DoD awards $7.8M contract for research support services to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,843,788 ($7.8M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-07-06

End Date: 2026-07-14

Contract Duration: 1,104 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: AMSARA SUPPORT SERVICES FOR WALTER REED ARMY INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH WRAIR

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20901

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.8 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: AMSARA SUPPORT SERVICES FOR WALTER REED ARMY INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH WRAIR Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for engineering services, specifically supporting research at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. 3. The duration of the contract is approximately 3 years, ending in July 2026. 4. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 5. The award was a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle. 6. The contractor, MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC., has secured this award from the Department of Defense. 7. The contract is located in Maryland, a hub for defense and research activities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $7.84 million over approximately three years for specialized research support services appears reasonable given the nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar engineering and research support contracts within the Department of Defense is necessary for a definitive value assessment. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests the government has negotiated a set price, which can be advantageous for cost control if the contractor's performance is efficient.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 3 bids suggests a moderate level of competition for this specific delivery order. While more bidders could potentially drive prices lower, a competitive process was still employed, which is a positive sign for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently by allowing multiple companies to bid, fostering a market-driven price.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the researchers and staff at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), who will receive essential support services. The services delivered will enable continued progress in medical research critical to military health and readiness. The geographic impact is concentrated in Maryland, where WRAIR is located. The contract supports specialized engineering and technical roles, potentially impacting the local workforce in the defense and research sectors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if research objectives evolve significantly beyond initial planning.
Dependence on contractor expertise could pose a risk if key personnel depart.
Ensuring continued alignment with WRAIR's evolving research priorities requires diligent oversight.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract structure incentivizes contractor efficiency and cost control.
Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive process was utilized.
The contractor is supporting a critical national defense research institution (WRAIR).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting scientific research and development within the defense healthcare domain. The market for specialized research support services is often characterized by a mix of large defense contractors and niche scientific firms. Spending in this area is driven by the need for advanced medical solutions for military personnel and veterans. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within R&D services for federal agencies, particularly those focused on health and life sciences.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was specifically set aside for small businesses, nor is there information about subcontracting plans for small businesses. Given the nature of the services and the prime contractor, it is possible that larger firms are involved, but the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is not immediately clear from the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to meet defined performance standards. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance metrics and oversight reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) Operations
Department of Defense Research and Development Contracts
Medical Research Support Services
Engineering Services for Federal Agencies

Risk Flags

Potential for contractor performance issues if specialized expertise is not maintained.
Risk of scope creep in a research environment requiring careful management.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.8 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. AMSARA SUPPORT SERVICES FOR WALTER REED ARMY INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH WRAIR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-06. End: 2026-07-14.

What is the track record of MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. with the Department of Defense and similar research support contracts?

MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. has a history of performing contracts with the Department of Defense. While specific details on their track record with research support services require deeper analysis of past performance databases, their ability to secure this award suggests they meet the necessary qualifications. A review of their past performance ratings, any past performance issues, and the types of services they have previously provided to DoD agencies would offer a more comprehensive understanding of their suitability for this role. Examining their experience with similar scientific and engineering support contracts, particularly those involving research institutions, would be crucial for assessing their capabilities and reliability.

How does the awarded value compare to similar engineering services contracts for research institutions?

The awarded value of approximately $7.84 million over three years for engineering services supporting WRAIR needs to be benchmarked against comparable contracts. Factors such as the specific technical expertise required, the complexity of the research environment, and the duration of support influence pricing. Contracts for specialized R&D support at other federal research institutions, or similar engineering services for complex scientific projects within DoD, would serve as relevant comparisons. Without access to a detailed database of such contracts, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents a high or low value. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests a negotiated price that the government deemed acceptable based on the scope of work and anticipated contractor performance.

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

Key risks include potential technical challenges in supporting advanced research, the possibility of key personnel turnover impacting continuity, and ensuring the contractor's efforts remain aligned with WRAIR's evolving research objectives. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract management by the DHA and WRAIR, clear performance work statements, and potentially requirements for contractor personnel retention plans. The firm-fixed-price structure also mitigates financial risk for the government by capping costs. Regular progress reviews and performance monitoring will be essential to identify and address any emerging issues proactively.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money in this context?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and the risks are manageable. For research support services, FFP incentivizes the contractor to perform efficiently and control costs, as any overruns are absorbed by them. This shifts cost risk from the government to the contractor. However, if the research environment is highly dynamic and requirements change frequently, an FFP contract might lead to change orders or potential disputes if not managed carefully. The success of FFP in delivering value here depends on the clarity of the initial SOW and the contractor's ability to manage their resources effectively within the agreed-upon price.

What is the historical spending trend for similar research support services at WRAIR or within the DHA?

Analyzing historical spending trends for research support services at WRAIR or within the DHA is crucial for context. This involves examining previous contract awards for similar services, their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Significant year-over-year increases or decreases in spending could indicate shifts in research priorities, funding availability, or changes in how services are procured (e.g., moving from multiple small contracts to larger IDIQs). Understanding these patterns helps assess whether the current $7.84 million award is consistent with past investment levels or represents a notable change, potentially requiring further justification or scrutiny.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 2251 CORPORATE PARK DR STE 600, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,077,489

Exercised Options: $7,897,266

Current Obligation: $7,843,788

Actual Outlays: $623,765

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU124

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline