DHS awards $141.7M contract to MITRE for Other Management Consulting Services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $14,167,927 ($14.2M)
Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2004-04-19
End Date: 2009-08-17
Contract Duration: 1,946 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.3K/day
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: NOT REQUIRED
Place of Performance
Location: SPRINGFIELD, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22153
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $14.2 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: NOT REQUIRED Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single, well-established entity (MITRE). 2. Long duration (5 years) suggests a significant, ongoing need. 3. Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can incentivize cost overruns. 4. Focus on management consulting implies strategic support for CBP.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure, while allowing flexibility, carries inherent risk of costs exceeding initial estimates. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables and comparable fixed-fee contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This appears to be a sole-source award, likely due to MITRE's unique capabilities or a specific, pre-existing relationship. This limits price discovery and competitive pressure.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in a higher overall cost to taxpayers compared to a fully competitive procurement.
Public Impact
Impacts strategic planning and operational efficiency for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Potential for long-term reliance on a single contractor for critical consulting services. Taxpayer funds are allocated for specialized management expertise.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure can lead to cost escalation.
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure.
Positive Signals
- Award to a reputable organization (MITRE).
- Contract supports critical border security functions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under management consulting services, a broad category often used for strategic advice, process improvement, and organizational development. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific services provided.
Small Business Impact
No indication of small business participation in this sole-source award. The focus is on a large, established entity.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration and sole-source nature warrant close oversight to ensure value for money and adherence to contract terms. Regular performance reviews are crucial.
Related Government Programs
- Other Management Consulting Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee structure
- Long contract duration
- Potential for scope creep
Tags
other-management-consulting-services, department-of-homeland-security, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $14.2 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. NOT REQUIRED
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $14.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-04-19. End: 2009-08-17.
What specific management consulting services were provided, and how did they contribute to CBP's mission objectives?
The contract likely encompassed strategic planning, operational analysis, technology integration advice, and policy development support for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The value is measured by the extent to which these services improved efficiency, effectiveness, and security at the nation's borders, aligning with CBP's core mission.
What were the key risks associated with this sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, and how were they mitigated?
The primary risks included potential cost overruns due to the fee structure and lack of competitive pressure, as well as vendor lock-in. Mitigation would involve rigorous performance monitoring, clear deliverable definitions, and potentially phased funding tied to performance milestones to ensure accountability and control.
How effective was MITRE in delivering the contracted management consulting services over the five-year period?
Effectiveness would be assessed through CBP's performance evaluations, achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) outlined in the contract, and the tangible improvements in operational efficiency or strategic alignment resulting from the consulting work. Success hinges on measurable outcomes aligned with CBP's goals.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Contractor Details
Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $93,226,130
Exercised Options: $32,840,861
Current Obligation: $14,167,927
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: TIRNO99D00005
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-04-19
Current End Date: 2009-08-17
Potential End Date: 2009-08-17 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-09-26
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