DynCorp International LLC awarded $40.7M for Haitian National Police support, spanning over 6 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,757,748 ($40.8M)

Contractor: Dyncorp International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2012-11-20

End Date: 2019-09-29

Contract Duration: 2,504 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CJPS TASK ORDER PROVIDING POLICE&ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE HAITIAN NATIONAL POLICE IGF::OT::IGF

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $40.8 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: CJPS TASK ORDER PROVIDING POLICE&ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE HAITIAN NATIONAL POLICE IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the extensive duration and scope of advisory and support services. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to better pricing. 3. The contract's long duration (2012-2019) presents potential risks related to evolving needs and cost escalation. 4. Performance context is critical, as success hinges on effective advisory and support to the Haitian National Police. 5. This contract falls within facilities support services, a broad category with diverse applications. 6. The use of Time and Materials pricing may introduce cost uncertainty if not closely managed.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $40.7 million over nearly seven years averages to approximately $5.8 million annually. This figure needs to be benchmarked against similar international police advisory and support contracts, which can vary significantly based on geographic location, security environment, and the specific services provided. Without direct comparable contracts, assessing the precise value-for-money is challenging. However, the duration suggests a sustained commitment, and the pricing mechanism (Time and Materials) warrants close monitoring to ensure costs remain aligned with expected outcomes and market rates for specialized security and advisory services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders were likely solicited and evaluated. This approach is generally preferred as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors and fosters a competitive environment. The presence of 8 bidders (no=8) suggests a healthy level of interest in this type of service, which can contribute to more competitive pricing and a wider selection of qualified contractors. The specific details of the evaluation criteria and the number of proposals received would provide further insight into the robustness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through competitive bidding and ensuring that the government receives services from the most capable and cost-effective provider.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Haitian National Police, receiving crucial advisory and support services to enhance their operational capabilities. Services delivered include police advisory, logistical support, and potentially training, aimed at strengthening law enforcement in Haiti. The geographic impact is focused on Haiti, contributing to stability and security within the nation. Workforce implications include the deployment of specialized personnel by DynCorp International and potential capacity building within the Haitian National Police.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed and monitored.
The extended duration of the contract (nearly 7 years) increases the risk of scope creep and potential inefficiencies.
Geopolitical instability in Haiti could impact service delivery and increase operational costs and risks.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support services may limit flexibility and surge capacity.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract addresses a critical need for police advisory and support services in a challenging environment.
DynCorp International has significant experience in providing global security and aviation support services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector (NAICS 561210), which encompasses a wide range of services related to the operation of facilities. However, the specific nature of police advisory and support services places it within a niche that often overlaps with government contracting for security, logistics, and international development. Comparable spending benchmarks would ideally be drawn from contracts providing similar advisory and security support to foreign law enforcement agencies, which can be highly variable due to unique operational environments and security requirements.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. DynCorp International, as a large prime contractor, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, but the extent and impact on the small business ecosystem are not detailed in this summary. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be necessary to assess the implications for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Department of State, likely through contracting officers and program managers responsible for overseeing international security assistance and law enforcement programs. Accountability measures would be tied to performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed operational reporting may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would likely fall under the Department of State's Office of Inspector General, with potential involvement from other relevant oversight bodies depending on the funding source and specific program objectives.

Related Government Programs

International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Bureau Programs
Foreign Military Financing (FMF)
Security Sector Reform Programs
Peacekeeping Operations Support

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Time and Materials Pricing
Geopolitical Risk
Performance Monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $40.8 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC. CJPS TASK ORDER PROVIDING POLICE&ADVISORY SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE HAITIAN NATIONAL POLICE IGF::OT::IGF

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 $40.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-11-20. End: 2019-09-29.

What specific performance metrics were used to evaluate DynCorp International's success in providing police advisory and support services to the Haitian National Police?

The provided data does not detail the specific performance metrics used to evaluate DynCorp International's success. Typically, such contracts include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to the effectiveness of advisory services, the improvement in operational capabilities of the Haitian National Police, adherence to timelines, and the quality of logistical support. Performance evaluations would likely involve regular reporting, site visits, and feedback from the Haitian National Police and the contracting officer's representative (COR). Without access to the contract's Statement of Work (SOW) and performance work statement (PWS), a precise assessment of the metrics and their outcomes is not possible. However, the contract's duration and renewal (implied by the end date) suggest a level of satisfactory performance, though the specific benchmarks remain undisclosed in this summary.

How does the $40.7 million contract value compare to other similar international police advisory contracts awarded by the Department of State?

Comparing the $40.7 million contract value requires access to a database of similar contracts, which is not provided. However, contracts for international police advisory and support services can vary widely. Factors influencing cost include the security environment, the number of personnel deployed, the duration of the contract, the specific training and equipment provided, and the complexity of the advisory mission. Contracts in high-risk environments or those involving extensive capacity-building efforts for a national police force can easily run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars over several years. The $5.8 million annual average for this DynCorp contract suggests a significant but not necessarily outlier investment, especially considering the long-term nature and the challenging context of Haiti. A direct comparison would necessitate identifying contracts with similar scope, duration, and geographic focus.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for long-term international support services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, while offering flexibility, carry inherent risks, particularly for long-term engagements like this one. The primary risk for the government is cost escalation, as the contractor is reimbursed for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. Without stringent oversight and well-defined ceilings, T&M contracts can become significantly more expensive than fixed-price agreements. For this contract, the risk is that the hours worked or the material costs could exceed initial estimates, leading to a higher final price. Additionally, T&M contracts can incentivize contractors to prolong tasks or increase labor hours, as their profit is tied to the cost of performance. Effective management requires robust monitoring of labor hours, material receipts, and justification for all expenditures to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.

What was DynCorp International's track record prior to and during this contract regarding performance in complex international environments?

DynCorp International has a long history of providing aviation, logistics, and technical services, including security and support for government missions in complex international environments. Prior to and during this contract (2012-2019), DynCorp was known for its extensive work with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of State, often in post-conflict or challenging operational theaters. Their experience includes providing aviation support, base support, and security services. While specific performance details for this particular Haitian National Police contract are not fully detailed here, DynCorp's general track record involves managing large-scale operations in demanding locations. However, like many large contractors operating in such environments, they have also faced scrutiny and challenges related to contract performance, personnel conduct, and cost management in various past engagements.

How has spending on police advisory and support services in Haiti evolved over the period of this contract (2012-2019) and beyond?

Spending on police advisory and support services in Haiti has been a consistent feature of international engagement aimed at stabilizing the country and strengthening its institutions. During the 2012-2019 period, the U.S. Department of State, primarily through its Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), has been a major funder of such programs. This contract with DynCorp International represents a significant portion of that spending for direct support to the Haitian National Police (HNP). Spending patterns have often fluctuated based on the political climate, security assessments, and the priorities of both the Haitian government and international donors. Post-2019, while the specific contract ended, U.S. support for the HNP has continued through various mechanisms, though the overall security and political situation in Haiti has remained challenging, likely influencing the nature and scale of subsequent support efforts and associated spending.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

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: $52,215,637

Exercised Options: $52,149,299

Current Obligation: $40,757,748

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA11D0047

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline