Joint Tech Services Inc. awarded $1.73M for Iraqi Defense Network technical consulting and field support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $17,300,000 ($17.3M)

Contractor: Joint Tech Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-04-01

End Date: 2010-03-31

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $47.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: FMS REQUIREMENT - TECHNICAL CONSULTING/FIELD SUPPORT FOR THE IRAQI DEFENSE NETWORK (IDN)

Place of Performance

Location: KAILUA, HONOLULU County, HAWAII, 96734

State: Hawaii Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $17.3 million to JOINT TECH SERVICES INC. for work described as: FMS REQUIREMENT - TECHNICAL CONSULTING/FIELD SUPPORT FOR THE IRAQI DEFENSE NETWORK (IDN) Key points: 1. Contract awarded for specialized technical consulting and field support services. 2. Services are critical for the Iraqi Defense Network (IDN). 3. Contract duration is one year, indicating a focused scope. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests defined deliverables and cost control. 5. Awarded by the Department of the Army, indicating a defense-related need. 6. The contract was competed after exclusion of sources, requiring justification. 7. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541990, covering 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.73 million for a one-year duration for specialized technical consulting appears within a reasonable range for such services. However, without specific benchmarks for 'technical consulting/field support for the Iraqi Defense Network,' a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty. Further analysis would require comparing this to similar international defense support contracts or consulting rates for highly specialized technical expertise.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources were excluded, likely due to unique capabilities or prior involvement. The exact number of bidders is not specified, but the 'exclusion of sources' suggests a potentially limited pool of qualified offerors. This procurement method can sometimes lead to higher prices if the excluded sources represent significant competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources may limit competitive pressure, potentially resulting in a higher cost to taxpayers than if a broader competition had been feasible. However, it may also ensure the selection of a contractor with the most relevant and specialized expertise for a sensitive defense network.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Iraqi security forces utilizing the Iraqi Defense Network. The services delivered are technical consulting and field support, crucial for network operational integrity. The geographic impact is focused on Iraq, supporting defense infrastructure. Workforce implications include the deployment of specialized technical personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition due to exclusion of sources could impact price.
The specific nature of 'field support' in a potentially austere environment carries inherent risks.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical network support could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Award to Joint Tech Services Inc. suggests they possess the required specialized expertise.
The contract duration of one year allows for performance evaluation before potential extension.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically supporting defense infrastructure. The market for defense technical consulting and field support is often specialized, with a limited number of firms possessing the necessary security clearances, technical expertise, and international operational experience. Spending in this area is driven by geopolitical needs and the modernization of allied defense capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found within broader Department of Defense contracts for international security assistance and technical support.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting goals for this contract. Given the specialized nature of technical consulting for a defense network, it is possible that the prime contractor is a large business, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses may be limited or not explicitly mandated in this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures are embedded in the Firm Fixed Price contract terms, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is generally limited for defense contracts involving international security, but contract award data is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) programs
International Security Assistance
Technical Support Services Contracts
Defense Network Modernization

Risk Flags

Limited competition due to exclusion of sources.
Potential for higher costs due to restricted bidder pool.
Geopolitical risks associated with operating in Iraq.
Technical complexity and cybersecurity vulnerabilities of defense networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $17.3 million to JOINT TECH SERVICES INC.. FMS REQUIREMENT - TECHNICAL CONSULTING/FIELD SUPPORT FOR THE IRAQI DEFENSE NETWORK (IDN)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is JOINT TECH SERVICES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $17.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-04-01. End: 2010-03-31.

What is the specific technical expertise Joint Tech Services Inc. possesses that made them the sole source or preferred provider for this contract?

The specific technical expertise of Joint Tech Services Inc. for this contract is not detailed in the provided data. However, the nature of the requirement – 'TECHNICAL CONSULTING/FIELD SUPPORT FOR THE IRAQI DEFENSE NETWORK (IDN)' – suggests expertise in areas such as network architecture, cybersecurity, systems integration, telecommunications, and potentially specific military communication protocols. The 'exclusion of sources' clause implies that the Army determined Joint Tech Services Inc. (or a very limited set of other contractors) possessed unique qualifications, past performance, or proprietary knowledge essential for the IDN's operation and security, justifying the limited competition.

How does the $1.73 million contract value compare to similar international defense network support contracts?

Direct comparison of the $1.73 million contract value is difficult without access to a comprehensive database of similar international defense network support contracts, which are often sensitive. However, for a one-year duration, this value suggests a focused scope of work, likely involving a small team of highly specialized personnel rather than a large-scale infrastructure project. Contracts for similar technical consulting and field support in complex or austere environments can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually, depending on the criticality, scope, and duration of the support required. The firm fixed-price nature helps in benchmarking against expected service delivery costs.

What are the primary risks associated with providing technical consulting and field support for a foreign defense network?

Providing technical consulting and field support for a foreign defense network carries several risks. These include geopolitical instability in the region, which could impact personnel safety and operational continuity. Technical risks involve the complexity of integrating and maintaining systems, potential cybersecurity threats, and the challenge of ensuring interoperability with existing or evolving infrastructure. Logistical risks are also significant, involving the transportation of equipment and personnel, and ensuring adequate facilities. Furthermore, there's a risk of cultural and communication barriers, and the potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed. The 'exclusion of sources' might also indicate unique risks that only a specific contractor can mitigate.

What does the 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' procurement method imply about the contract's value and competition?

This procurement method implies that the agency initially intended to conduct a full and open competition but later decided to exclude certain sources. This exclusion is typically based on specific justifications, such as the need for unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or substantial investment in specialized training or equipment by the excluded sources. While it aims for broad competition, the exclusion inherently limits the pool of potential bidders. This can sometimes lead to less price competition compared to a truly open bid, potentially increasing the cost to the government. However, it may also ensure that the contract is awarded to a contractor with the most suitable and specialized qualifications, potentially leading to better performance and reduced long-term costs.

What is the historical spending pattern for Joint Tech Services Inc. with the Department of Defense or similar agencies?

Historical spending data for Joint Tech Services Inc. with the Department of Defense or similar agencies is not provided in the current dataset. To assess their track record, one would need to analyze past contract awards, performance reviews, and any reported issues. A history of successful contract performance, particularly in similar technical support or defense-related roles, would indicate a lower risk profile. Conversely, a history of performance issues, cost overruns, or contract disputes could raise concerns about their capability to deliver effectively on this $1.73 million requirement.

How does the $47,527 average award value (br) for this contractor compare to the current contract's value?

The provided 'br' value of $47,527 represents the average award value for Joint Tech Services Inc. This figure is significantly lower than the current contract's value of $1,730,000. This substantial difference suggests that the current contract is a major award for the company, potentially representing a significant portion of their annual revenue or a new area of focus. It implies the company has either grown substantially or is undertaking a project far larger than its historical average contract size. This could indicate either a significant opportunity for the contractor or a potential risk if they lack the capacity or experience to manage a contract of this magnitude effectively.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1 AARONA PL, KAILUA, HI, 02

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Native Hawaiian Organization Owned Firm, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,300,000

Exercised Options: $17,300,000

Current Obligation: $17,300,000

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline