DoD's $30M Public Affairs Contract in Afghanistan: Full Competition, Firm Fixed Price
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $30,122,335 ($30.1M)
Contractor: Domestic Awardees (undisclosed)
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2011-09-27
End Date: 2017-08-26
Contract Duration: 2,160 days
Daily Burn Rate: $13.9K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATION SERVICES IN AFGHANISTAN IN SUPPORT OF US FORCES -- AFGHANISTAN.
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $30.1 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED) for work described as: PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATION SERVICES IN AFGHANISTAN IN SUPPORT OF US FORCES -- AFGHANISTAN. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for public affairs operations in Afghanistan. 2. Significant value of $30.1 million over its duration. 3. Utilized full and open competition, suggesting market availability. 4. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs. 5. Sector is primarily professional services, specifically public relations.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract value of $30.1 million over approximately 5 years for public affairs services in a complex environment like Afghanistan is substantial. Benchmarking is difficult without specific deliverables, but the firm fixed price suggests an attempt to cap costs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were eligible and likely competed. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing than limited or sole-source approaches.
Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition and a firm fixed price contract are positive indicators for taxpayer value, aiming to secure services at a competitive rate while managing cost risks.
Public Impact
Public affairs are crucial for military operations, influencing perceptions and information flow. Services were rendered in a high-risk, complex operational environment (Afghanistan). The duration of the contract (approx. 5 years) suggests a long-term need for these services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific awardee information hinders detailed analysis.
- Geopolitical instability in Afghanistan could impact service delivery and cost.
- Effectiveness of public affairs in conflict zones can be challenging to measure.
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition utilized.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
- Clear service category (Public Relations).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically public relations agencies. Spending in this area supports communication strategies, media engagement, and information dissemination, often critical for government operations, especially in overseas deployments.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of the Army, part of the Department of Defense. Standard government oversight mechanisms would apply, but specific details on oversight for this particular contract are not provided.
Related Government Programs
- Public Relations Agencies
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of Awardee Information
- Geopolitical Risk in Afghanistan
- Difficulty in Measuring Effectiveness
- Potential for Scope Creep
- Limited Transparency on Specific Services
Tags
public-relations-agencies, department-of-defense, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $30.1 million to DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED). PUBLIC AFFAIRS OPERATION SERVICES IN AFGHANISTAN IN SUPPORT OF US FORCES -- AFGHANISTAN.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is DOMESTIC AWARDEES (UNDISCLOSED).
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $30.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2011-09-27. End: 2017-08-26.
What were the specific deliverables and performance metrics for these public affairs services?
The provided data lacks specific details on the deliverables and performance metrics. Public affairs services can encompass a wide range of activities, from media relations and content creation to strategic communication planning and community outreach. Understanding these specifics is crucial for assessing the value and effectiveness of the contract beyond its financial scope.
How was the effectiveness of the public affairs operations measured in the context of US Forces in Afghanistan?
Measuring the effectiveness of public affairs in a complex operational environment like Afghanistan is inherently challenging. Metrics could include media sentiment analysis, reach of information campaigns, engagement with local populations, or support for military objectives. Without specific reporting or evaluation data, assessing the true impact and value derived from the $30.1 million expenditure is difficult.
What was the rationale for awarding a definitive contract of this length and value for services in Afghanistan?
The rationale likely stemmed from the sustained need for public affairs support throughout the US military presence in Afghanistan. Definitive contracts offer stability for long-term requirements. The significant value reflects the scale and complexity of operations, the duration, and the specialized nature of public affairs expertise required in such a demanding geopolitical setting.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services › Public Relations Agencies
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W52P1J11R0037
Offers Received: 8
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1800 F ST NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20405
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $30,122,335
Exercised Options: $30,122,335
Current Obligation: $30,122,335
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2011-09-27
Current End Date: 2017-08-26
Potential End Date: 2017-08-26 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2023-03-28
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