Navy awards $12.3M engineering services contract to ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW, INC. under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,294,706 ($12.3M)

Contractor: Advanced Solutions for Tomorrow, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2006-08-31

End Date: 2011-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,826 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: N00178-04-D-4003-N403

Place of Performance

Location: NEWPORT, NEWPORT County, RHODE ISLAND, 02841, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Rhode Island Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $12.3 million to ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW, INC. for work described as: N00178-04-D-4003-N403 Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering services, indicating a need for specialized technical expertise. 2. The contract was competed fully and openly, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract is 5 years, allowing for sustained support. 4. The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can incentivize cost control while ensuring project completion. 5. The award was made by the Department of the Navy, a major defense spender. 6. The contractor, ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW, INC., has secured this significant award. 7. The contract is categorized under Engineering Services, a broad but critical sector for government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $12.3 million contract is challenging without more specific details on the engineering services provided. However, the Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type suggests that the government aims to control costs while ensuring the contractor is motivated to complete the work. CPFF contracts can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not managed carefully, as the contractor is reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. Comparing this to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Navy or other defense agencies would provide a clearer picture of its value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach is generally favored as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors and is expected to foster robust price competition. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive environment was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and potentially better technical solutions by drawing from a wider range of qualified contractors.

Public Impact

The Department of the Navy benefits from specialized engineering expertise to support its operations and projects. This contract likely supports various naval engineering initiatives, potentially including design, analysis, or technical support. The geographic impact is not specified but could be localized to Navy facilities or spread across various project sites. Workforce implications may include employment opportunities for engineers and technical staff within ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW, INC. and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and the fixed fee is justified.
The lack of specific details on the engineering services makes it difficult to assess the true value and potential for cost overruns.
The duration of the contract (5 years) could lead to scope creep if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that should yield fair pricing.
The fixed fee component of the CPFF contract provides a degree of cost certainty for the government.
The contract is for engineering services, a critical area for the Department of the Navy's mission.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services represent a significant segment of the federal contracting market, particularly within the Department of Defense. This sector encompasses a wide range of activities, from basic research and development to detailed design, testing, and program management. The Navy, as a major branch of the armed forces, relies heavily on engineering expertise for the development, maintenance, and modernization of its complex platforms and systems. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for specialized technical skills that may not be available in-house or by the desire to leverage external innovation and efficiency. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve analyzing the average cost of similar engineering services contracts awarded by the DoD over a specific period.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus of competition was likely on larger, established firms capable of meeting the engineering requirements. While there is no direct set-aside, the prime contractor, ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW, INC., may have subcontracting opportunities for small businesses. The extent to which small businesses are involved will depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan and the nature of the engineering services required.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract would typically involve contract officers, contracting specialists, and technical representatives from the Department of the Navy. These individuals are responsible for monitoring the contractor's performance, ensuring compliance with contract terms, and verifying the allowability and reasonableness of costs incurred. Transparency is generally maintained through contract reporting mechanisms and performance reviews. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's performance.

Related Government Programs

Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Contracts
Department of Defense Engineering Services
Cost Plus Fixed Fee Contracts
Federal Engineering Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type requires diligent oversight to manage costs.
Lack of specific service details hinders comprehensive value assessment.
Potential for scope creep in long-term engineering contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $12.3 million to ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW, INC.. N00178-04-D-4003-N403

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $12.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-08-31. End: 2011-08-31.

What is the track record of ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW, INC. with the Department of the Navy and similar engineering contracts?

To assess the track record of ADVANCED SOLUTIONS FOR TOMORROW, INC., a detailed review of their past performance with the Department of the Navy and other federal agencies would be necessary. This would involve examining previous contract awards, performance evaluations (such as Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), and any history of disputes or contract modifications. For this specific contract (N00178-04-D-4003-N403), the award date of 2006 suggests it is a historical contract. Understanding their success on similar engineering services contracts would provide insight into their capability to deliver on this award. Without access to specific performance data for this contractor, it's difficult to provide a definitive assessment of their track record.

How does the $12.3 million value compare to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Navy?

Comparing the $12.3 million value of this contract to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Department of the Navy requires access to a comprehensive database of federal contract awards. Factors such as the specific type of engineering services (e.g., naval architecture, systems engineering, mechanical engineering), the duration of the contract, and the complexity of the requirements would need to be considered for a meaningful comparison. Generally, $12.3 million over a five-year period represents a moderate-sized contract for specialized engineering support. However, without detailed market data and a breakdown of the services rendered, it's challenging to definitively state whether this represents a particularly high or low value. Benchmarking against contracts with similar scope and complexity would be the most effective approach.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for engineering services?

The primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for engineering services revolve around cost control and potential for contractor inefficiency. While the fixed fee provides some cost certainty for the government, the contractor is reimbursed for all allowable costs. This can create less incentive for the contractor to aggressively manage costs compared to fixed-price contracts. If the government's cost accounting and oversight are not robust, there's a risk of inflated costs being passed on. Additionally, defining 'allowable costs' and ensuring they are reasonable and allocable requires diligent monitoring. Scope creep is another risk; if the project requirements evolve without proper change management, costs can escalate beyond initial expectations, impacting the overall value proposition.

How effective are engineering services contracts like this in supporting the Navy's long-term modernization goals?

Engineering services contracts are generally crucial for supporting the Navy's long-term modernization goals. They provide access to specialized expertise, innovative solutions, and surge capacity that the Navy may not possess internally. These contracts can facilitate the design of new platforms, the upgrade of existing systems, and the development of advanced technologies. The effectiveness hinges on several factors: the clarity of the contract's objectives, the selection of a capable contractor, robust program management, and continuous oversight. When well-executed, these contracts enable the Navy to leverage external talent and resources to accelerate development cycles, improve system performance, and maintain a technological edge, thereby directly contributing to modernization efforts.

What are the historical spending patterns for engineering services within the Department of the Navy?

Historical spending patterns for engineering services within the Department of the Navy typically show a consistent and substantial investment. The Navy operates a vast and complex array of vessels, aircraft, and shore facilities, all of which require ongoing engineering support for design, maintenance, modernization, and research and development. Spending in this category often fluctuates based on major shipbuilding programs, technology insertion initiatives, and readiness requirements. The Navy frequently utilizes various contract types, including CPFF, to procure these services, reflecting the often-uncertain nature of complex engineering projects. Analyzing historical data would reveal significant annual outlays, with peaks often correlating with periods of major fleet expansion or technological advancement.

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: N0002406R3217

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 295 W CROSSVILLE RD STE 200, ROSWELL, GA, 30075

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,526,868

Exercised Options: $14,526,868

Current Obligation: $12,294,706

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4003

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline