DoD's $11.8M oversight contract to INALAB CONSULTING, INC. awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,841,604 ($11.8M)

Contractor: Inalab Consulting, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-09-15

End Date: 2026-09-14

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: OVERSIGHT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: FALLS CHURCH, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22042

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.8 million to INALAB CONSULTING, INC. for work described as: OVERSIGHT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING SUPPORT Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the scope of strategic planning and oversight support. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a robust process, with a full and open competition after exclusion of sources. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with contract duration and fixed-price nature suggesting manageable financial exposure. 4. Performance context is tied to the Defense Health Agency's critical mission. 5. Sector positioning is within professional services supporting defense operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $11.8 million over two years for oversight and strategic planning support is within a reasonable range for similar federal contracts. Benchmarking against industry standards for consulting services in defense suggests competitive pricing. The firm-fixed-price structure helps control costs, but detailed performance metrics would be needed for a complete value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that while the initial pool of potential bidders might have been narrowed, the final award was made through a competitive process open to all eligible offerors. The presence of 3 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition, which typically leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of this award is beneficial for taxpayers, as it likely drove down costs and ensured the government received the best possible offer for essential oversight services.

Public Impact

The Defense Health Agency benefits from enhanced strategic planning and oversight capabilities. Services delivered include critical support for program management and operational efficiency within the DHA. Geographic impact is primarily national, supporting defense health initiatives across the United States. Workforce implications include the potential for specialized consulting roles and support for government personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined.
Dependence on contractor expertise could create knowledge transfer challenges.
Ensuring alignment with evolving DHA strategic goals requires continuous monitoring.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract limits cost overruns.
Full and open competition suggests a strong pool of qualified bidders.
Experienced contractor likely brings valuable insights and efficiencies.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically engineering services (NAICS 541330), supporting the defense industry. The market for such services is substantial, with significant government spending allocated to defense-related consulting and oversight. Comparable spending benchmarks for strategic planning and program management support within federal agencies are typically in the millions of dollars annually, depending on the scope and duration.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary impact on the small business ecosystem would be through potential subcontracting opportunities, if INALAB CONSULTING, INC. chooses to engage small businesses. Without specific subcontracting plans detailed, the direct benefit to small businesses from this particular award is not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight of this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Health Agency's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Health Agency Program Management Support
Department of Defense Strategic Planning Services
Federal Government Oversight Contracts
Engineering Consulting Services for Government

Risk Flags

Contract duration of 729 days requires sustained oversight.
Potential for undefined scope leading to cost increases.
Reliance on contractor expertise necessitates strong government oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.8 million to INALAB CONSULTING, INC.. OVERSIGHT AND STRATEGIC PLANNING SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INALAB CONSULTING, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Health Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-15. End: 2026-09-14.

What is INALAB CONSULTING, INC.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

INALAB CONSULTING, INC. has a history of federal contracting, though specific details on past performance within the Department of Defense require deeper investigation beyond the provided data. The award of this $11.8 million contract suggests a level of confidence from the Defense Health Agency in the company's capabilities. A comprehensive review would involve examining past contract awards, performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or challenges. Understanding their experience with similar oversight and strategic planning support services is crucial for assessing their suitability for this role and predicting successful performance.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar federal contracts for strategic planning and oversight support?

The total contract value of $11.8 million over two years (729 days) for oversight and strategic planning support provides a basis for comparison. While specific per-unit costs or labor rates are not detailed, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests that the government has negotiated a set price for the defined scope of work. Benchmarking against similar contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense or other large federal entities for comparable services would reveal if INALAB CONSULTING, INC.'s pricing is competitive. Factors such as the complexity of the DHA's needs, the required expertise, and the duration of the support would influence these comparisons. Without access to detailed pricing structures or a broader market analysis, a definitive value-for-money assessment based solely on price is challenging.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is the contractor's ability to deliver high-quality, actionable insights that align with the evolving strategic needs of the Defense Health Agency. Mitigation strategies likely include clearly defined performance work statements, robust project management by the DHA, regular progress reviews, and performance metrics tied to deliverables. The firm-fixed-price structure itself acts as a risk mitigation tool by capping the government's financial exposure. Furthermore, the competitive award process suggests that qualified bidders with demonstrated capabilities were selected, reducing the risk of contractor underperformance.

How effective is the Defense Health Agency likely to be in overseeing this contract to ensure optimal performance and value?

The effectiveness of the Defense Health Agency's oversight will depend on several factors, including the expertise of its contracting officers and program managers, the clarity of the contract's performance metrics, and the agency's commitment to active monitoring. The DHA's established processes for contract management, coupled with the firm-fixed-price nature of the award, provide a solid foundation for oversight. Regular reporting requirements, performance reviews, and open communication channels with INALAB CONSULTING, INC. will be critical. The agency's ability to proactively identify and address any performance issues or deviations from the SOW will directly impact the realization of optimal performance and value from this contract.

What are the historical spending patterns for similar oversight and strategic planning support services within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for oversight and strategic planning support within the Department of Defense are substantial, reflecting the complexity and scale of military operations and healthcare systems. Agencies like the DHA frequently procure such services to enhance program effectiveness, ensure compliance, and support long-term strategic initiatives. Annual spending on professional and technical services, including management and strategic consulting, often runs into billions of dollars across the DoD. Contracts for similar support can range from a few million to tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the duration, scope, and criticality of the mission. This $11.8 million contract appears to be a moderate-sized award within this broader spending context.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: HT001124R0078

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Inalab Consulting Inc.

Address: 3949 PENDER DR, SUITE 150, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,745,438

Exercised Options: $11,841,604

Current Obligation: $11,841,604

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $3,595,334

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D8135

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline