DoD's $6.3M DARPA Triage Challenge Event Support Services contract awarded to Strategic Analysis, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,298,113 ($6.3M)

Contractor: Strategic Analysis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-01-01

End Date: 2026-12-31

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: DAPRA TRIAGE CHALLENGE EVENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22203

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $6.3 million to STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC. for work described as: DAPRA TRIAGE CHALLENGE EVENT SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for event support services, indicating a need for specialized logistical and technical assistance. 2. The contract duration of 729 days suggests a significant, ongoing requirement for these services. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, implying a robust bidding process. 4. The Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector often involves complex deliverables requiring expert support. 5. Performance period spans across two fiscal years, requiring careful budget management. 6. The contract type is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery contract vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.3 million over two years for event support services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of DARPA's challenges. Benchmarking against similar event support contracts within the federal government is challenging without more specific service details. However, the award to a single vendor via delivery order suggests a potentially competitive initial award or a pre-negotiated rate structure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This method generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service quality. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a healthy level of interest.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for cost savings through a wide range of offers and encourages contractors to provide competitive pricing.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which receives critical support for its Triage Challenge events. Services delivered likely include logistical planning, technical assistance, event coordination, and potentially specialized scientific or engineering support. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around the event locations, which are not specified but could be domestic or international. Workforce implications may involve the hiring of specialized personnel by the contractor to fulfill the event support requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the 'Triage Challenge' makes it difficult to fully assess the criticality of the support services.
The 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' NAICS code is broad, potentially masking the true specificity of the required expertise.
The contract is a delivery order, which could imply that the underlying IDIQ contract may have had limited competition or specific pre-qualifications.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a fair and broad opportunity for vendors.
The contract duration of nearly two years indicates a stable and predictable requirement, allowing for focused service delivery.
Strategic Analysis, Inc. has a track record with federal contracts, suggesting familiarity with government processes and requirements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541990. This sector is characterized by firms providing specialized expertise and support across various domains. DARPA operates at the forefront of technological innovation, often requiring unique event support that goes beyond standard logistical services. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the exact nature of the 'Triage Challenge,' but event support for high-profile government initiatives can range significantly in cost.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) is not explicitly detailed as a set-aside or subcontracting goal for this specific delivery order. While the primary award was made under full and open competition, it is possible that the prime contractor may engage small businesses for subcontracting opportunities. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting plans were required or if small businesses were involved in the competitive bidding process.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) contracting officers and program managers. As a Department of Defense contract, it is also subject to oversight by the Department of Defense Inspector General. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS.gov, where basic award details are publicly available. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms and conditions, including performance standards and payment schedules.

Related Government Programs

DARPA Research and Development Programs
Federal Event Management Services
Department of Defense Professional Services
Scientific and Technical Consulting Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to the innovative nature of DARPA challenges.
Reliance on specialized expertise that may be difficult to source.
Risk of technical failures impacting event objectives.
Uncertainty regarding the specific outcomes and impact of the 'Triage Challenge'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $6.3 million to STRATEGIC ANALYSIS, INC.. DAPRA TRIAGE CHALLENGE EVENT 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 (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-01-01. End: 2026-12-31.

What is the specific nature of the 'DARPA Triage Challenge Event Support Services' and how does it differ from standard event support?

The 'DARPA Triage Challenge Event Support Services' likely refers to specialized assistance required for DARPA's unique innovation challenges or competitions. These events often involve complex scientific, technical, or operational scenarios that necessitate support beyond typical conference or meeting logistics. This could include setting up specialized testing environments, providing technical expertise for judging or evaluation, managing participant interactions in a high-stakes setting, or ensuring the secure handling of sensitive information or prototypes. Unlike standard event support, DARPA's challenges often push the boundaries of current technology, requiring contractors to be adaptable, technically proficient, and capable of supporting novel operational concepts.

How does the contract value of $6.3 million compare to similar event support contracts within DARPA or the broader DoD?

Direct comparison of the $6.3 million contract value for DARPA Triage Challenge Event Support Services to similar contracts is challenging without more granular data on the scope and duration of other events. DARPA events are often highly specialized and may involve unique technical requirements that drive up costs compared to more routine federal conferences. However, for a two-year engagement supporting potentially complex challenges, this value appears within a reasonable range for specialized professional services. Broader DoD event support contracts can vary widely, from simple venue rentals to extensive logistical and technical support for large-scale exercises. A more precise benchmark would require identifying contracts with comparable technical complexity and service requirements.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract?

While specific KPIs and deliverables are not detailed in the provided data, typical expectations for event support services under a contract like this would include successful logistical execution, timely setup and breakdown of event facilities, effective technical support for participants and equipment, adherence to security protocols, and overall participant satisfaction. For DARPA challenges, KPIs might also focus on the smooth operation of experimental setups, accurate data collection during the event, and seamless integration of various technical components. Deliverables could range from detailed event plans and schedules to post-event reports, technical documentation, and potentially support for challenge outcomes or debriefs.

What is Strategic Analysis, Inc.'s track record with DARPA and similar federal agencies?

Strategic Analysis, Inc. (SAI) has a history of performing contracts for various U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. Information available through federal procurement databases often shows SAI performing services related to analysis, research, and technical support. Their experience with DARPA specifically would be detailed in their contract history. A review of their past performance on similar contracts would indicate their capability to manage complex projects, deliver on technical requirements, and meet government standards. Their continued awards suggest a satisfactory performance record and a strong understanding of federal contracting processes.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how might they be mitigated?

Potential risks include the highly specialized and potentially evolving nature of DARPA challenges, which could lead to scope creep or unforeseen technical difficulties. Contractor performance risk is also present, as failure to adequately support the event could jeopardize DARPA's research objectives. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear contract language defining scope and deliverables, robust project management by both the contractor and the government, regular performance reviews, and contingency planning for technical or logistical issues. The use of a delivery order under a potential IDIQ also allows for flexibility in tasking while maintaining oversight.

How does this contract fit into DARPA's broader mission and strategic objectives?

This contract directly supports DARPA's mission to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies that provide enduring national security advantages. DARPA's Triage Challenge events are designed to explore novel solutions to complex problems, often by bringing together diverse teams and technologies. The event support services are crucial for enabling these challenges to be conducted effectively, allowing researchers and developers to focus on the core technological aspects rather than logistical hurdles. Successful execution of these events can lead to the identification and maturation of game-changing technologies, aligning perfectly with DARPA's strategic objective of fostering innovation.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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: HR001123R0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4075 WILSON BLVD, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,099,599

Exercised Options: $15,099,599

Current Obligation: $6,298,113

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $125,120

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HR001124D0105

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline