DHS awards $17.2M for Management Consulting, raising questions on value and competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,193,398 ($17.2M)
Contractor: Touchstone Consulting Group, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2006-09-29
End Date: 2018-11-30
Contract Duration: 4,445 days
Daily Burn Rate: $3.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Sector: Other
Official Description: CONSULTING SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20036
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $17.2 million to TOUCHSTONE CONSULTING GROUP, INC. for work described as: CONSULTING SERVICES Key points: 1. Spending of $17.2M on administrative management consulting services. 2. Touchstone Consulting Group, Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Contract awarded via BPA Call under full and open competition. 4. Services provided in Washington D.C. over a 12-year period.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $17.2M over 12 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar administrative management consulting contracts is difficult without specific service details, but the duration and value warrant scrutiny for cost-effectiveness.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition via a BPA Call. While this indicates a competitive process initially, the specific awardee and duration suggest potential for limited follow-on competition if not managed carefully.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for consulting services. The effectiveness and efficiency of these services directly impact the value for money received by taxpayers.
Public Impact
Citizens expect transparency in government spending on consulting services. The long contract duration raises questions about ongoing need and potential for vendor lock-in. Effectiveness of consulting services in improving DHS operations is a key public interest.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 30 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration (12 years)
- Lack of specific performance metrics provided
- Potential for scope creep
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition
- Services provided to a critical government agency
Sector Analysis
Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611) is a broad category. Spending benchmarks vary widely based on the specific services rendered. DHS's reliance on such services indicates a need for specialized expertise in organizational efficiency and management.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or if the prime contractor subcontracted to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The long duration of the contract necessitates robust oversight to ensure continued relevance and cost-effectiveness. Regular performance reviews and audits are crucial for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- Office of Procurement Operations Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of detailed performance metrics.
- Extended contract duration without clear justification for ongoing need.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Limited transparency on specific services rendered.
- No indication of small business participation.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, department-of-homeland-security, dc, bpa-call, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $17.2 million to TOUCHSTONE CONSULTING GROUP, INC.. CONSULTING SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TOUCHSTONE CONSULTING GROUP, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $17.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-09-29. End: 2018-11-30.
What specific management and administrative challenges did DHS aim to address with this extensive consulting engagement?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact challenges. Typically, such contracts address areas like organizational restructuring, process improvement, strategic planning, or operational efficiency. Without detailed statements of work, it's difficult to ascertain the precise objectives and their alignment with DHS's mission.
How was the value for money assessed throughout the 12-year contract period, given the significant expenditure?
Assessing value for money over such a long period requires continuous monitoring. This would involve tracking key performance indicators, comparing outcomes against initial objectives, and benchmarking against industry standards. Periodic reviews and potential contract modifications based on performance are essential.
What mechanisms were in place to ensure the consulting services remained relevant and effective given the evolving needs of the Department of Homeland Security?
Mechanisms for ensuring relevance would typically include regular performance reviews, defined milestones, and clauses allowing for contract modifications or termination if objectives are not met. The BPA Call structure might offer some flexibility, but proactive management and clear communication channels are vital.
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
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Sterling Parent Inc. (UEI: 968838909)
Address: 1920 N STREET NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,193,398
Exercised Options: $17,193,398
Current Obligation: $17,193,398
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS10F06LPA0010
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-09-29
Current End Date: 2018-11-30
Potential End Date: 2018-11-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2018-12-11
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