PAE Government Services awarded $34.18M for airlift services to support AMISOM troop contributing countries

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,183,713 ($34.2M)

Contractor: PAE Government Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2015-05-27

End Date: 2018-11-26

Contract Duration: 1,279 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF PROVIDE AIRLIFT SERVICES FOR AMISOM TROOP CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES (TCCS) PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, AMMUNITION, AND WEAPONS.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $34.2 million to PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF PROVIDE AIRLIFT SERVICES FOR AMISOM TROOP CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES (TCCS) PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, AMMUNITION, AND WEAPONS. Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in logistical support for international peacekeeping operations. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract (1279 days) indicates a long-term need for these services. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type helps to manage cost certainty for the government. 5. The services provided are critical for the operational effectiveness of AMISOM. 6. The contract falls under 'Other Management Consulting Services' which may encompass a broad range of support activities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $34.18 million over approximately 3.5 years for airlift services is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar international logistical support contracts would provide a clearer picture of value for money. However, the firm-fixed-price structure generally indicates a commitment to cost control. The number of bids received (2) is on the lower side for full and open competition, which could warrant further investigation into pricing competitiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. However, only two bids were received. While competition was open, the limited number of bidders might suggest potential barriers to entry or a specialized market. This could impact the government's ability to secure the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited number of bidders, despite open competition, may mean that taxpayers did not benefit from the full potential of a highly competitive market, potentially leading to higher costs than if more firms had participated.

Public Impact

Troop contributing countries (TCCs) and their personnel directly benefit from reliable airlift for personnel, equipment, and supplies. The services ensure the operational readiness and effectiveness of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Geographic impact is primarily focused on the operational areas of AMISOM in Somalia and potentially transit points. Workforce implications include employment for personnel involved in providing and managing airlift operations, both within the contractor's organization and potentially supporting roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited number of bidders (2) in a full and open competition could indicate potential market concentration or barriers to entry.
The broad NAICS code 'Other Management Consulting Services' might obscure the specific nature and cost drivers of the airlift services.
Lack of detailed performance metrics or quality assurance information in the provided data makes it difficult to assess service quality.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract duration suggests a stable and ongoing requirement for critical logistical support.
Awarded through full and open competition, adhering to principles of government procurement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense logistics sector, specifically focusing on support services for international missions. The market for specialized airlift and logistical support for peacekeeping operations is often characterized by a limited number of experienced providers. Spending in this area is driven by geopolitical stability requirements and the operational needs of international organizations like the African Union.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no information available regarding subcontracting plans or performance. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal, unless the prime contractor engages small businesses for specific support services not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the contracting agency (Department of State) and potentially the Inspector General's office. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice, but detailed operational oversight mechanisms are not specified in the provided data.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Logistics Support Contracts
United Nations Peacekeeping Logistics
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Support Contracts
Foreign Military Sales Support

Risk Flags

Limited competition (2 bidders)
Broad NAICS code may obscure specific service details
Lack of detailed performance metrics in award data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $34.2 million to PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF PROVIDE AIRLIFT SERVICES FOR AMISOM TROOP CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES (TCCS) PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, AMMUNITION, AND WEAPONS.

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 $34.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-05-27. End: 2018-11-26.

What is the specific breakdown of services provided under 'Other Management Consulting Services' for airlift operations?

The description 'IGF::OT::IGF PROVIDE AIRLIFT SERVICES FOR AMISOM TROOP CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES (TCCS) PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES, AMMUNITION, AND WEAPONS' indicates that the 'Other Management Consulting Services' NAICS code is being used broadly to encompass the provision of airlift services. This includes the transportation of personnel, equipment, supplies, ammunition, and weapons for AMISOM TCCs. The 'management consulting' aspect likely refers to the planning, coordination, and execution of these complex logistical operations, rather than traditional advisory services. The specific breakdown would detail flight planning, aircraft maintenance oversight, crew management, cargo handling coordination, and potentially security arrangements for the airlift operations.

How does the $34.18 million contract value compare to similar airlift support contracts for international missions?

Benchmarking the $34.18 million contract value requires comparison with similar contracts for airlift support to international peacekeeping or stability operations. Contracts for services like those provided to AMISOM can vary significantly based on the geographic region, duration, type of aircraft utilized, volume of cargo, and security environment. For instance, contracts supporting larger UN missions or NATO operations might involve higher dollar values due to scale and complexity. Conversely, smaller, shorter-term deployments might have lower values. Without specific comparable contract data, it's challenging to definitively state if $34.18 million represents high, low, or average spending. However, it signifies a substantial commitment to ensuring logistical continuity for a critical mission.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to assess the performance of PAE Government Services under this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, typical KPIs for airlift services in such contexts would likely include metrics related to on-time delivery of personnel and cargo, flight schedule adherence, aircraft availability and utilization rates, safety incident rates (e.g., zero major incidents), fuel efficiency, and potentially cost per flight hour or cost per ton-mile. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract implies that meeting these performance standards is crucial for the contractor to achieve profitability, and failure to do so could result in penalties or contract modifications. The contracting officer's representative (COR) would be responsible for monitoring these KPIs.

What is the historical spending trend for airlift services supporting AMISOM or similar missions by the Department of State?

Historical spending data for airlift services supporting AMISOM or similar missions by the Department of State is not directly available in the provided snippet. However, the duration of this contract (2015-2018) suggests a sustained need. The Department of State, through its Bureau of Political-Military Affairs and other relevant offices, often funds logistical support for international security and peacekeeping efforts. Analyzing past budgets and contract awards related to AMISOM or other African security initiatives would reveal trends. Factors influencing historical spending include the level of US engagement in the region, the operational tempo of AMISOM, and the availability of alternative logistical solutions.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on only two bidders for this critical airlift support contract?

Relying on only two bidders in a full and open competition presents several potential risks. Firstly, it can limit price competition, potentially leading to higher costs for the government and taxpayers than if a more robust field of bidders had participated. Secondly, it increases the risk of contractor performance issues; if one of the two contractors experiences financial difficulties, operational failures, or decides to exit the market, the government has limited alternative options, potentially disrupting critical services. Thirdly, a concentrated market might reduce incentives for innovation and service improvement over time. The government might also face challenges in negotiating favorable terms or modifications due to the limited leverage.

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: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC

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: $62,808,887

Exercised Options: $34,183,713

Current Obligation: $34,183,713

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA09D0084

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline