DoD awards $32.2M for SOCOM Joint Exercise Support to Athenix Special Missions, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,236,873 ($32.2M)

Contractor: Athenix Special Missions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-06-30

End Date: 2014-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,280 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: USSOCOM J7/9 EXERCISES AND INTEROPERABILITY DIVISION, USSOCOM JOINT EXERCISE SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: TAMPA, HILLSBOROUGH County, FLORIDA, 33621, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.2 million to ATHENIX SPECIAL MISSIONS, LLC for work described as: USSOCOM J7/9 EXERCISES AND INTEROPERABILITY DIVISION, USSOCOM JOINT EXERCISE SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Athenix Special Missions, LLC for exercise support. 2. The contract value is $32.2 million. 3. Competition was full and open. 4. The sector is Engineering Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $32.2 million for a 1280-day duration needs further analysis against similar exercise support contracts to determine true value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the specific pricing structure (Cost Plus Fixed Fee) warrants scrutiny to ensure efficiency and prevent unnecessary costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential joint exercise support, aiming to enhance SOCOM's operational readiness. The effectiveness of this spending will depend on the successful execution of the contracted services.

Public Impact

Supports critical joint exercises for US Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Enhances interoperability between different SOCOM components. Contributes to the readiness and effectiveness of special operations forces. Potential for follow-on contracts based on performance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Small business participation not indicated.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition utilized.
Supports critical national security mission.
Contract duration is substantial, indicating long-term need.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting military exercises and interoperability. Benchmarks for similar support services can vary widely based on scope and duration, but $32.2M over approximately 3.5 years suggests a significant operational support requirement.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were pursued or mandated.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the Department of the Navy, acting as the contracting agency for USSOCOM. The effectiveness of oversight will depend on the agency's diligence in monitoring costs, performance, and adherence to contract terms.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to CPFF contract type.
Lack of detailed performance metrics.
No indication of small business participation.
Need for further benchmarking to assess value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.2 million to ATHENIX SPECIAL MISSIONS, LLC. USSOCOM J7/9 EXERCISES AND INTEROPERABILITY DIVISION, USSOCOM JOINT EXERCISE SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ATHENIX SPECIAL MISSIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-06-30. End: 2014-12-31.

What specific services are included under 'Exercises and Interoperability Division' support, and how do they directly contribute to SOCOM's mission effectiveness?

The contract likely encompasses planning, logistical support, technical assistance, and simulation services for joint exercises. These services are crucial for testing and refining operational plans, improving communication and coordination among diverse SOCOM units, and ensuring seamless integration of capabilities during real-world missions. The ultimate goal is to enhance the overall readiness and effectiveness of special operations forces.

Given the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, what mechanisms are in place to control costs and prevent potential overruns, and how effective have they been historically?

Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts require robust government oversight to manage allowable costs and ensure the fixed fee remains appropriate. Mechanisms typically include detailed cost reporting, regular audits, and negotiation of the fixed fee based on realistic cost estimates. The effectiveness hinges on the contracting officer's ability to scrutinize expenditures, challenge unallowable costs, and ensure the contractor operates efficiently within the agreed-upon parameters.

How does the $32.2 million award compare to the cost of similar exercise support contracts within DoD or other federal agencies, and does it represent good value for money?

Benchmarking this award requires detailed comparison with contracts for similar scope, duration, and complexity. Factors like the specific types of exercises supported, the level of technical expertise required, and geographic location influence costs. Without comparable data, it's difficult to definitively state if $32.2 million represents good value. A thorough cost-benefit analysis comparing outcomes against expenditure is necessary.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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: N0002411R3293

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 3611 W SWANN AVE, TAMPA, FL, 33609

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,293,888

Exercised Options: $35,293,888

Current Obligation: $32,236,873

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017810D6393

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline