State Department's $55M contract for Central African Republic mission support awarded to PAE Government Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $54,989,289 ($55.0M)

Contractor: PAE Government Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2014-02-06

End Date: 2016-04-29

Contract Duration: 813 days

Daily Burn Rate: $67.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AU LED MISSION IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR). IGF::OT::IGF

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $55.0 million to PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: AU LED MISSION IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR). IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in supporting diplomatic missions abroad. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for this service. 3. Contract duration of over two years indicates a need for sustained operational support. 4. The nature of the services provided is critical for maintaining mission effectiveness in challenging environments. 5. PAE Government Services has a history of performing similar support contracts for the federal government. 6. The contract's cost-plus-fixed-fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost control.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of approximately $55 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for the scope of services, which include mission support in a complex environment. Benchmarking against similar contracts for diplomatic mission support in austere locations would provide further context. The cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure, while common for such services, necessitates diligent oversight to manage costs effectively and ensure value for money.

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 generally fosters competitive pricing and allows the government to select the best value offer. The presence of multiple bidders suggests a healthy market for these types of services, potentially leading to more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces and ensures that the government is not overpaying for essential services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Department of State and its personnel operating in the Central African Republic, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of diplomatic operations. Services delivered likely include logistical support, facility management, security coordination, and potentially other operational necessities for the mission. The geographic impact is concentrated in the Central African Republic, supporting U.S. foreign policy objectives in the region. Workforce implications include the employment of personnel by PAE Government Services, potentially including both U.S. citizens and local hires, to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts can incentivize higher spending if not closely managed.
Performance in challenging environments like the Central African Republic carries inherent operational risks.
Ensuring adequate security for personnel and assets is a constant concern in such locations.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
PAE Government Services has experience in providing similar support services.
The contract duration indicates a recognized need for sustained support, implying a well-defined requirement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the management consulting services sector, specifically focusing on operational support for government entities. The market for such services is substantial, driven by the government's need for specialized expertise in areas like logistics, security, and facility management, particularly in complex international environments. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar mission support services provided to diplomatic or military outposts in challenging regions.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and the impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether PAE Government Services utilizes small business subcontractors for any portion of the work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of State. Accountability measures are embedded in the contract terms, including performance standards and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any issues of fraud, waste, or abuse arise.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Operations Support Contracts
Logistics and Base Support Services
International Mission Support
Management and Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns in CPFF contract
Security risks in the operating environment
Logistical challenges due to infrastructure limitations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $55.0 million to PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC.. AU LED MISSION IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR). IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $55.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-02-06. End: 2016-04-29.

What is the track record of PAE Government Services in performing similar mission support contracts for the Department of State or other federal agencies?

PAE Government Services, Inc. (now part of AECOM) has a long history of providing a wide range of support services to the U.S. government, including extensive experience in logistics, base operations, and mission support in complex and often austere environments. They have held numerous contracts with the Department of State, Department of Defense, and other agencies, often involving security, facility management, transportation, and life support. Their performance on these contracts has varied, as is common with large service providers, but they are generally recognized as a major player in the government contracting space for these types of services. Specific performance metrics and past performance evaluations for individual contracts are typically found in government source selection documents and may not be fully public.

How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) pricing structure compare to other contract types for similar services, and what are the implications for cost control?

The Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract type is frequently used for services where the scope of work is not precisely defined at the outset or involves significant uncertainties, such as operating in challenging foreign environments. It allows the contractor to recover all allowable costs plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. Compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, CPFF offers more flexibility but can incentivize higher costs if not rigorously monitored. For cost control, the government relies heavily on robust oversight, detailed cost accounting standards, and clear definitions of allowable costs. The fixed fee component provides some incentive for efficiency, as the contractor's profit is capped, but the primary control mechanism is the government's vigilance in auditing costs and ensuring performance aligns with requirements.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically used to evaluate the success of mission support contracts like this one?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for mission support contracts often revolve around operational readiness, service delivery timeliness, safety, and cost efficiency. For a contract supporting a diplomatic mission, KPIs might include response times for logistical requests, uptime of critical infrastructure (e.g., power, communications), adherence to security protocols, personnel availability, and successful completion of scheduled maintenance. The government typically establishes a Performance Work Statement (PWS) that outlines these requirements and the metrics for measuring performance. Contractor performance is often rated using systems like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS), which tracks adherence to schedule, cost, technical requirements, and management.

What is the typical duration and total value range for similar Department of State mission support contracts in comparable regions?

The duration and total value of Department of State mission support contracts can vary significantly based on the complexity of the environment, the size of the mission, and the scope of services required. Contracts for support in challenging or high-threat regions, like the Central African Republic, often have longer durations (e.g., 3-5 years, potentially with options) and higher total values due to increased security, logistical, and operational costs. While $55 million over approximately two years is substantial, it is not unusual for such contracts. Comparable contracts might range from tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars over their full performance periods, depending on the specific mission's needs and the geopolitical context.

What are the potential risks associated with providing mission support in the Central African Republic, and how are they typically mitigated?

Operating in the Central African Republic presents significant risks, including political instability, security threats (terrorism, crime, civil unrest), logistical challenges due to poor infrastructure, health risks (diseases, limited medical facilities), and potential cultural or language barriers. Mitigation strategies typically involve comprehensive risk assessments, robust security plans (including personnel security details, secure facilities, and emergency evacuation procedures), close coordination with local authorities and international organizations, use of experienced personnel with relevant training, and establishing reliable supply chains. The contract itself would likely include specific clauses addressing security requirements, force protection, and contingency planning to manage these inherent risks.

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) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: PAE Holding Corporation (UEI: 968071493)

Address: 888 S FIGUEROA ST STE 1980, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90017

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $91,015,903

Exercised Options: $91,015,903

Current Obligation: $54,989,289

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA09D0084

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline