DoD's ODASD(R) Support Services contract awarded to Strategic Analysis, Inc. for over $67M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $67,006,632 ($67.0M)

Contractor: Strategic Analysis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-10-17

End Date: 2023-02-16

Contract Duration: 1,948 days

Daily Burn Rate: $34.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH (ODASD(R)) SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $67.0 million to STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH (ODASD(R)) SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value exceeds $67 million over its duration. 2. Awarded under a full and open competition. 3. Services provided by Strategic Analysis, Inc. 4. Contract duration spans nearly 5 years. 5. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests predictable costs. 6. Services fall under Engineering Services NAICS code 541330.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of over $67 million for nearly five years of engineering support services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar large-scale support contracts within the Department of Defense, the pricing structure (Firm Fixed Price) offers cost predictability. While specific per-unit cost data is not provided, the competitive award process suggests a degree of price discovery.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of 4 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for these specialized engineering services. This competitive environment is generally favorable for achieving fair market pricing and ensuring the government receives quality services.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition helps ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces.

Public Impact

Provides critical research and analysis support to the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research (ODASD(R)). Supports the advancement of defense research and development initiatives. Services are delivered within the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Likely supports a specialized workforce of engineers and analysts.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for vendor lock-in if services are highly specialized and difficult to transition.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical research support could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration of nearly 5 years allows for stable support and knowledge retention.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically engineering services. The Department of Defense is a major consumer of such services, utilizing them for research, development, testing, and evaluation. The market for defense engineering support is substantial, with numerous firms capable of providing specialized expertise. This contract represents a significant award within this niche, supporting critical research functions.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) was not a specific set-aside for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small business set-asides is minimal. However, the prime contractor, Strategic Analysis, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Defense's contracting and program management structures. The Inspector General's office may conduct audits or investigations if performance issues or financial irregularities arise. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics are not detailed here.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Research and Development Support
Engineering and Technical Services Contracts
Strategic Analysis Support Services
Washington Headquarters Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract duration is long, potentially leading to vendor lock-in.
Reliance on a single entity for critical research support.
Lack of specific performance metrics in public data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $67.0 million to STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH (ODASD(R)) SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Washington Headquarters Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $67.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-10-17. End: 2023-02-16.

What is the specific nature of the 'ODASD(R) Support Services' provided under this contract?

The ODASD(R) Support Services contract, awarded to Strategic Analysis, Inc., likely encompasses a range of technical, analytical, and advisory functions supporting the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research. This could include areas such as research program analysis, technology assessment, policy development support, strategic planning, and acquisition strategy advice. The 'Engineering Services' NAICS code (541330) suggests a strong technical or engineering focus, implying that the support involves deep subject matter expertise in defense-related research and development domains. The contract's duration and value indicate a significant and ongoing need for these specialized services within the DoD's research and engineering leadership.

How does the $67 million contract value compare to similar engineering support contracts within the DoD?

The $67 million contract value for nearly five years of support is substantial, placing it in the mid-to-large tier for engineering and technical services within the Department of Defense. Many DoD engineering support contracts can range from a few million to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and criticality of the services. For specialized research support functions like those likely performed for ODASD(R), this value appears commensurate with the expertise and sustained effort required. Benchmarking would ideally involve comparing it to contracts for similar advisory, analytical, and research support roles within DoD research and engineering commands, considering factors like the number of personnel, required clearances, and specific technical domains.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or metrics used to evaluate Strategic Analysis, Inc.'s performance on this contract?

Specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract are not publicly detailed in the provided data. However, for a contract of this nature supporting ODASD(R), typical KPIs would likely revolve around the quality and timeliness of analytical reports, the effectiveness of strategic recommendations, adherence to project milestones, and the technical accuracy of engineering assessments. Performance would also be judged on the contractor's ability to provide expert personnel, maintain security protocols, and contribute to the overall mission objectives of the ODASD(R) office. The government would monitor these through regular progress reviews, acceptance of deliverables, and potentially through contractor performance assessment reporting systems (CPARS).

What is the historical spending pattern for ODASD(R) support services, and does this contract represent an increase or decrease?

Historical spending patterns for ODASD(R) support services are not detailed in the provided data. However, the award of a nearly $67 million contract over approximately five years suggests a consistent and significant requirement for external support in this area. To determine if this represents an increase or decrease, one would need to examine prior contracts awarded to Strategic Analysis, Inc. or other contractors for similar ODASD(R) functions. Factors such as shifts in research priorities, budget allocations, or changes in internal staffing capabilities within the DoD could influence historical spending trends for such support services.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor, Strategic Analysis, Inc., for these critical ODASD(R) support services?

The primary risks associated with relying on a single contractor like Strategic Analysis, Inc. for critical ODASD(R) support services include potential vendor lock-in, reduced flexibility, and a decline in performance quality over time. If the contractor becomes indispensable due to specialized knowledge or integrated processes, transitioning to a new vendor could be costly and disruptive. Furthermore, without ongoing competitive pressure, there's a risk that the contractor's motivation to innovate or maintain peak performance might diminish. Mitigating these risks often involves robust contract management, clear performance expectations, and contingency planning for potential service disruptions or transitions.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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

Solicitation ID: HQ003417Q0012

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4075 WILSON BLVD STE 200, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $67,006,632

Exercised Options: $67,006,632

Current Obligation: $67,006,632

Actual Outlays: $3,049,795

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 13

Total Subaward Amount: $38,335,865

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ003415A0041

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline