Department of the Navy awards $11.7M engineering services contract to The Engineering Partners Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,739,974 ($11.7M)

Contractor: THE Engineering Partners Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-12-10

End Date: 2024-07-31

Contract Duration: 2,060 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF AE SERVICES FOR P1090 I-MEF CONSOLIDATED INFORMATION CENTER.

Place of Performance

Location: CAMP PENDLETON, SAN DIEGO County, CALIFORNIA, 92055

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.7 million to THE ENGINEERING PARTNERS INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF AE SERVICES FOR P1090 I-MEF CONSOLIDATED INFORMATION CENTER. Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for engineering services, specifically related to the I-MEF Consolidated Information Center. 3. A firm-fixed-price contract type indicates that the price is set and not subject to adjustment based on the contractor's cost experience. 4. The contract has a duration of 2060 days, spanning over 5 years. 5. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order under a larger contract vehicle. 6. The small business set-aside flag is false, indicating it was not specifically reserved for small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.7 million over approximately 5.7 years averages to about $2.05 million per year. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale engineering services contracts for information centers is difficult without more specific service details. However, the firm-fixed-price nature suggests the government sought cost certainty. Without comparable data on the specific services rendered for the I-MEF Consolidated Information Center, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the duration and scope imply a significant undertaking.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this method generally fosters a competitive environment. A competitive process is expected to drive down prices and encourage innovation as contractors vie for the award. The absence of limitations suggests a robust market for these engineering services.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure the best possible price and quality for the engineering services required by the Department of the Navy.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Navy and its personnel who rely on the I-MEF Consolidated Information Center for operational support. The contract delivers essential engineering services to maintain and potentially enhance the functionality of a critical information infrastructure. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around the Navy's operational areas where the I-MEF operates, with potential implications for personnel stationed there. The contract supports a professional services workforce, likely including engineers, project managers, and technical specialists.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific details on the number of bidders limits the assessment of the true competitive intensity.
The firm-fixed-price contract, while offering cost certainty, could lead to less flexibility if unforeseen technical challenges arise.
The long duration of the contract may present risks related to evolving technology and changing requirements over time.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a broad market approach.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides budget predictability for the government.
The contract is for essential engineering services supporting a key information center.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a broad category encompassing design, consulting, and project management for various infrastructure and systems. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 (Engineering Services) represents a significant segment of the federal contracting market. Spending in this sector is often driven by defense, infrastructure development, and research and development initiatives. The $11.7 million award is a moderate-sized contract within this sector, reflecting the specialized nature of supporting a consolidated information center.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This means the competition was open to businesses of all sizes. While there's no direct set-aside, large prime contractors often engage small businesses as subcontractors. The extent of small business participation would depend on the prime contractor's subcontracting plan, which is not detailed here. Without a specific small business set-aside, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is less pronounced unless subcontracting opportunities are actively pursued.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy's contracting officers and program managers. The firm-fixed-price nature simplifies some aspects of financial oversight by setting a clear ceiling. Accountability measures are inherent in the contract terms, requiring delivery of specified engineering services. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is publicly available. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Defense may conduct audits or investigations if specific concerns regarding performance or compliance arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Information Technology Services
Naval Facilities and Engineering Command Contracts
Information Technology Infrastructure Support
Engineering Consulting Services
Defense Information Systems Agency Contracts

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may pose risks related to technological obsolescence.
Firm-fixed-price contract may limit flexibility for evolving requirements.
Limited public information on the number of bidders restricts assessment of competitive intensity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.7 million to THE ENGINEERING PARTNERS INC. IGF::OT::IGF AE SERVICES FOR P1090 I-MEF CONSOLIDATED INFORMATION CENTER.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE ENGINEERING PARTNERS 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 $11.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-12-10. End: 2024-07-31.

What is the specific nature of the engineering services provided under this contract for the I-MEF Consolidated Information Center?

The provided data identifies the contract as 'AE SERVICES FOR P1090 I-MEF CONSOLIDATED INFORMATION CENTER' and assigns NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services). While 'AE' often stands for 'Architect-Engineer', the specific services could range from design, planning, and technical consulting to system integration and lifecycle support for the information center's infrastructure. This might include network engineering, cybersecurity architecture, data center design, or facility engineering related to the information center's physical and digital components. Without further details on P1090 or the specific statement of work, the precise technical deliverables remain generalized as engineering support.

How does the $11.7 million contract value compare to other similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Department of the Navy?

Comparing the $11.7 million value requires context on the scope and duration. Over its 2060-day (approx. 5.7 years) period, this contract averages roughly $2.05 million annually. The Department of the Navy awards numerous engineering contracts, varying widely in size. Smaller, specialized consulting tasks might be in the hundreds of thousands, while major infrastructure projects or large-scale system engineering efforts can reach hundreds of millions or even billions. This $11.7 million contract appears to be a mid-tier award for specialized engineering support to a specific information center, suggesting a significant but not massive undertaking compared to the Navy's full spectrum of engineering procurements.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract of this duration (over 5 years)?

A primary risk with a long-term firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract is the potential for scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges that were not adequately anticipated during the initial pricing. If the contractor encounters significant technical hurdles or if requirements evolve substantially, they may face reduced profit margins or pressure to cut corners if they cannot renegotiate the price. Conversely, if costs decrease significantly or the scope proves less demanding than anticipated, the contractor could realize unexpectedly high profits. For the government, the risk lies in potentially paying a premium upfront to ensure cost certainty, and the inflexibility to adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes or mission needs without potentially costly change orders.

What does the 'full and open competition' designation imply about the contractor selection process and potential pricing?

The 'full and open competition' designation signifies that the Department of the Navy solicited proposals from all eligible and responsible sources without restrictions. This is the preferred method of procurement under federal acquisition regulations, designed to maximize competition. It implies that multiple companies likely had the opportunity to bid, and the award was made to the offeror providing the best value (considering factors like price, technical approach, past performance, etc.). This competitive environment generally pressures bidders to offer competitive pricing to win the contract, potentially leading to better value for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios. However, the exact number of bidders is not specified, which would provide a clearer picture of the competitive intensity.

How does the contract's focus on an 'Information Center' align with broader Department of the Navy IT and infrastructure spending trends?

Modernizing and maintaining robust information centers is critical for military operations, intelligence gathering, and administrative functions within the Department of the Navy (DoN). Spending on IT infrastructure, including data centers, networks, and associated engineering services, represents a significant portion of the DoN's overall budget. Contracts like this one, focused on engineering services for an information center, align with the broader trend of ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient information management capabilities. This includes investments in hardware, software, cybersecurity, and the engineering expertise needed to design, implement, and sustain these complex systems, reflecting the DoN's ongoing digital transformation efforts.

What is the track record of The Engineering Partners Inc. in securing and performing on federal contracts, particularly with the Department of the Navy?

The provided data identifies 'THE ENGINEERING PARTNERS INC' as the contractor with a contract value of $11.7 million. To assess their track record, one would typically examine their past performance history within the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or similar databases. This would involve looking at the number and value of previous federal contracts awarded to them, their performance ratings on those contracts, any instances of contract disputes or terminations, and their experience specifically with the Department of the Navy or similar agencies. Without access to this detailed historical performance data, it's impossible to definitively assess their track record beyond this single award.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - CONSTRUCTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10150 MEANLEY DR, SAN DIEGO, CA, 92131

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,739,974

Exercised Options: $11,739,974

Current Obligation: $11,739,974

Actual Outlays: $651,126

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6247317D4617

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline