DoD awards $3.2M administrative services contract to Culmen International, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,203,111 ($3.2M)

Contractor: Culmen International, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2023-09-29

End Date: 2026-09-28

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $3.2 million to CULMEN INTERNATIONAL, LLC for work described as: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for administrative management and general management consulting services. 3. The duration of the contract is 1095 days, spanning three years. 4. The award type is a delivery order, indicating it's part of a larger contract vehicle. 5. The pricing structure is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this award.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.2 million over three years for administrative management consulting services appears moderate. Benchmarking against similar contracts is difficult without more specific service details. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to control costs. The absence of detailed performance metrics or comparison data makes a definitive value assessment challenging.

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. The data shows 3 bids were received. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially lower costs for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition awards.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive nature of this award, as it increases the likelihood of receiving services at a fair market price and reduces the risk of overpayment.

Public Impact

The Department of the Navy will receive administrative management and general management consulting services. The services provided are expected to support the Navy's operational and administrative functions. The contract's geographic impact is likely focused on the locations where the Department of the Navy operates. The contract may have implications for the administrative workforce, potentially through augmentation or specialized support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the services.
The broad nature of 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' could lead to scope creep if not clearly defined.
Reliance on a single delivery order under a larger contract vehicle might limit flexibility in service adaptation.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process.
Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability.
The contract duration of three years allows for consistent service delivery and potential for relationship building.

Sector Analysis

Administrative management and general management consulting services represent a significant segment of the professional services market. This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector. Spending in this area often supports government agencies in optimizing operations, improving efficiency, and managing complex projects. Benchmarking this $3.2 million award requires comparison with similar consulting contracts awarded by defense agencies, considering the specific nature of the services rendered.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it indicate any specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary awardee, Culmen International, LLC, is likely a larger entity, and the contract's direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless they proactively engage small business subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of the Navy's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Management and Financial Consulting, Acquisition and Technology Services
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Defense Administrative Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep due to broad service description.
Effectiveness dependent on specific, measurable performance outcomes not detailed.
Limited visibility into contractor's specific past performance on similar tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $3.2 million to CULMEN INTERNATIONAL, LLC. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CULMEN INTERNATIONAL, 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 $3.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-29. End: 2026-09-28.

What is the track record of Culmen International, LLC in performing similar administrative consulting services for the Department of Defense?

Assessing Culmen International, LLC's track record requires a review of their past performance on similar contracts. While this specific award is for administrative management and general management consulting services, their broader portfolio may include related areas. Information on past performance, including client satisfaction, adherence to schedule and budget, and quality of deliverables, is typically available through government contract databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). A detailed analysis would involve examining the number and size of previous contracts, the agencies they served, and any documented performance ratings. Without access to these specific performance records for Culmen International, it is difficult to definitively state their track record for this type of service.

How does the awarded price of $3.2 million compare to market rates for similar administrative consulting services?

Determining the precise market rate for 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' is complex due to the varied nature of these services and the specific requirements of each contract. The $3.2 million award over three years, equating to approximately $1.07 million per year, needs to be benchmarked against contracts of similar scope, duration, and complexity, particularly those awarded by the Department of Defense. Factors such as the level of expertise required, the geographic location of service delivery, and the specific deliverables influence pricing. A comprehensive comparison would involve analyzing publicly available contract data for similar services, looking at average hourly rates or total contract values for comparable tasks. Given the firm fixed-price nature, the government has locked in this cost, but its 'value for money' depends on the quality and impact of the services delivered.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, contractor underperformance, and the possibility that the services may not fully meet the evolving needs of the Department of the Navy. Since the contract is for 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services,' the scope can be broad, increasing the risk of undefined requirements or expanding tasks beyond the original intent. Mitigation strategies likely include robust contract management by the Navy, clear definition of deliverables and performance standards within the contract documents, and regular performance reviews. The firm fixed-price structure also incentivizes the contractor to manage their costs and performance effectively to ensure profitability. However, the effectiveness of these mitigations depends on the diligence of the contracting officer and the clarity of the contract's statement of work.

What is the expected effectiveness of the services provided under this contract in improving the Department of the Navy's administrative functions?

The expected effectiveness of the services hinges on the specific objectives outlined in the contract's statement of work and the contractor's ability to meet those objectives. Administrative management and general management consulting services can range from process improvement initiatives, organizational restructuring, policy development, to enhancing operational efficiency. If the contract clearly defines measurable outcomes, such as reduced processing times, cost savings, or improved compliance, then effectiveness can be assessed. Without detailed information on the specific goals and performance metrics tied to this $3.2 million award, it's challenging to predict its impact. The Department of the Navy's internal program managers will be responsible for monitoring progress and ensuring the services contribute positively to their administrative functions.

How does this contract's value and duration compare to historical spending on similar administrative services by the Department of the Navy?

Comparing this $3.2 million, three-year contract to historical spending requires access to detailed historical procurement data for the Department of the Navy. Analyzing past contracts for 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the number of bidders. This $3.2 million award appears to be a moderate-sized contract for a three-year period. Historical data might show whether this represents an increase or decrease in spending for such services, whether contract durations have changed, and if competition levels have remained consistent. Such analysis would provide context on whether this award is typical, an outlier, or indicative of a shift in procurement strategy for administrative support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6264523Q0003

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 99 CANAL CENTER PLZ STE 125, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,407,711

Exercised Options: $3,425,902

Current Obligation: $3,203,111

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA18D007D

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline