DoD awards $8.65M for Marine Raider training support, with 10 bidders vying for the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,654,090 ($8.7M)

Contractor: Core ONE Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-03-15

End Date: 2026-03-14

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR MANPOWER AUGMENTATION IN SUPPORT OF THE MARINE RAIDER TRAINING CENTER'S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING COURSE. THIS TASK ORDER HAS ONE BASE AND FOUR OPTION YEARS.

Place of Performance

Location: SNEADS FERRY, ONSLOW County, NORTH CAROLINA, 28460

State: North Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $8.7 million to CORE ONE SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR MANPOWER AUGMENTATION IN SUPPORT OF THE MARINE RAIDER TRAINING CENTER'S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING COURSE. THIS TASK ORDER HAS ONE BASE AND FOUR OPTION YEARS. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential manpower augmentation for critical Marine Raider training. 2. Strong competition indicates potential for competitive pricing and value. 3. Fixed-price contract type helps mitigate cost overrun risks. 4. Performance period spans over four years, suggesting a long-term need. 5. Contract awarded to CORE ONE SOLUTIONS LLC, a relatively new entity in federal contracting. 6. Geographic focus on North Carolina aligns with training center operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $8.65 million over four years appears reasonable given the specialized nature of supporting elite military training. Benchmarking against similar manpower augmentation contracts for specialized military units would provide a more precise value assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost increases, which is favorable for the government. However, without detailed cost breakdowns or comparisons to market rates for similar specialized personnel, a definitive value-for-money assessment is challenging.

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 a broad solicitation process. Ten bidders participated, suggesting a healthy level of interest and competition for this requirement. This level of competition is generally positive for price discovery and ensures the government receives offers from a diverse range of capable contractors. The exclusion of sources clause might warrant further investigation to understand its specific application and impact on the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: The robust competition among ten bidders is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down prices and ensured the government secured a competitive rate for the required services. This competitive environment reduces the risk of overpayment and maximizes the value derived from taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Directly benefits the U.S. Special Operations Command by ensuring adequate staffing for the Marine Raider Training Center. Supports the critical mission of training elite U.S. Marine Corps special operations forces. Enhances the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Marine Raider community. Primarily impacts military personnel and training staff within the specified geographic area. Contributes to the specialized defense training sector within the U.S. economy.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Contractor's track record with large-scale federal contracts is not extensively documented, requiring close monitoring of performance.
The 'exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type warrants understanding to ensure no potential bidders were unduly restricted.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical manpower augmentation could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a broad market search.
Multiple bidders (10) participated, suggesting strong market interest and potential for quality service.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration of over four years allows for stable support and planning.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. This sector is crucial for supporting government operations, including specialized military training. The market for such services is competitive, with many firms offering expertise in program management and operational support. The value of this specific task order is modest within the broader context of defense spending, but it represents a critical investment in the capabilities of U.S. Special Operations Command.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation is not a primary focus for this specific contract, as the 'small business set-aside' field is false. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting goals for small businesses within the provided details. This suggests that the primary awardee, CORE ONE SOLUTIONS LLC, is likely not a small business, or if it is, the contract was not set aside for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for small businesses within this contract's performance.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the U.S. Special Operations Command's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. The Inspector General for the Department of Defense would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Special Operations Forces Training Support
Military Manpower Augmentation Services
Defense Contractor Support Services
Marine Corps Training Programs
Specialized Military Education and Training

Risk Flags

Potential performance risk due to contractor's limited federal contracting history.
Need for clarity on the 'exclusion of sources' aspect of the competition.
Dependence on contractor personnel for critical training support functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $8.7 million to CORE ONE SOLUTIONS LLC. THIS TASK ORDER IS FOR MANPOWER AUGMENTATION IN SUPPORT OF THE MARINE RAIDER TRAINING CENTER'S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING COURSE. THIS TASK ORDER HAS ONE BASE AND FOUR OPTION YEARS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CORE ONE SOLUTIONS 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 $8.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-03-15. End: 2026-03-14.

What is the specific nature of the 'manpower augmentation' required for the Marine Raider Training Center?

The 'manpower augmentation' refers to providing personnel to supplement the existing staff at the Marine Raider Training Center (MRTC). This typically involves supplying individuals with specific skills and experience to support the execution of training courses, administrative functions, logistical support, or specialized operational roles that the permanent MRTC staff cannot fully cover. For the Individual Training Course, this could mean instructors, training assistants, simulation operators, administrative support staff, or subject matter experts who bolster the capacity and quality of the training delivered to aspiring Marine Raiders. The exact roles and number of personnel are defined in the detailed statement of work within the contract, which is not fully provided here but is crucial for understanding the precise support being rendered.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar manpower augmentation contracts within the Special Operations Command?

Directly comparing the pricing of this $8.65 million contract to similar manpower augmentation contracts within the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is challenging without access to detailed pricing structures and scope of work for comparable contracts. However, the fact that it was awarded under full and open competition with ten bidders suggests that the pricing achieved is likely competitive. Firm-fixed-price contracts generally aim to establish a ceiling price, and the competitive bidding process should have driven the price towards a reasonable market rate for the specialized skills required. To conduct a thorough benchmark, one would need to analyze the average cost per person-hour or per-man-year for similar roles (e.g., specialized instructors, training support staff) across other SOCOM contracts, considering variations in experience levels, security clearances, and geographic locations.

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

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor (CORE ONE SOLUTIONS LLC), cost overruns (though mitigated by the firm-fixed-price structure), and contractor personnel turnover impacting training continuity. Mitigation strategies include the government's oversight through contract administration, performance monitoring against defined metrics in the statement of work, and the competitive nature of the award which incentivizes good performance to secure future work. The firm-fixed-price contract places the financial risk of cost increases on the contractor. However, the relative newness of CORE ONE SOLUTIONS LLC in the federal contracting space, as suggested by limited public data, might introduce a performance risk that requires diligent monitoring by the contracting officer's representative (COR) and program managers.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar training support services at the Marine Raider Training Center?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar training support services at the Marine Raider Training Center requires access to historical contract data, which is not fully provided in the current dataset. However, the duration of this contract (base year plus four option years, totaling approximately four years) suggests a sustained need for such augmentation. Typically, training centers for elite units like the Marine Raiders require consistent, high-quality support personnel. Past spending would likely reflect similar task orders or contracts for instructor support, administrative assistance, and specialized training facilitation. Fluctuations in historical spending could be influenced by changes in training tempo, budget allocations, or shifts in military doctrine and operational requirements. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to ascertain if the current $8.65 million award represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment compared to previous periods.

What is the significance of the 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' NAICS code (541611) in the context of this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611, 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services,' signifies the primary business activity the contractor is engaged in for this specific task order. While the contract supports the Marine Raider Training Center, the NAICS code indicates that the services procured are focused on management and administrative functions rather than direct combat or highly technical engineering services. This code encompasses a broad range of consulting services, including policy development, organizational planning, process improvement, and general management advice. In this context, it suggests that CORE ONE SOLUTIONS LLC is providing expertise to optimize the operations, administration, and potentially the training methodologies of the MRTC, rather than directly delivering weapons systems or conducting tactical operations themselves. It highlights the government's reliance on external expertise for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in specialized support roles.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 22365 BRODERICK DR STE 220, STERLING, VA, 20166

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,359,635

Exercised Options: $8,848,216

Current Obligation: $8,654,090

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: H9240020D0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline