DoD's $27M Contract with Florida International University for JETC Instructors Faces Scrutiny

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,162,662 ($27.2M)

Contractor: Florida International University

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2020-01-22

End Date: 2025-07-23

Contract Duration: 2,009 days

Daily Burn Rate: $13.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: JETC INSTRUCTORS AND FSRS

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33621

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $27.2 million to FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY for work described as: JETC INSTRUCTORS AND FSRS Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Florida International University for JETC instructors and FSRS is valued at $27.16 million. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The use of a Time and Materials contract type may introduce cost escalation risks. 4. The sector is Professional and Management Development Training, supporting the Department of Defense.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $27.16 million for professional development training appears reasonable given the duration and scope. Benchmarking against similar DoD training contracts would provide a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure could lead to costs exceeding initial estimates if not closely managed.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently. Ongoing oversight is crucial to prevent cost overruns inherent in Time and Materials contracts.

Public Impact

Special Operations Command personnel receive specialized training crucial for national security. The contract supports educational services, potentially benefiting academic institutions and their staff. The duration of the contract (2020-2025) indicates a long-term need for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data
Potential for cost creep without strict oversight

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition
Supports critical DoD training needs
Long-term contract duration suggests sustained requirement

Sector Analysis

The Department of Defense frequently contracts for professional and management development training to enhance personnel capabilities. Benchmarks for similar training services vary widely based on specialization and duration, but $27 million over five years for specialized instruction is substantial.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this award. Further investigation would be needed to assess small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract will be critical, particularly given the Time and Materials pricing. The U.S. Special Operations Command must ensure rigorous monitoring of hours and materials to prevent cost overruns and ensure value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

Professional and Management Development Training
Department of Defense Contracting
U.S. Special Operations Command Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data.
Significant contract value requires robust oversight.
Limited insight into specific training content and its direct impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $27.2 million to FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY. JETC INSTRUCTORS AND FSRS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY.

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 $27.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-01-22. End: 2025-07-23.

What specific training outcomes are expected from this $27 million contract, and how are they measured to ensure value for money?

The provided data lacks specific details on expected training outcomes and their measurement. To ensure value, the DoD should have established clear performance metrics tied to mission readiness and operational effectiveness. These metrics would allow for objective assessment of the training's impact and justify the significant investment.

What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials contract type for this specialized training, and how are they being mitigated?

The primary risk with Time and Materials contracts is cost escalation, as the government pays for actual labor hours and material costs incurred by the contractor. Mitigation strategies include establishing strong baseline estimates, implementing strict oversight of contractor hours and expenses, defining clear task orders, and potentially incorporating cost ceilings or award-fee provisions to incentivize efficiency.

How does the training provided by Florida International University directly contribute to the effectiveness and readiness of U.S. Special Operations Command personnel?

The effectiveness of the training is directly linked to the specialized nature of the JETC instructors and FSRS services procured. While the data doesn't detail the curriculum, it's assumed to cover critical skills and knowledge required for special operations missions. The long-term contract suggests a recognized need and positive impact on operational capabilities, though specific performance data would confirm this.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Professional and Management Development Training

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: H9240020R0002

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11200 SW 8TH ST, MIAMI, FL, 33199

Business Categories: Category Business, Educational Institution, Government, Higher Education, Higher Education (Minority Serving), U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, Higher Education (Public), U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $27,483,329

Exercised Options: $27,483,329

Current Obligation: $27,162,662

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS02F0081U

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline