DoD's $7.1M Public Affairs Contract to Vox Optima, LLC Awarded via Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,116,657 ($7.1M)

Contractor: VOX Optima, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-09-28

End Date: 2026-01-16

Contract Duration: 2,667 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: PUBLIC AFFAIRS SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ONGOING INITIATIVES IN THE OFFICE OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

Place of Performance

Location: ALBUQUERQUE, BERNALILLO County, NEW MEXICO, 87110

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $7.1 million to VOX OPTIMA, LLC for work described as: PUBLIC AFFAIRS SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ONGOING INITIATIVES IN THE OFFICE OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS Key points: 1. Contract awarded for public affairs support, indicating a need for strategic communication services. 2. The contract's duration spans nearly 8 years, suggesting a long-term requirement for these services. 3. Awarded to Vox Optima, LLC, a contractor with experience in government services. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which allows for cost reimbursement plus a fixed fee. 5. The procurement method was full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract, indicating a phased approach to service delivery.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $7.1 million over nearly 8 years for public affairs support appears reasonable given the scope and duration. However, without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Benchmarking against similar public affairs contracts within the Department of Defense or other federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of whether the pricing is competitive. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure necessitates careful monitoring to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds while achieving the fixed fee objectives.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally promotes a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing and service offerings for the government. The open competition suggests that the Department of the Navy sought the best value from a wide range of potential contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the most cost-effective and high-quality public affairs support for the Department of Defense's ongoing initiatives.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense, specifically the Office of Corporate Communications, is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential public affairs support. Services delivered include strategic communication and public affairs support for ongoing initiatives, crucial for maintaining public perception and disseminating information. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, as public affairs efforts often have broad reach. Workforce implications may include support staff for the contractor, but direct federal workforce impact is not specified.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The long duration of the contract (nearly 8 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess contractor performance objectively.
The nature of public affairs can be subjective, making it challenging to quantify success and value.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
The contract is a delivery order, implying a structured and managed approach to service acquisition.
The contractor, Vox Optima, LLC, is likely experienced in providing services to the federal government.
The contract supports ongoing initiatives, indicating a consistent need for these critical communication services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on public affairs and communications. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise to government agencies. Federal spending in this area supports the government's need to communicate effectively with the public, stakeholders, and media. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar public affairs support across various federal departments.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false and that the contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss is false). This suggests that the primary award was made to a large business, and there is no explicit indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this specific delivery order. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting plans are part of the broader contract under which this delivery order was issued.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program 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 facilitated through contract databases like SAM.gov. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Public Affairs Support Services
Communications Services
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Department of Defense Contracts
Office of Corporate Communications

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contracts.
Difficulty in objectively measuring public affairs effectiveness.
Long contract duration requires sustained oversight.
Lack of specific performance metrics in summary data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $7.1 million to VOX OPTIMA, LLC. PUBLIC AFFAIRS SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ONGOING INITIATIVES IN THE OFFICE OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VOX OPTIMA, 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 $7.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-28. End: 2026-01-16.

What is the track record of Vox Optima, LLC in performing federal contracts, particularly those related to public affairs?

Vox Optima, LLC has a history of performing federal contracts, including those within the Department of Defense and other agencies. Their experience often encompasses communication, public relations, and strategic messaging. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including client satisfaction, adherence to deadlines, and budget management, would provide a clearer picture of their capabilities. Specific contract databases and performance reports (if publicly available) can offer insights into their track record, highlighting successful project completions and any areas of concern. Their ability to secure this contract through full and open competition suggests they met the government's requirements and demonstrated competence in the field.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar public affairs support contracts awarded by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies?

A direct comparison of the cost for this $7.1 million contract over nearly 8 years requires access to detailed data on similar public affairs support contracts. Factors such as the specific services rendered, the scope of work, the duration, and the complexity of the initiatives supported significantly influence pricing. Benchmarking would involve identifying contracts with comparable objectives, such as strategic communication, media relations, and public outreach for large federal agencies. Without specific comparable contract data, it's challenging to definitively state if this contract represents superior or inferior value. However, the use of full and open competition suggests an effort to achieve competitive pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for public affairs support?

The primary risks associated with this Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract revolve around cost control and performance measurement. For the government, the risk is that the contractor may not manage costs efficiently, potentially leading to expenditures exceeding initial estimates, even with a fixed fee. The CPFF structure requires robust oversight to ensure that all costs incurred are reasonable, allocable, and necessary. For the contractor, the risk lies in accurately estimating the costs to achieve the fixed fee. In public affairs, defining and measuring performance can be subjective, making it harder to tie costs directly to tangible outcomes, which can complicate fee realization and government satisfaction.

How effective is the current public affairs support likely to be in achieving the Department of Defense's communication goals?

The effectiveness of the public affairs support hinges on several factors not detailed in the provided data, including the specific objectives of the 'ongoing initiatives,' the contractor's strategic approach, and the quality of execution. Public affairs effectiveness is often measured by metrics such as media coverage, public sentiment, stakeholder engagement, and the clarity of messaging. Given that this is a long-term contract awarded through competition, it suggests a recognized need and a belief in the contractor's ability to meet those needs. However, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of performance against defined communication goals will be crucial to ensure effectiveness over the contract's duration.

What are the historical spending patterns for public affairs support services within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for public affairs support services within the Department of Defense are generally substantial, reflecting the military's complex communication needs across global operations, domestic outreach, and personnel relations. The DoD consistently invests in strategic communications to manage its public image, inform service members and their families, and engage with policymakers and the public. Annual spending can fluctuate based on geopolitical events, new initiatives, and shifts in communication strategies. Analyzing historical data from sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) would reveal trends in contract values, types of services procured, and the primary contractors utilized for public affairs support over time.

What specific deliverables or performance metrics are associated with this contract to ensure accountability?

The provided data does not specify the exact deliverables or performance metrics for this contract. Typically, a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for public affairs support would outline key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the quality and timeliness of communication materials, media engagement effectiveness, stakeholder outreach, and strategic planning. Deliverables might include press releases, social media content, strategic communication plans, briefing materials, and reports on public perception. Accountability is ensured through regular progress reports, performance reviews, and the government's right to withhold payment or terminate the contract if performance standards are not met.

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

Solicitation ID: N0017418R3003

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 14TH STREET NW, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87104

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,276,904

Exercised Options: $7,276,904

Current Obligation: $7,116,657

Actual Outlays: $40,002

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017814D7993

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline