DHS FEMA awards $24.6M to Wunderman Thompson for Public Relations Agencies services over 7 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $24,598,365 ($24.6M)

Contractor: Wunderman Thompson LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2004-09-30

End Date: 2011-11-17

Contract Duration: 2,604 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.4K/day

Competition Type: FOLLOW ON TO COMPETED ACTION

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED

Sector: Other

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTA, FULTON County, GEORGIA, 30328

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $24.6 million to WUNDERMAN THOMPSON LLC for work described as: Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $24.6 million over its duration. 2. Follow-on to a competed action, suggesting prior competition. 3. Potential risk in long contract duration (7 years) impacting adaptability. 4. Services fall under Public Relations Agencies (NAICS 541820).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award value is $24.6 million. Without specific task orders or performance metrics, a direct per-unit cost comparison is difficult. However, the duration suggests a substantial, ongoing need for public relations services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract is a follow-on to a competed action, implying some level of competition in the past. However, the current award mechanism (BPA) and lack of specific competition details make it difficult to assess current price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for public relations services. The value suggests a significant investment, and the effectiveness of these services will determine the ultimate value for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Public relations efforts by FEMA are crucial for emergency communication and public trust. The contract supports agency-wide communication strategies and crisis management. Effective PR can lead to better public response during emergencies, saving lives and resources.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration
Lack of current competition details

Positive Signals

Follow-on to competed action
Supports critical agency mission

Sector Analysis

Public Relations Agencies (NAICS 541820) is a specialized sector. Spending benchmarks for this sector vary widely based on agency size and needs. FEMA's significant award suggests a substantial PR requirement.

Small Business Impact

No specific information is provided regarding small business participation in this contract. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved or had opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA). Oversight would focus on the effectiveness of public relations campaigns, adherence to communication protocols, and responsible use of funds.

Related Government Programs

Public Relations Agencies
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration may limit flexibility.
Limited transparency on current competition.
Potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Effectiveness metrics are not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $24.6 million to WUNDERMAN THOMPSON LLC. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WUNDERMAN THOMPSON LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $24.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-09-30. End: 2011-11-17.

What specific public relations activities are covered under this contract, and how is their effectiveness measured?

The contract likely covers a range of public relations activities including media outreach, public awareness campaigns, crisis communication support, and content development. Effectiveness is typically measured through metrics like media impressions, public engagement rates, message recall, and sentiment analysis, though specific KPIs would be detailed in the contract's statement of work.

What was the competitive landscape for this follow-on action, and did it result in cost savings compared to the previous contract?

As a follow-on to a competed action, there was likely competition at some prior stage. However, the current award details do not specify the competitive process for this particular award or if it led to cost savings. Further investigation into the BPA call order process is needed to ascertain current price discovery.

How does the $24.6 million award compare to typical spending for public relations services by similar federal agencies of FEMA's size and scope?

Without specific benchmarks for PR spending across federal agencies, a direct comparison is challenging. However, $24.6 million over seven years ($3.5 million annually) for a major agency like FEMA, responsible for national emergency management, suggests a significant but potentially justifiable investment in maintaining public awareness and trust.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services › Public Relations Agencies

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FOLLOW ON TO COMPETED ACTION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED (NO)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: WPP PLC (UEI: 232931092)

Address: 10 GLENLAKE PKWY NE B, ATLANTA, GA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $79,565,000

Exercised Options: $79,556,000

Current Obligation: $24,598,365

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: EMW2003BP0438

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline