not managed effectively by the contractor. Mitigation strategies are inherent in the contract type; the firm-fixed-price structure places the financial risk on Seventh Dimension, LLC. The government's mitigation also involves clear performance standards, oversight from SOCOM program managers, and the competitive nature of the award, which ideally selected a capable provider. The one-year duration allows for periodic review and reassessment.

How effective is the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' approach in ensuring value for taxpayers?

This competition approach aims to balance broad market access with specific requirements. By allowing full and open competition initially, the government seeks the widest possible pool of qualified bidders, fostering price competition and innovation. The subsequent 'exclusion of sources' implies that certain entities were deemed ineligible based on predefined criteria (e.g., security, capability, past performance). This can refine the pool to the most suitable candidates, potentially leading to better value by ensuring technical competence alongside competitive pricing, rather than solely focusing on the lowest bid.

What is the historical spending trend for ARSOF initial entry training support?

Historical spending data for ARSOF initial entry training support is not detailed in the provided information. However, it can be inferred that spending in this area is likely consistent, reflecting the ongoing need to train and maintain the readiness of special operations forces. Fluctuations may occur based on geopolitical demands, force structure changes, or evolving training methodologies. Analyzing multi-year spending patterns for SOCOM training would provide a clearer picture of budget allocation trends and potential increases or decreases in investment.

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

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: $20,057,766

Exercised Options: $20,057,766

Current Obligation: $5,655,096

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