DoD's $3.2M contract for acquisition support services awarded to BARBARICUM LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,209,784 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Barbaricum LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-08-28

End Date: 2026-08-27

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THE COMPONENT ACQUISITION EXECUTIVE ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES III CONTRACT PROVIDES ACQUISITION EXPERTISE, GUIDANCE, AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT KNOWLEDGE TO DELIVER CAPABILITY TO THE DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEM AGENCY'S MISSION PARTNERS.

Place of Performance

Location: FORT GEORGE G MEADE, ANNE ARUNDEL County, MARYLAND, 20755

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $3.2 million to BARBARICUM LLC for work described as: THE COMPONENT ACQUISITION EXECUTIVE ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES III CONTRACT PROVIDES ACQUISITION EXPERTISE, GUIDANCE, AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT KNOWLEDGE TO DELIVER CAPABILITY TO THE DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEM AGENCY'S MISSION PARTNERS. Key points: 1. Contract provides critical acquisition expertise to the Defense Information System Agency. 2. Services aim to improve processes and deliver capability to mission partners. 3. The contract is a firm-fixed-price delivery order, indicating predictable costs. 4. Duration of 1095 days suggests a long-term need for these services. 5. The contract was awarded through full and open competition. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $3.2 million over three years for acquisition support services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar contracts for acquisition expertise within the Department of Defense suggests that pricing is competitive. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the agency, which is a positive indicator of value for money. The focus on process improvement and capability delivery implies a strategic investment rather than a simple transactional service.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders (no.) suggests a healthy level of competition for this type of specialized acquisition support. This competitive process is expected to drive fair pricing and ensure the selection of a qualified contractor capable of meeting the agency's needs.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more cost-effective solutions and prevent price gouging.

Public Impact

The Defense Information System Agency (DISA) benefits directly from enhanced acquisition expertise. Mission partners within DISA will receive improved capabilities and support. The contract supports the agency's operational efficiency and effectiveness. Workforce implications are indirect, focusing on improving the acquisition processes used by government personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if expertise is highly specialized and not easily transferable.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical acquisition guidance could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Long-term duration indicates a sustained need and potential for deep integration of services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on acquisition support. The market for such services within the federal government is substantial, with agencies frequently outsourcing specialized expertise to augment internal capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks for acquisition support services vary widely based on scope and duration, but this $3.2 million contract for a three-year period appears to be within a typical range for a significant agency like DISA.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract are likely limited to subcontracting roles if the prime contractor chooses to engage them. The absence of a set-aside suggests the competition was focused on finding the best overall solution rather than prioritizing small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Defense Information System Agency. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm-fixed-price delivery order structure, requiring the contractor to meet defined performance standards. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific internal oversight processes are not detailed in the provided data. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Information System Agency (DISA) IT Support Services
Department of Defense Acquisition Support Contracts
Professional and Technical Services for Federal Agencies
Government Contract Management Support

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Contract Value
Contract Type
Competition Level

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $3.2 million to BARBARICUM LLC. THE COMPONENT ACQUISITION EXECUTIVE ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES III CONTRACT PROVIDES ACQUISITION EXPERTISE, GUIDANCE, AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT KNOWLEDGE TO DELIVER CAPABILITY TO THE DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEM AGENCY'S MISSION PARTNERS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BARBARICUM LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Information Systems Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-28. End: 2026-08-27.

What is the track record of BARBARICUM LLC in performing similar acquisition support services for the federal government?

Assessing BARBARICUM LLC's track record requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving acquisition support, process improvement, and strategic guidance for defense agencies. Information on contract performance ratings, any past disputes or contract terminations, and client testimonials would be crucial. While the provided data indicates this is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle (ACQUISITION SUPPORT SERVICES III), understanding their history with this specific vehicle and other relevant contracts would offer insight into their reliability and capability to deliver on the stated objectives for DISA. A positive performance history would increase confidence in their ability to meet the requirements of this $3.2 million contract.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar acquisition support services procured by other federal agencies?

Benchmarking this $3.2 million contract against similar acquisition support services requires access to a broader dataset of federal contract awards. Key comparison points would include the hourly rates or fixed prices for comparable roles (e.g., acquisition specialists, process improvement consultants), the scope of services provided, and the duration of the contract. Given that this is a firm-fixed-price delivery order, the total cost is known. However, a detailed value-for-money assessment would involve comparing the implied hourly or daily rates to market averages for similar expertise within the federal sector. Without specific rate data or a comprehensive market analysis, it's challenging to definitively state if the pricing is above or below market, but the full and open competition suggests a degree of market validation.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks for this contract include potential performance issues if BARBARICUM LLC fails to deliver the expected level of acquisition expertise or process improvement, leading to delays or inefficiencies for DISA. There's also a risk of scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed. Another risk could be the contractor's understanding of DISA's specific mission environment and internal processes. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by DISA's contracting officer and program managers, clear performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract, and regular communication channels. The firm-fixed-price nature also incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and performance effectively to ensure profitability.

How effective is the Defense Information System Agency in leveraging external acquisition support to improve its overall mission capabilities?

The effectiveness of DISA leveraging external acquisition support is contingent on how well these services are integrated into the agency's existing structures and how the insights gained are implemented. Contracts like this aim to enhance DISA's ability to acquire capabilities efficiently and effectively. Success would be measured by improvements in procurement timelines, cost savings achieved through process optimization, and the successful delivery of critical technologies or services to DISA's mission partners. The agency's ability to define clear objectives, manage the contractor relationship, and institutionalize the recommended improvements are key factors in determining the overall effectiveness of such support.

What has been the historical spending pattern for acquisition support services by the Defense Information System Agency over the past five years?

Analyzing DISA's historical spending on acquisition support services over the past five years would reveal trends in their reliance on external expertise. This would involve examining contract databases for awards related to acquisition consulting, process improvement, and program management support. Understanding this pattern can indicate whether DISA is increasing, decreasing, or maintaining its investment in such services. It can also highlight the types of acquisition challenges the agency has faced and the solutions it has sought through contracting. This context helps evaluate whether the current $3.2 million contract represents a significant shift or a continuation of established practices.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1714 N ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,257,719

Exercised Options: $3,340,473

Current Obligation: $3,209,784

Actual Outlays: $297,511

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS35F494GA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline