Interior Department's $16.7M technical assistance contract awarded to Leidos, Inc. for consulting services
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,693,803 ($16.7M)
Contractor: Leidos, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior
Start Date: 2009-05-01
End Date: 2010-04-30
Contract Duration: 364 days
Daily Burn Rate: $45.9K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of the Interior obligated $16.7 million to LEIDOS, INC. for work described as: SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for specialized technical assistance over a one-year period. 2. Competition was competitive, suggesting potential for fair pricing. 3. Performance risk appears low given the nature of consulting services and contractor experience. 4. This contract represents a small portion of the agency's overall IT and consulting spend. 5. The services provided fall under general scientific and technical consulting, a common category for federal agencies.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $16.7 million for a one-year duration for systems engineering and technical assistance support is within a reasonable range for specialized consulting services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical assistance within the Department of the Interior or other agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, given the duration and scope, the pricing appears to be in line with market rates for such expertise.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded as a competitive delivery order, indicating that it was competed under a broader contract vehicle. The specific number of bidders for this delivery order is not detailed, but the 'full-and-open' competition designation suggests a robust bidding process. This level of competition generally leads to better price discovery and ensures that the government receives offers from a wide range of qualified vendors.
Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down costs through market forces and encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing.
Public Impact
The Department of the Interior benefits from enhanced technical expertise and support for its systems. Services delivered include scientific and technical consulting, aiding in the agency's operational efficiency. The geographic impact is primarily within Virginia, where the contractor is located. The contract supports specialized technical roles, potentially impacting the federal workforce in consulting and engineering fields.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
- Reliance on a single contractor for critical technical assistance could pose a risk if performance falters.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through a competitive process, indicating a selection based on merit and price.
- Contract duration of one year allows for regular performance reviews and adjustments.
- Contractor (Leidos, Inc.) is a large, established firm with a significant federal contracting presence.
Sector Analysis
The contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690). This sector is a significant component of federal spending, supporting a wide array of agency functions from IT modernization to environmental consulting. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous large and small businesses vying for federal contracts. This specific contract likely supports the Department of the Interior's internal operations or specific program needs requiring specialized engineering and technical expertise.
Small Business Impact
The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Leidos, Inc. is a large business. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. However, large prime contractors are often encouraged or required to subcontract with small businesses on larger contracts, though this specific award does not mandate it.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of the Interior. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS-NG, which record award details. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Systems Engineering
- Technical Assistance
- Consulting Services
- Department of the Interior IT Support
- Federal Professional Services
Risk Flags
- Potential for scope creep
- Contractor performance risk
- Reliance on external expertise
Tags
sector-other, agency-department-of-the-interior, geography-virginia, contract-type-competitive-delivery-order, size-category-large-business, competition-level-full-and-open, service-category-consulting, fiscal-year-2009, fiscal-year-2010
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of the Interior awarded $16.7 million to LEIDOS, INC.. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is LEIDOS, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.7 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2009-05-01. End: 2010-04-30.
What is Leidos, Inc.'s track record with the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies for similar technical assistance contracts?
Leidos, Inc. has a substantial track record of contracting with the Department of the Interior and numerous other federal agencies across various sectors, including IT, defense, and healthcare. Their experience often involves large-scale systems engineering, technical support, and complex project management. For technical assistance contracts specifically, Leidos typically leverages its broad expertise in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, and enterprise IT solutions. A review of their past performance on similar contracts would reveal their ability to meet performance requirements, manage budgets effectively, and deliver on complex technical objectives. Their extensive federal footprint suggests a mature understanding of government procurement processes and compliance requirements, which generally translates to a lower performance risk for agencies.
How does the $16.7 million contract value compare to similar technical assistance contracts awarded by the Department of the Interior or other agencies in the same fiscal year?
The $16.7 million contract value for one year of systems engineering and technical assistance support is a significant but not extraordinary amount for specialized federal consulting services. To benchmark effectively, one would compare this to contracts with similar scopes of work, durations, and complexity awarded by the Department of the Interior or comparable agencies (e.g., other civilian agencies requiring extensive IT or engineering support) during the 2009-2010 period. Contracts for broad IT modernization, large-scale system integration, or specialized scientific research support can range from millions to hundreds of millions of dollars. Given that this is for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' and awarded as a delivery order, it suggests a focused scope. Without more granular data on the specific tasks, a precise comparison is difficult, but the value appears aligned with the typical cost of engaging expert technical support for a year.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
Primary risks for this contract include potential scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or schedule delays. Another risk is contractor performance; if Leidos, Inc. fails to deliver the expected technical expertise or support, it could impact the Department of the Interior's operations. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract management by the agency, including clear definition of tasks, regular progress reviews, and performance metrics. The competitive nature of the award also mitigates risk by selecting a contractor based on qualifications and price. Furthermore, Leidos's established reputation and experience in federal contracting suggest a lower likelihood of significant performance issues. The one-year duration allows for reassessment and potential adjustments if performance is not meeting expectations.
What is the expected effectiveness of the services provided under this contract in achieving the Department of the Interior's objectives?
The effectiveness of the services hinges on how well the 'systems engineering and technical assistance support' aligns with the Department of the Interior's specific objectives for the period of performance (May 2009 - April 2010). As a consulting service, its primary goal is to provide expertise that the agency may lack internally or needs to augment for specific projects. If the contract supports critical IT infrastructure upgrades, policy development, or complex operational challenges, its effectiveness will be measured by the successful implementation of these initiatives. The competitive award suggests the agency sought the best value, implying an expectation of high-quality support. The ultimate effectiveness will be determined by the successful integration of Leidos's technical guidance and support into the Department's ongoing operations and strategic goals.
How has the Department of the Interior's spending on 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) trended historically, and where does this $16.7M contract fit?
Historical spending data for the Department of the Interior on NAICS code 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services) would show trends in the agency's reliance on external expertise for specialized technical needs. This $16.7 million contract, awarded in fiscal year 2009 for a one-year period, represents a specific investment within that category. To understand its place, one would analyze the total spending on this NAICS code for FY2009 and preceding years. If this amount is significantly higher or lower than average, it could indicate a shift in strategy or a particularly demanding period for technical support. Federal agencies often utilize consulting services for project-specific needs, technology assessments, or to supplement internal capabilities, making this contract a typical component of a larger, ongoing spending pattern for such services.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Leidos Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 611641312)
Address: 13921 PARK CENTER ROAD, HERNDON, VA, 20171
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,693,803
Exercised Options: $16,693,803
Current Obligation: $16,693,803
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: IND14060406CT62147
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2009-05-01
Current End Date: 2010-04-30
Potential End Date: 2010-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2017-03-25
More Contracts from Leidos, Inc.
- Science Operation and Maintenance Support for the United States Antarctic Program — $3.1B (National Science Foundation)
- Provide Funding for Clin 302 for Pre-Flight and In-Flight Services. Contract Number Dtfawa-05-C-00031, Lockheed Martin. POP 01/16/08-03/31/08 — $1.9B (Department of Transportation)
- THE Facilities Development and Operations Contract(fdoc) Specifies Technical, Managerial, and Adminstrative Work Needed to Ensure the Availablitity, Integrity, and Reliability of Missionoperations Facilites Supporting National Aeronautics and Space Administration (nasa) Human Space Flight (HSF) Programs Requiring Mission Operations Support. the Objective of This Contract IS to Consolidate Efforts Across the Facilities Covered Under Fodoc in Order to Maximize Synergy for Hardware and Software Development, Modification, Sustaining. Maintenance, Reconfiguration, and Operations for the Purpose of Reducing Cost Without Compromising Facility Functionality and Performance. Nasa Will Collaborate With the Contractor on Developing Procedural and Technical Innovations That Improve Quality, Ensure Customer Satisfaction and Reduce Cost. Mission Operations Facilities Currently Support the Space Shuttle Programand the International Space Station Progra, Including International Partner and Commmercial Visiting Vehicles. Mission Operations Facilities Supporting the Cnstellation Program(cxp) ARE Continuously Under Development in Concert With CXP Formulation and Implementation. Fdoc Applies to the Facilities of These Three Programs, and ANY Other HSF Program Requiring Mission Operations Facility Support. in Addition, Future Mission Operations Facilities and Capabilities ARE Within the Technical Scope of This SOW, and Fdoc Worlk Associated With These Facilities Will BE Enabled Through Idiq — $1.3B (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
- National Airspace System (NAS) Implementation Support Contract (nisc). Provides Engineering and Technical Support Services to FAA Organizations Responsible for NAS Transformation, Integration and Implementation in the Areas of Implementation and Integration Planning, Transition Planning, Engineering Support, Environmental Support, Automation Support and Other Engineering and Technical Disciplines AS Required. TAS::69 8107::TAS — $1.1B (Department of Transportation)
- Itssc Task Order for Systems — $1.1B (Social Security Administration)
Other Department of the Interior Contracts
- Department of Health and Human Services, Administration of Children and Families, Office of Refugee Resettlement's Legal Services for Unaccompanied Children — $832.4M (Acacia Center for Justice)
- Military Family Life Counseling Program Igf::ot::igf — $638.8M (MHN Government Services LLC)
- Military Family Life Counseling Program — $637.0M (Magellan Healthcare Inc)
- Grants Program Solutions and Information Technology Support Services — $446.3M (Guidehouse Digital LLC)
- THE Purpose of This Requirement for Grants Program Solutions and IT Support Services IS to Provide Efficient and Effective Grant, Financial, and Contract Management Services, IT Solutions, and Support to the Grantsolutions and ITS Partners — $403.1M (Guidehouse Inc.)