DHS S&T SETA Support contract awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton for $8.15M, spanning 6 months

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,917,074 ($18.9M)

Contractor: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2010-03-04

End Date: 2010-08-31

Contract Duration: 180 days

Daily Burn Rate: $105.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: DIVISION: MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION (M&A) PPA: PROGRAM SUPPORT THRUST: SETA SUPPORT PROGRAM: SETA SUPPORT PROJECT: DHS S&T M&A SETA SUPPORT PERFORMER: BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON (BAH) DESCRIPTION: THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROCUREMENT IS TO SECURE BAH SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT REFERENCED ABOVE. THE PRICE FOR SUCH SUPPORT IS ESTIMATED TO BE $8,146,775.16.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20528

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $18.9 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC for work described as: DIVISION: MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION (M&A) PPA: PROGRAM SUPPORT THRUST: SETA SUPPORT PROGRAM: SETA SUPPORT PROJECT: DHS S&T M&A SETA SUPPORT PERFORMER: BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON (BAH) DESCRIPTION: THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROCUREMENT IS TO SECURE BAH SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT REFERE… Key points: 1. Value for money assessment pending detailed cost breakdown and performance metrics. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators include the Time and Materials contract type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed closely. 4. Performance context is limited to the project description; specific deliverables and outcomes are not detailed. 5. Sector positioning within Management and Administration (M&A) Program Support. 6. The contract's duration of 180 days indicates a short-term, project-specific need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total estimated price of $8,146,775.16 for a 6-month SETA support contract appears substantial. Without a detailed breakdown of labor categories, hours, and rates, it is difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while common for support services, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not meticulously managed and monitored against a defined scope. Further analysis would require comparing the proposed rates to industry standards for similar expertise and contract durations.

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 offers. The number of bidders is not specified, but this procurement method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The agency's decision to use full and open competition suggests confidence in the market's ability to provide qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for competitive pricing inherent in a full and open competition, which aims to secure the best value for government funds.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T), receiving critical program support. Services delivered include SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) support, crucial for program management and technical oversight. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the contract is managed and likely performed. Workforce implications involve the engagement of specialized technical and management personnel, likely sourced by Booz Allen Hamilton.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type poses a risk of cost overruns without strict oversight.
Limited public information on specific performance metrics and deliverables.
The contract's short duration may indicate a need for ongoing, potentially higher-cost re-competes.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market engagement.
Booz Allen Hamilton is a well-established contractor with significant federal experience.
The contract supports critical functions within DHS S&T, indicating alignment with agency priorities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Management and Administration (M&A) sector, specifically Program Support, with a focus on SETA services. The Engineering Services (NAICS 541330) code suggests a technical and analytical focus. The market for SETA support is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise to government agencies. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other SETA contracts within DHS and similar agencies for program management and technical assistance.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Booz Allen Hamilton is a large business. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this specific award notice. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests that the primary competition was among larger, established firms.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight mechanisms for this contract would typically involve the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) within DHS S&T, responsible for monitoring performance, approving invoices, and ensuring adherence to contract terms. Accountability measures are tied to the successful delivery of SETA support as defined in the contract's statement of work. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports are often internal.

Related Government Programs

DHS S&T Program Management Support
Federal Engineering and Technical Services
Management and Administration Support Contracts
SETA Support Services

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type
Limited public detail on scope of work
Short contract duration (180 days)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $18.9 million to BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON INC. DIVISION: MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION (M&A) PPA: PROGRAM SUPPORT THRUST: SETA SUPPORT PROGRAM: SETA SUPPORT PROJECT: DHS S&T M&A SETA SUPPORT PERFORMER: BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON (BAH) DESCRIPTION: THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROCUREMENT IS TO SECURE BAH SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT REFERENCED ABOVE. THE PRICE FOR SUCH SUPPORT IS ESTIMATED TO BE $8,146,775.16.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON 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 $18.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-03-04. End: 2010-08-31.

What is the specific scope of work for Booz Allen Hamilton's SETA support under this contract?

The provided data indicates the purpose is to secure Booz Allen Hamilton's support for the 'DHS S&T M&A SETA Support' project. However, the specific scope of work, including detailed tasks, deliverables, and performance standards, is not publicly detailed in this abstract. SETA contracts typically involve providing expertise in areas such as systems engineering, technical analysis, program management, acquisition support, and independent assessments to help government program offices manage complex projects effectively. A full review of the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) would be necessary to understand the precise responsibilities.

How does the $8.15 million cost compare to similar SETA support contracts within DHS or other agencies?

Benchmarking the $8.15 million cost requires comparing it against similar SETA support contracts awarded by DHS or other federal agencies for comparable services and durations. Factors such as the specific expertise required (e.g., cybersecurity, advanced research, acquisition), the level of personnel proposed (e.g., senior engineers, program managers), and the contract's length (180 days) are crucial. Without access to a detailed cost breakdown (labor rates, hours) and a database of comparable contract awards, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, for a 6-month engagement requiring specialized technical and management support, this figure represents a significant investment.

What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for this procurement?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, as used here, is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. If the scope of work is not tightly defined, or if contractor effort is inefficient, costs can escalate beyond initial estimates. Effective oversight, including detailed monitoring of labor hours, validation of work performed, and strict adherence to the ceiling price, is critical to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

What is Booz Allen Hamilton's track record with DHS or similar SETA support contracts?

Booz Allen Hamilton is a large, established government contractor with extensive experience providing a wide range of services, including SETA support, to various federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. While specific details on their past performance on DHS S&T SETA contracts are not provided here, the company generally has a significant portfolio of work in program management, systems engineering, and technical assistance across defense, intelligence, and civilian sectors. Their long-standing presence suggests a history of successful contract performance, though individual contract outcomes can vary based on specific requirements and execution.

What are the implications of this contract being awarded under 'Full and Open Competition'?

Awarding this contract under 'Full and Open Competition' signifies that the Department of Homeland Security allowed any interested and qualified company to submit a bid. This approach is generally favored as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, fostering robust competition. For taxpayers, this typically translates into better pricing and a wider selection of innovative solutions, as contractors are incentivized to offer their best value to win the contract. It also implies that the agency did not identify specific barriers or justifications for restricting the competition to a smaller group of vendors.

How does the $8.15M spending align with historical DHS S&T spending patterns for program support?

Assessing the alignment of this $8.15 million contract with historical DHS S&T spending requires analyzing broader spending trends for program support and SETA services within the directorate. Without access to historical DHS S&T budget allocations and contract databases, it's difficult to provide a precise comparison. However, SETA support is a common and necessary component for managing complex research and development programs. If DHS S&T consistently invests in such support, this contract may represent a typical expenditure. Conversely, if it deviates significantly from historical norms, further investigation into the reasons (e.g., increased program complexity, new initiatives) would be warranted.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (UEI: 964725688)

Address: 8283 GREENSBORO DR, MCLEAN, VA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $66,765,435

Exercised Options: $19,094,286

Current Obligation: $18,917,074

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSHQPA05A00058

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline