State Dept. awards $46.5M for aerial surveillance in Somalia to counter IEDs and monitor supply routes

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $46,534,880 ($46.5M)

Contractor: PAE Government Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2017-09-20

End Date: 2020-11-04

Contract Duration: 1,141 days

Daily Burn Rate: $40.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE U.S. GOVERNMENT HAS IDENTIFIED AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN SOMALIA (AMISOM) CAPABILITY SHORTFALLS ASSOCIATED WITH AERIAL SURVEILLANCE. UNDER THIS STATEMENT OF WORK, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE AN AERIAL SURVEILLANCE PLATFORM TO DETECT AND MONITOR ARMED GROUP ACTIVITIES, WITH EMPHASIS ON COUNTER-IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE (C-IED) CAPABILITY, MONITORING MAIN SUPPLY ROUTES (MSR), AND OVER WATCH TO AMISOM AND SOMALIA NATIONAL ARMY (SNA) FORCES. THE INTENT OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE AMISOM FORCE HEADQUARTERS WITH AN AERIAL SURVEILLANCE ASSET; INITIALLY, THE REQUIREMENT IS ONE UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS) TO PROVIDE COVERAGE OVER CRITICAL AREAS OF SOMALIA IN THE GENERAL VICINITY OF AMISOM SECTORS 1, 3, 4 AND 5 WITH THE CAPABILITY TO PROVIDE EXPANDED COVERAGE OF THE ENTIRE AMISOM AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AOR) IN THE FUTURE (ONE OPTION YEAR). IGF::CT::IGF

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $46.5 million to PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: THE U.S. GOVERNMENT HAS IDENTIFIED AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN SOMALIA (AMISOM) CAPABILITY SHORTFALLS ASSOCIATED WITH AERIAL SURVEILLANCE. UNDER THIS STATEMENT OF WORK, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE AN AERIAL SURVEILLANCE PLATFORM TO DETECT AND MONITOR ARMED GROUP ACTIVITIES, WITH E… Key points: 1. Contract addresses critical capability shortfalls in aerial surveillance for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). 2. Focus on counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) operations and monitoring of Main Supply Routes (MSR) enhances force protection. 3. Provides essential overwatch for AMISOM and Somali National Army (SNA) forces, improving situational awareness. 4. Initial requirement for one Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) with potential for expanded coverage across Somalia. 5. Contract value of $46.5M over approximately 3.7 years indicates significant investment in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. 6. Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these specialized services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $46.5 million over roughly 1141 days (approximately 3.7 years) suggests a substantial investment in advanced aerial surveillance technology and services. Benchmarking this against similar ISR contracts for complex operational environments is challenging due to the specific nature of the requirement (AMISOM support). However, the firm-fixed-price contract type generally indicates a degree of cost certainty for the government. The pricing appears to align with the specialized nature of providing and operating UAS platforms in a high-risk area, likely encompassing hardware, software, training, maintenance, and operational support.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely solicited and had the opportunity to bid. The presence of three bidders suggests a competitive market for this specialized aerial surveillance capability. Full and open competition is generally expected to drive better pricing and innovation as contractors vie for the award.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by fostering a competitive environment that can lead to more favorable pricing and higher quality services.

Public Impact

Benefits AMISOM and Somali National Army (SNA) forces by providing critical intelligence and surveillance capabilities. Enhances counter-terrorism efforts by enabling detection and monitoring of armed group activities and C-IED threats. Improves security along Main Supply Routes (MSR), facilitating the movement of personnel and supplies. Supports broader U.S. foreign policy objectives in the Horn of Africa by bolstering regional stability. Potential positive impact on the local Somali population through improved security conditions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Geopolitical instability in Somalia presents inherent operational risks.
Reliance on UAS technology requires robust maintenance and operational support in a challenging environment.
Effectiveness of surveillance is contingent on intelligence integration and actionable insights.

Positive Signals

Addresses a clearly identified capability gap for AMISOM.
Contract specifies clear objectives for C-IED and MSR monitoring.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests market availability of required services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader defense and security services sector, specifically focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The market for ISR services, particularly those involving unmanned aerial systems (UAS), has seen significant growth driven by evolving global security challenges. Spending in this area supports national security objectives by providing critical situational awareness in complex operational theaters. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique operational context and specific technical requirements, but investments in advanced ISR platforms are generally substantial.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside provisions. While the primary contractor, PAE Government Services, Inc., is a large business, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business subcontracting planned for this delivery order.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of State, which has established oversight mechanisms for its acquisitions. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of financial oversight. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Specific details on performance monitoring and accountability measures would typically be outlined in the contract's statement of work and associated performance standards.

Related Government Programs

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Services
Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Programs
African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Support
Department of State Foreign Military Financing
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Procurement and Operations

Risk Flags

Operational Environment Risk
Technology Reliability
Intelligence Integration
Geopolitical Instability

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $46.5 million to PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC.. THE U.S. GOVERNMENT HAS IDENTIFIED AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN SOMALIA (AMISOM) CAPABILITY SHORTFALLS ASSOCIATED WITH AERIAL SURVEILLANCE. UNDER THIS STATEMENT OF WORK, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE AN AERIAL SURVEILLANCE PLATFORM TO DETECT AND MONITOR ARMED GROUP ACTIVITIES, WITH EMPHASIS ON COUNTER-IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE (C-IED) CAPABILITY, MONITORING MAIN SUPPLY ROUTES (MSR), AND OVER WATCH TO AMISOM AND SOMALIA NATIONAL ARMY (SNA) FORCES. THE INTENT OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO PROVIDE AMISO

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 $46.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-20. End: 2020-11-04.

What is the specific performance history of PAE Government Services, Inc. with similar aerial surveillance contracts, particularly in austere environments?

PAE Government Services, Inc. has a significant track record in providing a wide range of support services to government agencies, including in complex and austere environments. While specific details on their past performance with aerial surveillance contracts of this exact nature are not provided in the summary data, PAE has historically been involved in logistics, security, and technical support for military and diplomatic missions globally. Their experience in regions like Africa suggests familiarity with the operational challenges. A deeper dive into contract databases and performance reports would be necessary to assess their specific success metrics and client satisfaction related to aerial surveillance operations, especially concerning UAS deployment and management in environments similar to Somalia.

How does the $46.5 million contract value compare to the estimated cost of similar aerial surveillance capabilities in other regions or for different missions?

The $46.5 million contract value for approximately 3.7 years of aerial surveillance services in Somalia represents a significant investment. Benchmarking this against similar contracts is complex due to variations in platform type (manned vs. unmanned, specific UAS models), duration, operational tempo, geographic location, and the scope of services (e.g., data analysis, maintenance, training). However, contracts for advanced ISR platforms, especially those involving UAS with sophisticated sensors and operational support in high-risk areas, can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. The cost per day for this contract is roughly $40,820. This figure needs to be evaluated against the specific capabilities delivered, such as persistent surveillance, real-time data feeds, and counter-IED support, which command a premium in demanding operational theaters.

What are the primary risks associated with the contractor's performance, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Primary risks associated with contractor performance include potential equipment failure or downtime of the UAS, challenges in maintaining operational readiness in Somalia's environment, and ensuring the timely delivery of actionable intelligence. Geopolitical instability and security threats in the operational area also pose risks to personnel and assets. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust maintenance schedules, contingency planning for equipment issues, comprehensive security protocols for personnel and equipment, and clear communication channels between the contractor, AMISOM, and the Department of State. The firm-fixed-price contract structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and risks effectively to maintain profitability.

How effective has aerial surveillance been in supporting AMISOM's counter-IED and MSR monitoring objectives in the past, and how will this contract enhance that effectiveness?

The data explicitly states that the U.S. government identified AMISOM capability shortfalls associated with aerial surveillance, implying that past efforts may have been insufficient or lacking. This contract aims to directly address those shortfalls by providing a dedicated aerial surveillance platform. The emphasis on counter-IED (C-IED) capability and monitoring Main Supply Routes (MSR) suggests a focus on improving force protection and operational freedom for AMISOM and SNA forces. The UAS is intended to provide crucial overwatch and detect armed group activities, thereby enhancing situational awareness and enabling proactive measures against threats. The effectiveness will depend on the platform's capabilities, the quality of intelligence derived, and its integration into AMISOM's operational planning and execution.

What is the historical spending trend for aerial surveillance or related ISR services provided to AMISOM or similar missions by the Department of State?

The provided data focuses on a single delivery order ($46.5M) for aerial surveillance to AMISOM. It does not offer historical spending trends. However, the context suggests a recognition of a capability gap, implying that previous spending on aerial surveillance for AMISOM may have been insufficient or utilized different, less effective methods. The Department of State, along with other agencies like the Department of Defense, invests significantly in ISR capabilities globally. Tracking historical spending on similar contracts, particularly those supporting international peacekeeping or security missions, would require a broader analysis of federal procurement databases over multiple fiscal years to identify trends and patterns.

What are the specific technical capabilities of the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to be provided, and how do they meet the stated mission requirements?

The provided data indicates the requirement is for an aerial surveillance platform, specifically a UAS, to detect and monitor armed group activities, with emphasis on counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) capability and monitoring Main Supply Routes (MSR). It also mentions providing overwatch to AMISOM and SNA forces. While the specific model or technical specifications of the UAS are not detailed, the requirements imply a need for persistent surveillance capabilities, potentially with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors for day/night operations, and possibly signals intelligence (SIGINT) or other sensor payloads relevant to detecting IED emplacement or monitoring troop movements. The capability to provide expanded coverage across critical areas of Somalia suggests a need for range, endurance, and potentially a robust communication/data link system.

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

Solicitation ID: SAQMMA17R0273

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Amentum Government Services Holdings LLC

Address: 1320 N. COURTHOUSE RD, STE 800, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $47,120,657

Exercised Options: $46,534,880

Current Obligation: $46,534,880

Actual Outlays: $1,623,334

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $84,000

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA16D0069

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline