DoD's $34.3M MAGTF Staff Training Program Awarded to Obsidian Solutions Group LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,365,466 ($34.4M)

Contractor: Obsidian Solutions Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-11-16

End Date: 2026-03-26

Contract Duration: 1,226 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR THE MARINE AIR GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) STAFF TRAINING PROGRAM (MSTP). THE MISSION OF THE MSTP IS TO PROVIDE TRAINING IN MAGTF OPERATIONS TO ENHANCE THE APPLICABLE SKILLS OF SENIOR COMMANDERS AND THEIR STAFF.

Place of Performance

Location: QUANTICO, PRINCE WILLIAM County, VIRGINIA, 22134

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $34.4 million to OBSIDIAN SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC for work described as: THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR THE MARINE AIR GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) STAFF TRAINING PROGRAM (MSTP). THE MISSION OF THE MSTP IS TO PROVIDE TRAINING IN MAGTF OPERATIONS TO ENHANCE THE APPLICABLE SKILLS OF SENIOR COMMANDERS AND THEIR STAFF. Key points: 1. The Marine Corps is investing $34.3 million in the MAGTF Staff Training Program to enhance senior commander and staff operational skills. 2. Obsidian Solutions Group LLC secured this contract, indicating a focus on specialized training providers. 3. The contract's duration of over 3 years suggests a significant, ongoing need for this training. 4. The 'Other Technical and Trade Schools' NAICS code points to a niche service area within defense training.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $34.3 million over approximately 3.4 years appears reasonable for specialized military training programs of this nature. Benchmarking against similar large-scale, multi-year training initiatives would provide further context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. This method allows multiple vendors to bid, theoretically driving down costs and ensuring the best value is obtained.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to better pricing and service quality.

Public Impact

Enhances readiness of senior military leadership for complex operations. Supports the development of critical skills for national defense. Provides specialized training that may not be readily available elsewhere. Contributes to the professional development of military personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in training objectives.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical training.
Ensuring training remains current with evolving operational needs.

Positive Signals

Clear mission objective for the training program.
Awarded through full and open competition.
Long-term contract duration indicates sustained need and potential for efficiency.

Sector Analysis

The defense sector heavily invests in specialized training to maintain operational readiness. This contract falls within the broader category of professional services and education, with spending benchmarks varying widely based on the specificity and duration of the training.

Small Business Impact

While the contract was awarded to Obsidian Solutions Group LLC, it's unclear if this prime contractor utilizes small businesses as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy, under the Department of Defense, is responsible for overseeing this contract. Standard procurement regulations and performance monitoring should ensure accountability and effective delivery of training services.

Related Government Programs

Other Technical and Trade Schools
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for training obsolescence if not regularly updated.
Dependency on key personnel within the contractor's organization.
Risk of budget fluctuations impacting long-term program viability.
Ensuring consistent quality across all training iterations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $34.4 million to OBSIDIAN SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC. THIS REQUIREMENT IS FOR THE MARINE AIR GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF) STAFF TRAINING PROGRAM (MSTP). THE MISSION OF THE MSTP IS TO PROVIDE TRAINING IN MAGTF OPERATIONS TO ENHANCE THE APPLICABLE SKILLS OF SENIOR COMMANDERS AND THEIR STAFF.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is OBSIDIAN SOLUTIONS GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-11-16. End: 2026-03-26.

What is the specific curriculum and expected learning outcomes for the MAGTF Staff Training Program?

The program aims to provide training in MAGTF operations to enhance the applicable skills of senior commanders and their staff. Specific learning outcomes would likely focus on strategic planning, operational execution, joint force integration, and decision-making in complex environments, tailored to the Marine Air Ground Task Force structure.

How is the effectiveness of the training measured and validated to ensure it meets the DoD's objectives?

Effectiveness is likely measured through post-training assessments, simulations, feedback from participants and their commands, and potentially through observed improvements in real-world operational planning and execution. The DoD would have established metrics and evaluation processes to validate the training's impact on readiness.

What is the potential for this training program to be adapted or expanded to other branches of the military or allied nations?

The MAGTF Staff Training Program's focus on core operational principles could lend itself to adaptation for other joint force commands or even allied military partners with similar operational structures. Expansion would depend on the universality of the training content and the specific needs of other entities.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Other Technical and Trade Schools

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: M6785422R8029

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1320 CENTRAL PARK BLVD STE 304, FREDERICKSBURG, VA, 22401

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $44,916,233

Exercised Options: $34,365,466

Current Obligation: $34,365,466

Actual Outlays: $9,891,871

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: M6785421D8073

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline