State Department's $15M Liberia Justice Sector Support Contract Awarded to PAE Government Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,051,592 ($15.1M)

Contractor: PAE Government Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2006-07-26

End Date: 2017-09-25

Contract Duration: 4,079 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.7K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: JUSTICE SECTOR SUPPORT PROGRAM IN LIBERIA.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $15.1 million to PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC. for work described as: JUSTICE SECTOR SUPPORT PROGRAM IN LIBERIA. Key points: 1. Contract awarded through a competitive delivery order, suggesting a degree of market vetting. 2. The contract duration of over 11 years indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. Services provided fall under Facilities Support, a critical but often overlooked aspect of program delivery. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts performance risk to the contractor. 5. No small business set-aside was utilized, raising questions about opportunities for smaller entities. 6. The contract's focus on Liberia suggests a specific geographic and programmatic objective.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns. The total award amount of approximately $15 million over more than 11 years averages to roughly $1.3 million annually. This figure needs to be assessed against the scope of facilities support services provided in Liberia, which can be highly variable due to local conditions and security requirements. Without comparable contracts for similar services in the region or detailed cost-element analysis, a definitive value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the long duration suggests a sustained need and potentially a negotiated price over time.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded as a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' under a broader contract vehicle, indicating that multiple vendors were likely considered. The specific competition details for this particular delivery order are not fully elaborated in the provided data. However, the 'full-and-open' competition designation suggests that the initial contract vehicle allowed for broad participation, and this order was placed based on that competitive process. The number of bidders for this specific order would provide further insight into the level of competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by fostering price discovery and potentially leading to more cost-effective solutions compared to sole-source procurements.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the U.S. Department of State and its programs operating in Liberia, which rely on stable and functional facilities. The contract delivers essential facilities support services, ensuring operational continuity for government personnel and activities. The geographic impact is concentrated in Liberia, supporting U.S. foreign policy and development objectives in that nation. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for individuals in Liberia and potentially for U.S. expatriate staff managing the services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided.
The extended duration of over 11 years could lead to complacency or reduced incentive for innovation if not actively managed.
Geopolitical instability in Liberia could pose risks to service delivery and contractor personnel.
Limited transparency on specific cost components hinders a thorough value-for-money analysis.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a competitive process, indicating potential for reasonable pricing and quality.
The firm-fixed-price contract type transfers significant performance risk to the contractor.
Long-term nature of the contract suggests a stable and ongoing requirement, potentially leading to economies of scale for the contractor.
PAE Government Services is a known entity in providing government support services, implying some level of established capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader 'Facilities Support Services' sector, which is a critical component of government operations, particularly in overseas environments. The market for such services is substantial, encompassing maintenance, logistics, security, and operational support. The Department of State frequently contracts for these services to ensure the safety and functionality of its embassies and facilities abroad. Benchmarking this contract's value requires comparison with other similar contracts for facilities management in challenging or remote locations, considering factors like local labor costs, security premiums, and logistical complexities.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the procurement was open to all responsible sources, and small businesses were not specifically targeted for this award. Consequently, there may be limited direct subcontracting opportunities for small businesses unless PAE Government Services voluntarily includes them in its subcontracting plan. The absence of a small business set-aside means that the primary contract award did not prioritize opportunities for the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers responsible for operations in Liberia. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract's performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is often limited for specific overseas support contracts due to security and operational sensitivities. Inspector General jurisdiction would likely fall under the Department of State's Office of Inspector General, which conducts audits and investigations into the efficiency and integrity of State Department programs and operations.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Overseas Buildings Operations
Department of State Diplomatic Security Service
USAID Liberia Programs
Logistics and Facilities Management Contracts
International Security Assistance Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may reduce flexibility and increase risk of cost escalation.
Limited transparency on specific performance metrics and cost breakdowns.
Potential security and logistical challenges inherent in operating in Liberia.
No explicit small business set-aside noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $15.1 million to PAE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC.. JUSTICE SECTOR SUPPORT PROGRAM IN LIBERIA.

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 $15.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-07-26. End: 2017-09-25.

What is the specific scope of 'Facilities Support Services' provided under this contract in Liberia?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 561210, which covers Facilities Support Services. This typically includes a broad range of activities such as building operation and maintenance, cleaning, security, landscaping, pest control, and potentially minor repairs and renovations. For a contract like this in Liberia, it likely encompasses ensuring the operational readiness and security of U.S. government facilities, which could include administrative buildings, residences, and related infrastructure. Specific services would be detailed in the contract's Statement of Work (SOW), outlining requirements for power generation, water supply, waste management, groundskeeping, and physical security measures to support the personnel and operations of the Department of State in the region.

How does the $15 million award compare to similar facilities support contracts managed by the State Department in other regions?

Direct comparison of the $15 million award for facilities support in Liberia is difficult without more granular data on the scope of services, duration, and specific risks associated with each location. However, the average annual value of approximately $1.3 million ($15M / 11+ years) is within the range for significant overseas support contracts. Contracts for similar services in high-risk or remote areas often command higher prices due to increased security costs, logistical challenges, and the need for specialized personnel. For context, major embassy construction or renovation projects can run into hundreds of millions, while ongoing operational support contracts vary widely. A more precise comparison would require analyzing contracts with similar square footage, personnel levels supported, and threat environments.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, given its location and duration?

The primary risks associated with this contract include geopolitical instability in Liberia, which could disrupt service delivery or endanger personnel. Security risks are also significant, requiring robust measures to protect facilities and staff. Logistical challenges related to importing equipment, supplies, and managing a workforce in a developing country can increase costs and complexity. Furthermore, the long duration (over 11 years) presents risks of contractor complacency, potential for cost overruns if not managed tightly, and the possibility of changing requirements or political priorities that may not align with the original contract scope. Lastly, unforeseen environmental or health-related issues could impact operations and service continuity.

What is PAE Government Services' track record in managing similar large-scale support contracts for the U.S. government, particularly overseas?

PAE Government Services (now part of Amentum) has a substantial track record in providing large-scale support services to the U.S. government, including extensive experience in logistics, facilities management, and security operations in complex overseas environments. They have historically managed significant contracts for the Department of Defense, Department of State, and other agencies in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Their experience often involves providing comprehensive base operations support, life support services, and mission-critical infrastructure management. While specific performance details for this Liberia contract are not provided, PAE's general profile suggests they possess the organizational capacity and expertise to handle such demanding requirements.

How has spending on facilities support services by the Department of State evolved over the past decade, and where does this contract fit?

Spending on facilities support services by the Department of State has generally trended upwards over the past decade, driven by increased global engagement, the need to maintain aging infrastructure, and evolving security requirements for diplomatic missions. The Department consistently allocates significant portions of its budget to overseas operations, including the maintenance and security of its embassies and consulates. This $15 million contract, awarded in 2006 and ending in 2017, represents a mid-to-large scale investment in a specific program (Justice Sector Support) within a particular country. It reflects the ongoing commitment to supporting U.S. foreign policy objectives through the provision of essential operational infrastructure and services abroad, fitting within the broader category of diplomatic and development support spending.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: PAE Holding Corporation (UEI: 968071493)

Address: 888 SOUTH FIGUEROA STREET,, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90017

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,100,976

Exercised Options: $18,100,976

Current Obligation: $15,051,592

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SLMAQM04C0033

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline