Fort Jackson transportation, supply, and maintenance services contract awarded to Bowhead Operations & Maintenance Solutions LLC for over $35M

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,089,858 ($35.1M)

Contractor: Bowhead Operations & Maintenance Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-07-18

End Date: 2025-08-15

Contract Duration: 2,220 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FORT JACKSON, SC RECOMPETE OF SERVICES TRANSPORTATION, SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCE TASK ORDER

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, RICHLAND County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29207

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $35.1 million to BOWHEAD OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: FORT JACKSON, SC RECOMPETE OF SERVICES TRANSPORTATION, SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCE TASK ORDER Key points: 1. The contract value of $35.1M over its period of performance suggests a significant investment in essential base support services. 2. The recompete nature of this contract indicates a desire for continued or improved service delivery, potentially driven by past performance. 3. The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' indicates a competitive process, but with specific criteria that may have limited the initial pool of bidders. 4. The duration of the contract (2220 days) points to a long-term need for these services, implying stability in operational requirements. 5. The firm-fixed-price contract type shifts cost risk to the contractor, which can incentivize efficiency but may also lead to higher initial bids. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561210 for Facilities Support Services places this contract within a broad category of essential operational support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

Benchmarking this contract's value requires detailed comparison to similar facilities support services contracts at other military installations. The $35.1M value over approximately six years (July 2019 to August 2025) translates to an average annual cost of roughly $5.85M. This figure needs to be assessed against the scope of services, including transportation, supply, and maintenance, and the specific needs of Fort Jackson. Without direct cost-per-unit data or comparable contract details, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the scale suggests a substantial operational requirement.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests that while the competition was intended to be open, certain criteria or exclusions were applied, potentially narrowing the field of eligible bidders from the outset. The number of bidders (7) indicates a moderate level of interest and competition. The specific reasons for excluding certain sources would be crucial to understanding the full competitive landscape and its impact on price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was not entirely unrestricted, the presence of multiple bidders suggests that taxpayers likely benefited from some level of price negotiation and comparison. The exclusion of sources warrants further investigation to ensure no potential cost savings were foregone.

Public Impact

Military personnel and civilian staff at Fort Jackson benefit from reliable transportation, supply chain management, and maintenance services, ensuring operational readiness. The contract supports essential base operations, including the movement of personnel and equipment, procurement and management of supplies, and upkeep of facilities. The geographic impact is concentrated at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, a major training center for the U.S. Army. The contract likely supports a workforce involved in logistics, maintenance, administrative support, and potentially specialized transportation roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'Exclusion of Sources' in the competition type could potentially limit competitive pressure and lead to higher costs if not carefully managed.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the contractor's efficiency and effectiveness.
The firm-fixed-price nature, while beneficial for cost certainty, can sometimes lead to contractors bidding higher to cover unforeseen risks.

Positive Signals

The recompete nature suggests a stable, ongoing requirement and potentially a proven track record of service delivery by the incumbent or similar providers.
The award to a single contractor (Bowhead Operations & Maintenance Solutions LLC) implies a consolidation of services, potentially leading to streamlined operations.
The firm-fixed-price contract type provides budget certainty for the government regarding the cost of these services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, a critical component of government operations, particularly for large installations like military bases. This sector encompasses a wide range of services necessary for the functioning of physical infrastructure. The market for these services is substantial, with significant government spending allocated annually to maintain and operate federal facilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale base operations and maintenance contracts across various government agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) was false, and there is no mention of small business set-asides. This suggests that the contract was not specifically targeted towards small businesses, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether the prime contractor, Bowhead Operations & Maintenance Solutions LLC, actively seeks out small business subcontractors for specialized services not covered by their core capabilities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) at Fort Jackson, responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with contract terms. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract's performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Base Operations Support (BOS)
Logistics and Supply Chain Management Services
Facilities Maintenance and Repair Contracts
Transportation Services Contracts
Government Contracting and Procurement

Risk Flags

Competition Type Limitation
Potential for Cost Overruns if Contractor Underestimates Risk
Dependence on Contractor Performance for Base Operations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $35.1 million to BOWHEAD OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS LLC. FORT JACKSON, SC RECOMPETE OF SERVICES TRANSPORTATION, SUPPLY AND MAINTENANCE TASK ORDER

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BOWHEAD OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-07-18. End: 2025-08-15.

What is the historical spending trend for transportation, supply, and maintenance services at Fort Jackson?

Analyzing historical spending requires access to past contract awards for similar services at Fort Jackson. Without specific historical data, it's difficult to establish a trend. However, the recompete nature of this $35.1M contract (2019-2025) suggests a consistent and significant requirement for these services over time. If previous contracts were for similar scopes and values, it indicates a stable demand. Conversely, a substantial increase or decrease in value compared to prior awards could signal changes in operational needs, service scope, or market pricing. Further investigation into prior contract awards for Fort Jackson's base operations support would be necessary to identify specific spending patterns and trends.

How does the contractor, Bowhead Operations & Maintenance Solutions LLC, perform on other government contracts?

Assessing Bowhead Operations & Maintenance Solutions LLC's performance requires reviewing their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues or successes. A contractor's track record is a critical indicator of their reliability and capability. Information on their performance on other contracts, particularly those of similar size and scope within the Department of Defense or other federal agencies, would provide valuable context. This includes examining any past performance questionnaires (PPQs), contract administration data, and any documented disputes or corrective actions. A strong performance history suggests a lower risk for this contract, while a history of issues could indicate potential challenges.

What are the specific services included under 'transportation, supply and maintenance' for this contract?

The broad categories of 'transportation, supply and maintenance' encompass a wide array of potential services critical to base operations. Transportation could include fleet management, vehicle maintenance, and movement of personnel and equipment. Supply services likely involve logistics, inventory management, warehousing, and procurement of necessary goods. Maintenance would cover the upkeep of facilities, infrastructure, and potentially equipment, including repairs, preventative maintenance, and janitorial services. The precise scope is defined in the detailed Performance Work Statement (PWS) of the contract, which outlines specific tasks, deliverables, and service level agreements that the contractor must meet.

What is the significance of the 'Exclusion of Sources' clause in the contract's competition type?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific sources were excluded from bidding. This exclusion could be based on various factors, such as specific technical capabilities, past performance requirements, security clearances, or geographic limitations deemed essential for the contract's success. While it aims to ensure that only qualified entities participate, it can also limit the overall pool of potential bidders. The justification for these exclusions is critical; if they are well-reasoned and necessary for the requirement, they can lead to a more focused competition among highly capable firms. However, if the exclusions are overly broad or unjustified, they could stifle competition and potentially lead to higher prices for taxpayers.

What are the potential risks associated with a firm-fixed-price contract for these services?

A firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract, while offering cost certainty to the government, places the majority of the cost risk on the contractor. For services like transportation, supply, and maintenance, potential risks include unforeseen increases in labor costs, fuel prices, or material expenses that the contractor must absorb. If the contractor's initial cost estimates are inaccurate or market conditions change significantly, they may struggle to maintain profitability, potentially impacting service quality or leading to requests for contract modifications. Conversely, an overly conservative bid by the contractor to mitigate risk could result in a higher initial price for the government compared to other contract types.

How does this contract compare to similar facilities support services contracts at other Army installations?

Comparing this $35.1M contract for Fort Jackson to similar facilities support services contracts at other Army installations requires access to detailed data on scope, duration, and pricing of those contracts. Factors such as the size and specific mission of the installation, geographic location (affecting labor and material costs), and the complexity of services provided can significantly influence contract values. A preliminary assessment suggests the contract value is substantial, reflecting the importance of Fort Jackson as a major training command. Benchmarking would involve normalizing contract values based on factors like facility square footage, personnel supported, or specific service metrics to determine if the pricing is competitive within the broader Army infrastructure support landscape.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4900 SEMINARY RD STE 1200, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22311

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,254,389

Exercised Options: $35,089,858

Current Obligation: $35,089,858

Actual Outlays: $1,082,005

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: W52P1J17G0070

IDV Type: BOA

Timeline