DoD's $57.5M Logistics Consulting Contract with Boeing Faces Scrutiny for Lack of Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $57,518,748 ($57.5M)

Contractor: THE Boeing Company

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-12-13

End Date: 2024-06-12

Contract Duration: 2,008 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.6K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TECHNICAL DATA

Place of Performance

Location: SAINT LOUIS, SAINT LOUIS County, MISSOURI, 63134

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $57.5 million to THE BOEING COMPANY for work described as: TECHNICAL DATA Key points: 1. Significant spending on logistics consulting services highlights the need for efficient supply chain management. 2. Boeing, a major aerospace and defense contractor, is the sole awardee, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract's duration and firm fixed-price nature suggest a defined scope, but value for money needs assessment. 4. Potential risks include limited price discovery due to sole-source award and the impact on small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $57.5 million over approximately six years is substantial for consulting services. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts to determine if the pricing is optimal.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers compared to a competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in the government paying a premium for these services, impacting taxpayer funds.

Public Impact

Taxpayers may be overpaying for logistics consulting due to the absence of competitive bidding. The long-term nature of the contract raises concerns about ongoing costs and the potential for scope creep. Reliance on a single large contractor could stifle innovation and limit opportunities for smaller, specialized firms.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

  • Lack of Competition
  • Sole-Source Award
  • Potential for Overpricing
  • Limited Small Business Participation

Positive Signals

  • Definitive Contract Awarded
  • Firm Fixed Price Structure
  • Long-Term Service Agreement

Sector Analysis

Logistics consulting services are crucial for optimizing supply chains and distribution networks, particularly within the defense sector. Benchmarks for such services vary widely based on scope and duration, but significant contracts typically undergo rigorous competitive evaluation.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses. The sole-source nature of this large contract likely excludes small businesses from participating, potentially limiting opportunities for specialized logistics support.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source award warrants further oversight to ensure the Department of Defense received fair pricing and adequate services. Accountability for the justification of not competing the contract is essential.

Related Government Programs

  • Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services
  • Department of Defense Contracting
  • Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

  • Lack of competitive bidding
  • Potential for inflated pricing
  • Limited transparency in award justification
  • Exclusion of small businesses
  • Long contract duration without re-competition

Tags

process-physical-distribution-and-logist, department-of-defense, mo, definitive-contract, 10m-plus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $57.5 million to THE BOEING COMPANY. TECHNICAL DATA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE BOEING COMPANY.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $57.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-12-13. End: 2024-06-12.

What was the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or lack of market availability. Without this information, it's impossible to assess if fair and reasonable pricing was achieved. The government should have conducted a price analysis, potentially using historical data or market research, to validate the awarded price against what a competitive process might yield.

What are the specific logistics challenges being addressed, and how does Boeing's expertise uniquely meet these needs to justify a non-competitive award?

Understanding the specific logistics challenges is key to evaluating the necessity of a sole-source award. If Boeing possesses unique, proprietary technology or extensive, specialized knowledge directly tied to the Department of Defense's mission requirements that no other entity can replicate, it might justify the award. However, the government must demonstrate that these unique needs cannot be met through a competitive process, even with specific requirements.

What is the long-term cost-effectiveness of this contract, considering its duration and the absence of competitive pressure to drive down prices?

The long-term cost-effectiveness is a significant concern given the lack of competition. While a firm fixed price provides cost certainty for the defined scope, the absence of competitive pressure over a six-year period could lead to inflated prices compared to what might be achieved through periodic re-competition. Regular performance reviews and potential price adjustments based on market shifts would be crucial for mitigating this risk.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesManagement, Scientific, and Technical Consulting ServicesProcess, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT)MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 6200 JS MCDONNELL BLVD, SAINT LOUIS, MO, 63134

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $57,518,748

Exercised Options: $57,518,748

Current Obligation: $57,518,748

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 7

Total Subaward Amount: $1,882,818

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline

Start Date: 2018-12-13

Current End Date: 2024-06-12

Potential End Date: 2024-06-12 00:00:00

Last Modified: 2024-03-26

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