DOD's $16.8M Mess Attendant Services Contract Awarded to Food Service Contractors

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,825,880 ($16.8M)

Contractor: Department of Human Services Hawaii

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2010-03-01

End Date: 2018-08-31

Contract Duration: 3,105 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: MESS ATTENDANT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: M C B H KANEOHE BAY, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96863

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $16.8 million to DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HAWAII for work described as: MESS ATTENDANT SERVICES Key points: 1. The Department of the Navy awarded a $16.8 million contract for Mess Attendant Services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract duration was 3105 days, spanning from March 2010 to August 2018. 4. The primary sector appears to be related to food services within a defense context. 5. The contract type was Firm Fixed Price, which sets a ceiling on costs.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $16.8 million over approximately 8.5 years averages to about $1.98 million annually. Benchmarking this against similar food service contracts is difficult without more specific service details, but it appears to be within a reasonable range for large-scale government food service operations.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. This method generally promotes price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award suggests that taxpayers likely received a fair price for the services rendered, as multiple vendors vied for the contract.

Public Impact

Ensures essential food service support for military personnel. Supports the operational readiness of the Department of the Navy. Provides employment opportunities within the food service industry. The long duration of the contract suggests a stable, ongoing need for these services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 54 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to potential cost inefficiencies if not managed closely.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to assess service quality.
Firm Fixed Price contract may limit flexibility if service requirements change significantly.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
The contract value is spread over a significant period, suggesting consistent service delivery.
The contract type (FFP) provides cost certainty for the government.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the food service sector, specifically supporting the operational needs of the Department of Defense. Spending in this area is crucial for maintaining morale and readiness within military installations. Benchmarks for such services vary widely based on location and scale.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy, implying oversight from this agency. The firm fixed price structure provides a degree of financial accountability. However, specific oversight mechanisms and performance reviews are not detailed in the provided data.

Related Government Programs

Food Service Contractors
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration (over 8 years) may indicate a lack of flexibility or potential for vendor complacency.
Firm Fixed Price contract can be disadvantageous if unforeseen circumstances significantly increase costs.
Absence of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the quality of services provided.
Limited information on small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $16.8 million to DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HAWAII. MESS ATTENDANT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HAWAII.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-03-01. End: 2018-08-31.

What was the specific scope of 'Mess Attendant Services' and how did it align with the $16.8 million cost over 8.5 years?

The scope likely included tasks such as food preparation assistance, serving, cleaning of dining facilities, and dishwashing. The $16.8 million cost, averaging approximately $1.98 million annually, would cover labor, supplies, and overhead for these services across potentially multiple naval installations. Without a detailed statement of work, precise alignment is difficult to ascertain, but the cost seems plausible for large-scale military food service operations.

Given the firm fixed price structure, what mechanisms were in place to manage potential cost overruns or scope creep during the 3105-day contract period?

While a firm fixed price contract aims to cap costs, managing scope creep and ensuring value requires robust contract management. The Department of the Navy would typically employ contract officers and technical representatives to monitor performance, review change order requests, and ensure services rendered align strictly with the contract's statement of work. Regular performance reviews and clear communication channels are essential to prevent unapproved scope expansion.

How did the 'full and open competition' process ensure the best value was achieved for these essential mess attendant services?

Full and open competition allows any responsible source to submit an offer, fostering a competitive environment. The Department of the Navy likely evaluated proposals based on a combination of price and non-price factors (e.g., past performance, technical approach). By soliciting bids from multiple qualified vendors, the agency aimed to secure the most advantageous offer, balancing cost-effectiveness with the quality and reliability of the mess attendant services required.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Accommodation and Food Services › Special Food Services › Food Service Contractors

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: M0031809R0002

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: State of Hawaii (UEI: 077676997)

Address: 1901 BACHELOT ST, HONOLULU, HI, 96817

Business Categories: Category Business, Government, U.S. National Government, Not Designated a Small Business, U.S. Regional/State Government

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,844,246

Exercised Options: $16,825,880

Current Obligation: $16,825,880

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline