Marine Corps awarded $36.4M for advanced engineering and research services, with a significant portion going to one contractor

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,187,052 ($11.2M)

Contractor: Advanced Engineering & Researc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2003-02-01

End Date: 2007-09-30

Contract Duration: 1,702 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: 200305!000142!1700!F7004 !MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE !GS23F0123J !C!N! !N!M6700403F0442 !20030201!20040131!364433839!364433839!001876440!N!ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC!2800 SHIRLINGTON ROAD !ARLINGTON !VA!22206!01052!095!13!ALBANY !DOUGHERTY !GEORGIA !+000000678989!N!N!000000000000!R408!PROGRAM MANAGEMENT/SUPPORT SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !921110!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B! ! ! ! !A! ! ! !000! ! ! ! ! ! ! !Y!B!N!N! ! ! ! ! ! !* ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !0001! !

Place of Performance

Location: ALBANY, DOUGHERTY County, GEORGIA, 31704

State: Georgia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.2 million to ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC for work described as: 200305!000142!1700!F7004 !MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE !GS23F0123J !C!N! !N!M6700403F0442 !20030201!20040131!364433839!364433839!001876440!N!ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC!2800 SHIRLINGTON ROAD !ARLINGTON !VA!22206!01052!095!13!ALBANY !DOUGH… Key points: 1. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The primary contractor, ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC, received the majority of the contract value. 3. The contract duration spans over four years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The services procured fall under Program Management/Support Services, a critical area for military operations. 5. The contract was awarded by the Department of the Navy, highlighting its importance within naval operations. 6. The contract's value of $36.4M is substantial, requiring careful monitoring of performance and cost.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $36.4 million for advanced engineering and research services appears reasonable given the contract's duration of over four years. While specific performance metrics are not detailed, the procurement method (full and open competition) suggests that pricing was subject to market forces. Benchmarking against similar contracts for program management and support services would provide a more precise value assessment, but the initial award amount does not immediately raise red flags for being excessively high.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The data suggests there were at least two bids received (no=2), which is a positive sign for competition. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages multiple companies to bid, driving down prices and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Marine Corps benefits from advanced engineering and research services, crucial for logistical support and operational readiness. The services delivered likely encompass program management, technical support, and research activities to enhance Marine Corps capabilities. The contract's impact is primarily within the defense sector, supporting military operations and technological advancements. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for engineers, researchers, and program managers within the contractor's organization.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs without adequate oversight.
Dependence on a single primary contractor for critical support services.
Risk of performance degradation if contractor resources are not consistently aligned with evolving Marine Corps needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Contract duration suggests a stable, long-term requirement, allowing for focused service delivery.
Services are critical for supporting Marine Corps logistics and operational effectiveness.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on program management and support. The engineering services market is substantial, driven by government and private sector demand for specialized technical expertise. This contract represents a portion of the Department of Defense's broader spending on professional services to maintain and enhance its operational capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale engineering support contracts within the defense industry.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (sb=false). There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. Without specific subcontracting goals or reporting, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is unclear, though large prime contracts often involve some level of subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program management office within the Department of the Navy. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Defense Logistics Agency Support Services
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Engineering Support
Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) Program Support
Department of Defense Research and Development Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract awarded at ceiling value
Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.2 million to ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC. 200305!000142!1700!F7004 !MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE !GS23F0123J !C!N! !N!M6700403F0442 !20030201!20040131!364433839!364433839!001876440!N!ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC!2800 SHIRLINGTON ROAD !ARLINGTON !VA!22206!01052!095!13!ALBANY !DOUGHERTY !GEORGIA !+000000678989!N!N!000000000000!R408!PROGRAM MANAGEMENT/SUPPORT SERVICES !S1 !SERVICES !2000!NOT DISCERNABLE OR CLASSIFIED !921110!E! !6! ! ! ! ! !99990909!B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2003-02-01. End: 2007-09-30.

What is the track record of ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC with government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC has a history of securing contracts with the U.S. government, including significant awards from the Department of Defense. While the provided data focuses on a single Marine Corps contract, a comprehensive analysis would involve reviewing their entire contract portfolio. This includes examining past performance ratings, any documented disputes or terminations, and the types of services they have previously provided. A strong track record with successful project completion and positive performance reviews would indicate a lower risk associated with their ability to deliver on this current contract. Conversely, any history of performance issues or contract disputes would warrant closer scrutiny.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated value or ceiling of the contract, and what does this imply?

The data indicates an "award" amount of $36,443,383.90 and a "ceiling" (represented by the last numerical value in the 'd' field, which is 3644338390, divided by 100) of $36,443,383.90. This suggests that the contract was awarded at its maximum value or ceiling, meaning the government committed to the full potential amount from the outset. For Time and Materials (PT='TIME AND MATERIALS') contracts, this often means the government anticipates utilizing the full scope of services or has a high degree of certainty about the required effort. It implies that the initial estimate was accurate or that the contractor secured the full potential value during negotiation. This also means there is less flexibility for the government to reduce spending if the full scope isn't ultimately needed, but it ensures funding is available for the anticipated work.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or deliverables expected under this contract, and how are they measured?

The provided data does not explicitly detail the key performance indicators (KPIs) or specific deliverables for this contract. However, as a "PROGRAM MANAGEMENT/SUPPORT SERVICES" contract, typical KPIs would likely include adherence to project timelines, budget management, quality of reports and analyses produced, responsiveness to task orders, and overall client satisfaction. Deliverables could range from strategic planning documents and technical assessments to operational support plans and research findings. The measurement of these KPIs would be outlined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW), with regular progress reviews and acceptance criteria for each deliverable.

What is the historical spending trend for similar engineering and research services by the Marine Corps or Department of the Navy?

Analyzing historical spending trends for similar services by the Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy is crucial for context. While this specific contract awarded $36.4 million, understanding the average annual spend on program management and engineering support over the past 5-10 years would reveal patterns. For instance, has spending in this category increased, decreased, or remained stable? Are there specific periods of higher investment, perhaps tied to new platform development or modernization efforts? Comparing this $36.4 million award to the historical average or median spend for comparable services can help determine if this represents a typical, elevated, or reduced level of investment, providing insight into the program's strategic importance and budget allocation.

Are there any identified risks associated with the contractor's performance or the nature of the services being procured?

The primary risks associated with this contract revolve around the potential for cost overruns and performance issues, common in long-term, complex service contracts. Given it's a Time and Materials contract, there's an inherent risk of scope creep if not managed tightly, potentially leading to costs exceeding initial expectations. The reliance on ADVANCED ENGINEERING & RESEARC for critical program management and support services also presents a risk if their performance falters. Furthermore, the nature of 'advanced engineering and research' can involve uncertainties and evolving requirements, which may pose technical or schedule risks. Mitigation strategies would involve robust oversight, clear performance metrics, and proactive communication between the government and the contractor.

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

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2361 JEFF DAVIS HWY # 336, ARLINGTON, VA, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS23F0123J

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline