DoD's $30.7M MITRE Contract for Program Management Support Under Scrutiny
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,664,136 ($30.7M)
Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2021-04-01
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 1,794 days
Daily Burn Rate: $17.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT - SUPPORT TO JASON PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $30.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: PROGRAM MANAGEMENT - SUPPORT TO JASON PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract awarded to The MITRE Corporation for administrative and management consulting services is valued at $30.7 million. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a specific justification for the method. 3. The contract's duration is 1794 days, ending in February 2026. 4. The primary sector is Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611). 5. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which helps control costs.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The $30.7 million contract value over nearly five years appears reasonable for specialized program management support. Benchmarking against similar large-scale consulting contracts within the DoD is necessary for a definitive assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' indicates a competitive process but with specific limitations. This method aims for best value while acknowledging potential constraints. The pricing discovery relies on the competitive bids received under these conditions.
Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed-price structure aims to provide cost certainty for taxpayers, but the ultimate impact depends on the competitiveness of the bidding process and the efficiency of the contractor.
Public Impact
Taxpayers are funding specialized program management support for a Department of Defense initiative. The contract's duration suggests a long-term need for these consulting services. The specific nature of 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' implies support for complex governmental operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of clarity on 'exclusion of sources' in competition.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope creeps beyond initial fixed price.
- Limited visibility into specific deliverables and performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract type offers cost predictability.
- Award to a known entity (MITRE) may indicate specialized expertise.
- Full and open competition, even with exclusions, suggests some level of market engagement.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically management consulting. Spending in this area within the DoD is substantial, supporting various program offices and strategic initiatives. Benchmarks vary widely based on service complexity and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates no specific set-aside for small businesses (SB: false). The prime contractor, The MITRE Corporation, is a large research and development organization, suggesting limited direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless specifically mandated.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is crucial given the contract's value and duration. The Department of Defense's internal audit and program management offices are responsible for monitoring performance, adherence to scope, and financial accountability. Transparency regarding the 'exclusion of sources' is key.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Washington Headquarters Services Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential lack of robust competition due to source exclusion.
- Risk of scope creep impacting the firm fixed price.
- Limited transparency on specific performance metrics and deliverables.
- Contract duration may exceed actual need if not actively managed.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, department-of-defense, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $30.7 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT - SUPPORT TO JASON PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Washington Headquarters Services).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $30.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-04-01. End: 2026-02-28.
What specific criteria led to the exclusion of certain sources in the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' process, and how did this impact the final price?
The exclusion of sources typically occurs when specific technical capabilities, security clearances, or unique past performance are required that only a limited number of entities possess. This can reduce the number of bidders, potentially impacting price competition. A thorough justification should detail these requirements and demonstrate why only specific contractors could meet them, ensuring the final price still reflects fair market value despite the narrowed field.
How does the performance of The MITRE Corporation on this contract align with industry benchmarks for program management support services in terms of efficiency and effectiveness?
Assessing MITRE's performance requires access to specific contract deliverables, key performance indicators (KPIs), and potentially independent evaluations. Benchmarking would involve comparing their project completion rates, cost adherence, and quality of recommendations against similar contracts awarded to other large consulting firms or Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). Without detailed performance data, a definitive alignment assessment is challenging.
What is the long-term strategic value of this $30.7 million program management support contract to the Department of Defense's overall mission objectives?
The strategic value hinges on the specific programs MITRE is supporting. If these programs are critical to national security, technological advancement, or operational efficiency within the DoD, then the investment is justified. The contract's success in streamlining processes, improving decision-making, or enabling the timely execution of key defense initiatives would demonstrate its strategic importance and return on investment for taxpayers.
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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: HQ003421R0037
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $31,595,712
Exercised Options: $31,595,712
Current Obligation: $30,664,136
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 8
Total Subaward Amount: $584,994
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: HQ003421D0010
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-04-01
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-02-28 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-07-22
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