DHS awards $34.1M contract to ALEX-ALTERNATIVE EXPERTS for consulting services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,103,489 ($34.1M)

Contractor: Alex-Alternative Experts, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2011-08-01

End Date: 2018-01-23

Contract Duration: 2,367 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: EPAP

Place of Performance

Location: CHANTILLY, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20151

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $34.1 million to ALEX-ALTERNATIVE EXPERTS, LLC for work described as: EPAP Key points: 1. Contract awarded to ALEX-ALTERNATIVE EXPERTS, LLC for administrative and management consulting. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. The contract duration was 2367 days, indicating a long-term engagement. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty. 5. The contract was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security to the Transportation Security Administration.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $34.1M over approximately 6.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar administrative and management consulting services requires detailed scope comparison, but the value appears within a reasonable range for long-term support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating a competitive process that initially considered multiple sources but ultimately excluded some. This method aims for best value while potentially streamlining the process.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is intended to secure fair pricing, but the exclusion of sources warrants scrutiny to ensure optimal taxpayer value was achieved.

Public Impact

Ensures continued administrative and management consulting support for the TSA. Supports critical functions within the Department of Homeland Security. Provides a stable revenue stream for the awarded contractor, ALEX-ALTERNATIVE EXPERTS, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to exclusion of sources.
Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or evolving needs.
Fixed price contract may not fully account for unforeseen changes in service requirements.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides budget predictability.
Supports a key agency within the Department of Homeland Security.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611). Spending in this sector is common across government agencies for specialized expertise. Benchmarks vary widely based on the specific services and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). This indicates that the primary contractor is likely a larger entity, and opportunities for small business subcontracting were either not pursued or not significant.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Homeland Security, a large federal agency with established oversight mechanisms. The competitive nature of the award suggests a degree of accountability in the selection process.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Long contract duration increases risk of evolving requirements.
Lack of small business participation.
Contract type (FFP) may not be ideal for highly uncertain service needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $34.1 million to ALEX-ALTERNATIVE EXPERTS, LLC. EPAP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALEX-ALTERNATIVE EXPERTS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-08-01. End: 2018-01-23.

What specific management consulting services were provided under this contract, and how did they contribute to the TSA's mission effectiveness?

The contract was for Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. While the specific deliverables are not detailed, such services typically involve process improvement, strategic planning, organizational development, and operational efficiency enhancements. These likely supported the TSA's core functions in transportation security operations, policy development, and administrative oversight, contributing to overall mission effectiveness by optimizing resource allocation and operational procedures.

What was the rationale for excluding certain sources during the 'full and open competition' process, and did this exclusion impact the final price?

The rationale for excluding sources in a 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' typically involves specific technical requirements, past performance, or unique capabilities that only a subset of potential offerors can meet. While intended to ensure the best fit, such exclusions can limit the competitive landscape. The impact on price is variable; it could lead to higher prices if competition is significantly reduced, or it could result in a fair price if the remaining sources are highly competitive and meet stringent requirements.

How does the $34.1M contract value compare to similar long-term consulting engagements within the TSA or DHS, and what does this suggest about its value for money?

Comparing the $34.1M value requires detailed analysis of the scope and duration against peer contracts. Given the 2367-day (approx. 6.5 years) duration, the annual average is around $5.2M. This figure appears moderate for comprehensive management consulting support to a major agency like TSA. Without specific benchmarks for similar long-term, broad-scope contracts, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money, but it doesn't immediately suggest overpricing.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: LEASE/RENT FACILITIES › LEASE/RENTAL NONBUILDING FACILITIES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSTS05-11-R-OSO027

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4443 BROOKFIELD CORPORATE DR STE 110, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,408,305

Exercised Options: $34,103,489

Current Obligation: $34,103,489

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 4

Total Subaward Amount: $28,113,829

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline