DoD awards $2.09M direct 8(a) contract for modular SCIF to Strategic Solutions Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,093,300 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Strategic Solutions International, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2025-09-26

End Date: 2026-07-07

Contract Duration: 284 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Manufacturing

Official Description: AWARD OF CONTRACT ON DIRECT 8(A) BASIS TO STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS INC. (SSI) FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF IFORTRESS IMOVE EXECUSUITE(TM) MODULAR SCIF FOR NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER PHILADELPHIA DIVISION.

Place of Performance

Location: PHILADELPHIA, PHILADELPHIA County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19112

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $2.1 million to STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, LLC for work described as: AWARD OF CONTRACT ON DIRECT 8(A) BASIS TO STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS INC. (SSI) FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF IFORTRESS IMOVE EXECUSUITE(TM) MODULAR SCIF FOR NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER PHILADELPHIA DIVISION. Key points: 1. Direct 8(a) award limits competition, potentially impacting price discovery. 2. Procurement is for specialized modular SCIFs, a niche but critical requirement. 3. The contract value is moderate, but the 8(a) sole-source nature warrants scrutiny. 4. Focus on ensuring fair pricing and value for taxpayer funds in sole-source awards.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $2.09M for a modular SCIF is difficult to benchmark without comparable sole-source 8(a) awards. The lack of competition makes a direct pricing assessment challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a direct 8(a) basis, meaning it was not open to full and open competition. This method is intended to support small disadvantaged businesses but can limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are used for this procurement. While supporting small businesses is a goal, the lack of competition necessitates careful oversight to ensure value for money.

Public Impact

Naval operations may be impacted by the timely delivery of these specialized SCIFs. Small businesses, specifically those in the 8(a) program, benefit from this direct award. Defense spending on secure facilities is a significant area of government expenditure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition
Potential for overpayment due to lack of price competition
Reliance on a single contractor for critical infrastructure

Positive Signals

Supports Small Business Administration's 8(a) program
Procurement of specialized, critical defense equipment

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the manufacturing sector, specifically prefabricated metal buildings. Defense spending on secure facilities like SCIFs is a consistent requirement, with costs varying based on size, features, and security levels.

Small Business Impact

The award is made directly to Strategic Solutions Inc. under the SBA's 8(a) program, which aims to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace. This specific award directly supports a participant in that program.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight is crucial for sole-source contracts to ensure fair pricing and prevent waste. The Naval Surface Warfare Center and the SBA should monitor contract performance and costs closely.

Related Government Programs

Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for price inflation
Contract performance risk
Dependence on a single 8(a) contractor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $2.1 million to STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, LLC. AWARD OF CONTRACT ON DIRECT 8(A) BASIS TO STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS INC. (SSI) FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF IFORTRESS IMOVE EXECUSUITE(TM) MODULAR SCIF FOR NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER PHILADELPHIA DIVISION.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS 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 $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-09-26. End: 2026-07-07.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source 8(a) basis instead of seeking competitive bids?

The justification for a sole-source 8(a) award typically stems from the Small Business Administration's requirement to provide opportunities for certified 8(a) firms. Agencies must demonstrate that the 8(a) firm is the only one capable of meeting the requirement or that the requirement is specifically set aside for 8(a) participation. This process bypasses traditional competitive bidding to support small disadvantaged businesses.

How can the government ensure it is receiving a fair price for the modular SCIFs given the lack of competition?

Ensuring a fair price in sole-source procurements involves rigorous cost analysis by the contracting agency. This includes reviewing the contractor's cost proposals, historical pricing data for similar items, and market research on component costs. Independent government cost estimates and negotiation strategies are vital to achieving a reasonable price and demonstrating value for taxpayer money.

What are the potential risks if Strategic Solutions Inc. underperforms or fails to deliver the SCIFs on time?

Underperformance or delays in delivering the modular SCIFs could significantly disrupt Naval operations, impacting readiness and mission capabilities. The government's recourse might be limited due to the sole-source nature, potentially leading to contract disputes or the need to re-procure, causing further delays and increased costs. Robust contract management and clear performance metrics are essential to mitigate these risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing › Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N6449825R0011

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Strategic Solutions International LLC

Address: 1050 CONNECTICUT AVE NW STE 500, WASHINGTON, DC, 20036

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,093,300

Exercised Options: $2,093,300

Current Obligation: $2,093,300

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline