DOI awards $17.8M for energy sector support to Zantech IT Services under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,793,003 ($17.8M)

Contractor: Zantech IT Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2010-12-14

End Date: 2012-09-27

Contract Duration: 653 days

Daily Burn Rate: $27.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: STRATEGIC, TECHNICAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES IN TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SECTORS FOR THE TASK FORCE FOR BUSINESS AND STABILITY OPERATIONS (TFBSO)

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $17.8 million to ZANTECH IT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: STRATEGIC, TECHNICAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES IN TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SECTORS FOR THE TASK FORCE FOR BUSINESS AND STABILITY OPERATIONS (TFBSO) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Zantech IT Services for strategic, technical, and analytical support in energy sectors. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control risks. 4. The sector involves traditional and alternative energy, indicating a focus on critical infrastructure.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $17.8M for a duration of 653 days (approx. 2 years) appears reasonable for specialized consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for management consulting in the energy sector would provide a clearer picture of value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which implies a competitive process but with specific exclusions. This method aims for price discovery but the exclusions could limit the pool of bidders.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers by encouraging competitive pricing. However, the specific exclusions need further review to ensure maximum value.

Public Impact

Supports critical energy sector operations for the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations. Involves strategic, technical, and analytical services, indicating complex and high-level support. The contract duration and value suggest a significant, long-term engagement.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Potential for limited competition due to 'exclusion of sources' clause.
Lack of specific performance metrics or outcomes in provided data.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, promoting fairness.
Supports a critical government task force (TFBSO).
Services are in a vital sector (energy).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under administrative management and general management consulting services, specifically focused on the energy sector. Spending in this area can vary widely depending on agency needs and project scope, but consulting for critical infrastructure like energy often commands significant investment.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates the awardee is Zantech IT Services, Inc. It is not specified if this is a small business. Further investigation is needed to determine the impact on small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Interior. Oversight would involve monitoring the contractor's performance, adherence to contract terms, and cost control, especially given the Time and Materials pricing structure.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
Departmental Offices Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type increases cost risk.
Potential for limited competition due to source exclusions.
Lack of clear performance metrics in the provided data.
Contract duration is significant (653 days).
Awardee's small business status is not specified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $17.8 million to ZANTECH IT SERVICES, INC.. STRATEGIC, TECHNICAL AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES IN TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SECTORS FOR THE TASK FORCE FOR BUSINESS AND STABILITY OPERATIONS (TFBSO)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ZANTECH IT SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-12-14. End: 2012-09-27.

What specific exclusions were made in the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' and what was the justification?

The justification for excluding specific sources needs to be detailed in the contract's Justification and Approval (J&A) document. Typically, exclusions are based on unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or urgent needs that only certain vendors can meet. Without the J&A, it's difficult to assess if these exclusions were truly necessary or if they limited competitive pricing for the taxpayer.

How effectively was the Time and Materials contract type managed to control costs and ensure value for the $17.8M expenditure?

Managing a Time and Materials (T&M) contract requires rigorous oversight to prevent cost overruns. The Department of the Interior would need to implement strict monitoring of labor hours, rates, and direct costs. Performance metrics and regular reviews are crucial to ensure the services provided align with the contract's objectives and deliver value commensurate with the $17.8M investment.

What were the key performance outcomes achieved by Zantech IT Services for the Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO) in the energy sector?

Assessing the effectiveness requires examining the deliverables and outcomes outlined in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and comparing them against the actual results achieved. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics should have been established to measure the impact of the strategic, technical, and analytical support on TFBSO's mission objectives within the energy sector.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: D11PS18784

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1600 TYSONS BLVD STE 1150, MCLEAN, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,793,003

Exercised Options: $17,793,003

Current Obligation: $17,793,003

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline