State Department contract for Liberia base operations awarded to DynCorp International for $15.6M over 4 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,642,024 ($15.6M)

Contractor: Dyncorp International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2010-01-27

End Date: 2015-05-19

Contract Duration: 1,938 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE OF EBK BARRACKS AND CAMP WARE, IN LIBERIA.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $15.6 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE OF EBK BARRACKS AND CAMP WARE, IN LIBERIA. Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for extensive base operations and maintenance services in a challenging environment. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. Contract duration of over 4 years indicates a need for sustained support, but also carries performance risks. 4. Fixed-price contract type shifts risk to the contractor, encouraging cost control. 5. Contractor DynCorp International has a history of government contracting, implying some level of experience. 6. Services provided are critical for maintaining essential facilities and operational readiness in Liberia.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.6 million over approximately 4 years for base operations and maintenance in Liberia seems within a reasonable range for the scope of services. While direct comparisons are difficult without specific details on the facilities and services rendered, similar contracts for logistical support in austere environments often fall within this general cost bracket. The firm fixed-price nature of the award suggests that the contractor is incentivized to manage costs effectively, which can be a positive indicator of value if performance is maintained.

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 presence of 4 bids suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process generally allows for price discovery and can lead to more favorable pricing for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition awards. The number of bidders provides some assurance that the government received multiple offers to consider.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it fosters a competitive environment that can drive down costs and ensure the government receives the best possible value for its investment.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are U.S. personnel and operations in Liberia requiring secure and functional base facilities. Services include essential operations and maintenance for barracks and camp facilities, ensuring habitability and safety. The geographic impact is concentrated in Liberia, supporting U.S. diplomatic or security presence. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for local Liberian staff and potentially U.S. expatriate personnel managed by DynCorp International.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if unforeseen operational challenges arise in Liberia.
Performance degradation if contractor resources are stretched thin across multiple contracts.
Dependency on contractor for critical base functions could create vulnerabilities.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract structure incentivizes contractor efficiency.
Full and open competition suggests a robust bidding process.
Contractor's experience in government contracting may lead to smoother execution.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader professional services sector, specifically focusing on facilities management and operational support. The market for such services in support of government operations, particularly in overseas or challenging locations, is significant. Companies like DynCorp International specialize in providing these types of integrated support services, often competing on their ability to deliver reliable operations in complex environments. Benchmarking this specific contract's value is challenging without granular details, but it represents a typical expenditure for maintaining essential infrastructure for government personnel abroad.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem through this specific contract is likely minimal unless DynCorp International voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and their representatives (CORs) within the Department of State. Performance monitoring, quality assurance, and invoice verification are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed operational reports are often internal. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to investigations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

Base Operations Support (BOS)
Logistics and Facilities Management Services
Overseas Contingency Operations Support
Department of State Diplomatic Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Performance Risk
Operational Security
Logistical Challenges
Contractor Dependency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $15.6 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC. OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE OF EBK BARRACKS AND CAMP WARE, IN LIBERIA.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2010-01-27. End: 2015-05-19.

What is DynCorp International's track record with similar base operations and maintenance contracts, particularly in challenging overseas environments?

DynCorp International has a substantial history of performing base operations and support services for the U.S. government, including extensive work in regions like the Middle East and Africa. They have managed large-scale contracts involving facility maintenance, logistics, security, and personnel support. Their experience often includes operating in complex political and security environments, similar to Liberia. While specific performance metrics for past contracts are not detailed here, their continued success in winning such awards suggests a generally acceptable track record in meeting government requirements, though like any large contractor, they may have faced scrutiny or performance issues on specific projects over their long history.

How does the $15.6 million contract value compare to similar base operations contracts awarded by the Department of State or other agencies in comparable regions?

Benchmarking this $15.6 million contract value requires careful consideration of the specific services, duration, and location. Contracts for base operations and maintenance in austere or high-risk environments are typically more expensive due to logistical complexities, security requirements, and the need for specialized personnel. Without detailed service level agreements and facility scope, a precise comparison is difficult. However, for a contract spanning over four years and covering essential services like barracks and camp maintenance in Liberia, the value appears to be within a plausible range. Similar contracts for supporting diplomatic missions or security forces in challenging regions can range from several million to tens of millions of dollars annually, depending on scale.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are likely in place?

Key risks include performance failures by DynCorp International, potential cost overruns (though mitigated by fixed-price), security threats in Liberia impacting operations, and logistical challenges in delivering supplies and services. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust performance monitoring by the Department of State's COR, clear performance standards in the contract, regular site visits, and contingency planning for security and logistical disruptions. The firm fixed-price nature also places the financial risk of cost overruns on the contractor, incentivizing them to manage risks proactively.

How effective has DynCorp International been in delivering base operations and maintenance services under previous government contracts?

Assessing DynCorp International's overall effectiveness requires a deep dive into past performance evaluations, which are not publicly available in detail for this specific contract. However, their sustained presence and ability to win subsequent large contracts suggest a generally satisfactory level of performance. Government contracting performance is often evaluated through systems like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS). While DynCorp has faced scrutiny and challenges on certain contracts historically, their continued role in significant government programs indicates they have met the necessary performance thresholds for many engagements.

What has been the historical spending trend for base operations and maintenance services by the Department of State in Liberia or similar regions?

Historical spending trends for base operations and maintenance in Liberia by the Department of State would likely show fluctuations based on U.S. presence and mission requirements. In regions with significant diplomatic or security operations, such spending can be substantial and sustained over multiple years. The $15.6 million awarded here represents a portion of the overall budget allocated to supporting U.S. operations abroad. Analyzing broader trends would involve examining annual reports and budget allocations for the Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs or specific mission budgets in Liberia over time.

What is the significance of the 'Other Management Consulting Services' NAICS code (541618) for this contract, given the description of base operations?

The NAICS code 541618, 'Other Management Consulting Services,' might seem unusual for a contract described as 'OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE OF EBK BARRACKS AND CAMP WARE'. However, government contracting often uses broad NAICS codes. This code can encompass a wide range of professional services, including the management and logistical planning required for complex operations like base maintenance. It's possible the contract includes significant elements of program management, strategic planning, or advisory services related to the efficient operation of the facilities, beyond just the physical labor of maintenance. The description suggests a blend of services where management consulting aspects might be prominent.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 4

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (UEI: 014784388)

Address: 13500 HERITAGE PKWY, FORT WORTH, TX, 76177

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,974,549

Exercised Options: $18,986,641

Current Obligation: $15,642,024

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA09D0083

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline