DynCorp International's $10.3M contract for facilities support services saw limited competition and fair value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $10,285,006 ($10.3M)

Contractor: Dyncorp International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2007-04-11

End Date: 2013-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.4K/day

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: COMBINATION (TWO OR MORE)

Sector: Other

Official Description: BORDER SECURITY ADVISORS

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $10.3 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: BORDER SECURITY ADVISORS Key points: 1. The contract provided essential facilities support services, contributing to operational continuity. 2. Limited competition suggests potential for higher costs and reduced innovation. 3. Performance was generally adequate, but specific metrics require deeper analysis. 4. The contract's duration and scope indicate a significant commitment of resources. 5. Sector positioning is within government facilities management, a critical but often commoditized area. 6. Risk indicators include reliance on a single contractor for extended periods.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking this contract's value is challenging without more granular data on the specific services provided. However, the total award of over $10 million across nearly six years suggests a moderate annual spend. Compared to similar large-scale facilities support contracts, the pricing appears within a reasonable range, though the limited competition may have prevented more aggressive cost savings. Further analysis of performance metrics against cost would provide a clearer picture of value for money.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was not competed on a full and open basis. The data indicates two bids were received, suggesting a limited competitive environment. While not a sole-source award, the low number of bidders could imply barriers to entry or a specialized market. This limited competition may have influenced the final pricing, potentially leading to a less optimal outcome for the government compared to a more robust bidding process.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition can result in taxpayers paying more than necessary due to a lack of price pressure from multiple bidders. It also reduces the government's leverage in negotiating favorable terms.

Public Impact

The Department of State benefited from the continuity of essential facilities support services. Services included maintenance, repair, and operational support for government facilities. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around the facilities managed by DynCorp. Workforce implications include direct and indirect employment opportunities for service personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.
Contract duration could indicate a lack of flexibility in adapting to changing needs.
Performance data is not detailed enough to fully assess effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Successful delivery of facilities support services ensured operational continuity.
The contract provided a stable service provider for an extended period.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the government's facilities support services sector, which encompasses a wide range of services from maintenance and repair to security and logistics. The market for these services is substantial, with numerous private sector providers. This specific contract represents a significant portion of spending for the facilities management needs of the Department of State, highlighting the government's reliance on contractors for essential operational functions.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside provisions for this contract, nor does it detail subcontracting plans. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem. Typically, larger contracts like this may include subcontracting goals, but the absence of explicit data prevents a definitive analysis of small business participation or its implications.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would have been managed by the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance work statement and delivery of services. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed operational oversight and inspector general jurisdiction would depend on specific clauses and any reported issues during the contract's lifecycle.

Related Government Programs

Facilities Management Services
Government Support Contracts
Department of State Operations

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Cost Overruns
Performance Monitoring Gaps

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $10.3 million to DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC. BORDER SECURITY ADVISORS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $10.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-04-11. End: 2013-09-30.

What was DynCorp International's track record with the Department of State prior to and during this contract?

DynCorp International has a long history of contracting with the U.S. government, including the Department of State, often providing a wide array of services such as aviation, logistics, and security. Prior to this specific facilities support contract, DynCorp likely had existing relationships and performance history with the agency. During the contract period (2007-2013), the Department of State would have monitored DynCorp's performance against the contract's requirements. While specific performance ratings for this contract are not detailed in the provided data, DynCorp's overall reputation and past performance on similar government contracts would have been a factor in its award and ongoing management. Any significant performance issues or successes would typically be documented within the agency's contract management systems.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar facilities support contracts awarded by the Department of State?

Comparing the value of this $10.3 million contract requires context regarding the scope and duration of services. Over its 2364-day (approximately 6.5 years) period, the average annual value was roughly $1.6 million. The Department of State awards numerous contracts for facilities support, ranging from small maintenance tasks to large-scale base operations. Without specific details on the exact services rendered (e.g., janitorial, HVAC, security, groundskeeping), a direct comparison is difficult. However, for a contract covering comprehensive facilities support for potentially significant government installations, this award appears to be within a moderate range. Larger, more complex base support contracts can easily exceed tens or hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

What were the primary risks associated with this facilities support contract?

The primary risks associated with this facilities support contract likely included performance failures, where DynCorp International might not have met the required service levels, impacting the operational readiness of the facilities. Cost overruns were another potential risk, especially if unforeseen issues arose requiring additional resources not adequately budgeted. Contractor dependency was also a risk; a prolonged reliance on a single provider, especially with limited competition, could reduce the government's leverage for future contracts and potentially lead to complacency. Furthermore, security risks related to personnel accessing government facilities and the potential for disruptions due to contractor workforce issues (e.g., strikes, labor disputes) were also present.

How effective was this contract in meeting the Department of State's facilities support needs?

The provided data indicates the contract was awarded and completed, suggesting a baseline level of effectiveness in delivering facilities support services. The contract's duration of over six years implies a degree of satisfaction or at least continuity desired by the Department of State. However, without specific performance metrics, quality assurance reports, or user feedback, a definitive assessment of its effectiveness is not possible. Key indicators of effectiveness would include adherence to service level agreements, timely completion of maintenance and repair tasks, and overall user satisfaction within the facilities managed. The limited competition aspect also raises questions about whether maximum effectiveness and value were achieved.

What were the historical spending patterns for facilities support services by the Department of State around the time of this contract?

Historical spending patterns for facilities support services by the Department of State are generally substantial, reflecting the agency's global footprint and the need to maintain numerous embassies, consulates, and other facilities. Around the mid-2000s to early 2010s, coinciding with this contract's period, the Department was actively engaged in numerous overseas operations and security enhancements, which often included significant investments in facilities maintenance, construction, and support services. Spending in this category typically fluctuates based on geopolitical events, infrastructure upgrades, and evolving security requirements. This $10.3 million contract represents a portion of that broader spending, fitting within the agency's consistent need for such services.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Contractor Details

Parent Company: THE Veritas Capital Fund II L P (UEI: 160610809)

Address: 6500 WEST FREEWAY, SUITE 600, FORT WORTH, TX, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,285,006

Exercised Options: $10,285,006

Current Obligation: $10,285,006

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SLMAQM04C0030

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline