Department of State's $21M Iraq SME Support Contract Awarded to All Native, Inc. Faces Scrutiny

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,973,747 ($21.0M)

Contractor: ALL Native, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2014-05-12

End Date: 2020-07-09

Contract Duration: 2,250 days

Daily Burn Rate: $9.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTRACT FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT SERVICES IN IRAQ.IGF::OT::IGF

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $21.0 million to ALL NATIVE, INC. for work described as: CONTRACT FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT SERVICES IN IRAQ.IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, but exclusion of sources raises questions about the process. 2. Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. 3. The contract duration of over 6 years suggests a long-term need for these services. 4. The specific services provided as Subject Matter Expert support in Iraq require detailed performance evaluation. 5. The contractor, All Native, Inc., needs a track record review for similar complex, high-risk environments. 6. Benchmarking against similar consulting services in conflict zones is crucial for value assessment.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's total value of approximately $21 million over six years for subject matter expert support in Iraq warrants careful review. Without specific performance metrics or comparable contract data, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while common for services where scope can evolve, carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not rigorously monitored. Benchmarking against similar consulting engagements in complex environments would be essential to determine if the pricing is competitive and reflects fair market value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This designation suggests that while the competition was intended to be open, certain sources were excluded prior to the solicitation. The specific reasons for this exclusion are not detailed, which raises concerns about the breadth and fairness of the competition. A limited competition can sometimes result in less competitive pricing and fewer innovative solutions compared to a truly full and open process.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources, even if justified, may have limited the number of potential bidders, potentially leading to a less competitive environment and possibly higher costs for taxpayers than if all qualified sources had been allowed to compete.

Public Impact

Provides critical subject matter expertise to support U.S. Department of State operations in Iraq. Aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of diplomatic and operational missions. Supports U.S. foreign policy objectives in a key geopolitical region. Potentially impacts the local Iraqi workforce through indirect employment or collaboration opportunities. Contributes to the stability and security efforts within Iraq.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Lack of transparency regarding the exclusion of sources in the competition.
Difficulty in assessing true value for money without detailed performance benchmarks.
Long contract duration may indicate a lack of flexibility or evolving requirements.
Geopolitical instability in Iraq presents inherent risks to service delivery and personnel safety.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating some level of market vetting.
Contract supports critical U.S. foreign policy objectives in a challenging region.
The contractor, All Native, Inc., is likely vetted for security and operational capabilities.
Long-term contract suggests a sustained need and commitment to the mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Management and Consulting Services sector, specifically focusing on administrative and general management consulting. This sector is characterized by a wide range of service providers, from large multinational corporations to specialized small businesses. Contracts for support in complex international environments, particularly in regions like Iraq, often command premium pricing due to the inherent risks, logistical challenges, and specialized expertise required. Benchmarking would typically involve comparing rates for similar consulting services provided to government agencies in high-threat or austere locations.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or benefits specifically for small businesses mandated by this contract. The primary contractor, All Native, Inc., is likely a larger entity capable of fulfilling the requirements independently. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities would depend on the contractor's own business practices and any flow-down requirements not explicitly detailed in the provided summary.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Given the location of service delivery in Iraq, additional oversight may be provided by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) or other relevant oversight bodies depending on the specific nature of the support and its relation to broader U.S. government initiatives. Transparency is assessed as fair, but the specifics of the 'exclusion of sources' warrant further investigation to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Department of State - Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
U.S. Embassy Baghdad Operations
Security Assistance Programs
Foreign Military Financing
International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to source exclusion.
Time and Materials contract type poses cost overrun risk.
Service delivery in a high-risk environment (Iraq).
Lack of detailed performance metrics in summary data.
Potential for insufficient value for money assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $21.0 million to ALL NATIVE, INC.. CONTRACT FOR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT SUPPORT SERVICES IN IRAQ.IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALL NATIVE, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $21.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-05-12. End: 2020-07-09.

What is the track record of All Native, Inc. in providing subject matter expert support in complex, high-risk environments like Iraq?

A thorough review of All Native, Inc.'s past performance is crucial. This would involve examining their history with similar government contracts, particularly those involving subject matter expert (SME) support in challenging geopolitical regions. Key areas to investigate include their ability to meet performance requirements, manage personnel effectively in austere conditions, adhere to security protocols, and maintain cost control. Past performance evaluations, contract termination history, and any documented disputes or litigation would provide significant insight into their capabilities and reliability for this specific contract in Iraq.

How does the pricing structure (Time and Materials) compare to industry benchmarks for similar consulting services in Iraq?

The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure for this contract requires careful benchmarking against industry standards for consulting services in Iraq. T&M contracts are often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to change. However, they can lead to higher costs if not managed diligently. Benchmarking would involve comparing the hourly rates for various labor categories (e.g., consultants, analysts, technical experts) against rates charged by other firms providing similar services in the region, considering factors like security, logistics, and the level of expertise. Government cost-reimbursement audits and independent cost analysis reports would be valuable resources for this comparison.

What specific risks are associated with providing SME support in Iraq under this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Providing SME support in Iraq entails significant risks, including but not limited to, security threats to personnel, logistical challenges in delivering services, political instability impacting operations, and potential for cultural misunderstandings. Mitigation strategies would typically involve robust security protocols, comprehensive risk assessments, contingency planning, and close coordination with the U.S. Embassy and relevant military commands. The contract's performance work statement (PWS) should detail specific risk mitigation measures, and ongoing monitoring by the Department of State is essential to ensure these measures are effective and adapted to the evolving situation on the ground.

What is the effectiveness of the subject matter expert support provided under this contract in achieving the Department of State's objectives in Iraq?

Assessing the effectiveness of the SME support requires examining key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliverables outlined in the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS). This would involve evaluating whether the SMEs provided the necessary expertise, contributed to improved decision-making, facilitated program implementation, and ultimately helped the Department of State achieve its strategic goals in Iraq. Feedback from State Department officials who utilized the SME services, along with any formal performance reviews or program outcome reports, would be critical data points for this assessment.

What has been the historical spending pattern for subject matter expert support services by the Department of State in Iraq over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for SME support in Iraq by the Department of State over the past five years would provide context for the current $21 million contract. This involves identifying previous contracts for similar services, their values, durations, and the contractors involved. Understanding trends in spending—whether increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable—can indicate shifts in program needs, strategic priorities, or the overall U.S. commitment to the region. It also helps in identifying potential patterns of sole-sourcing or limited competition that may have occurred previously.

What does the 'exclusion of sources' in the contract award process signify, and were there justifiable reasons for it?

The 'exclusion of sources' in a 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' award means that while the competition was intended to be open, certain potential bidders were disqualified or not invited to bid based on specific criteria or circumstances. Justifiable reasons could include national security concerns, specific technical requirements that only a limited number of entities could meet, or prior performance issues with certain contractors. However, without explicit documentation detailing these reasons, there is a risk that the exclusion may have unduly limited competition, potentially impacting price and innovation. A review of the justification for exclusion is paramount.

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) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: SAQMMA14R0250

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska (UEI: 041643834)

Address: 1 MISSION DR, WINNEBAGO, NE, 68071

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $21,532,243

Exercised Options: $21,532,243

Current Obligation: $20,973,747

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline