Army's ASBS 2.0 Phase 1 Contract Awarded for $29.4M to Alaska Northstar Resources LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,426,384 ($29.4M)

Contractor: Alaska Northstar Resources LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2022-08-26

End Date: 2025-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,039 days

Daily Burn Rate: $28.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: ANALYSIS AND TRANSITION - PHASE 1 OF THE ARMY SELECTION BOARD SYSTEM (ASBS) 2.0 SUPPORT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE U.S. ARMY HUMAN RESOURCES COMMAND AT FORT KNOX, KY. ASBS 2.0 PHASE 1 IS FOR 30 DAYS WITH PHASE 2 BEING COMPLETED BY 30 MARCH 2023.

Place of Performance

Location: FORT KNOX, HARDIN County, KENTUCKY, 40122

State: Kentucky Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $29.4 million to ALASKA NORTHSTAR RESOURCES LLC for work described as: ANALYSIS AND TRANSITION - PHASE 1 OF THE ARMY SELECTION BOARD SYSTEM (ASBS) 2.0 SUPPORT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE U.S. ARMY HUMAN RESOURCES COMMAND AT FORT KNOX, KY. ASBS 2.0 PHASE 1 IS FOR 30 DAYS WITH PHASE 2 BEING COMPLETED BY 30 MARCH 2023. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for critical Army Selection Board System (ASBS) 2.0 support. 2. Focus on Phase 1 of ASBS 2.0, with a short 30-day duration for this initial phase. 3. Potential for follow-on phases extending to June 2025. 4. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, providing cost certainty. 5. Awarded to Alaska Northstar Resources LLC, a single vendor.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $29.4M for a 30-day Phase 1 seems high. Benchmarking against similar custom computer programming services for short-duration projects is difficult without more detailed scope information. The subsequent phases extending to 2025 suggest this initial award might be a placeholder or a precursor to a larger effort.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This approach may bypass competitive pricing discovery, potentially leading to higher costs than a fully competitive process. The rationale for limiting competition is not provided.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition raises concerns about whether taxpayers received the best possible price for these essential IT support services.

Public Impact

Ensures continuity of operations for the Army Selection Board System. Supports critical human resources functions for the U.S. Army. Potential for future contract phases impacting long-term system development. Limited competition raises questions about cost-effectiveness for taxpayers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
High contract value for short initial phase
Lack of detailed scope for Phase 1

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type
Supports critical Army HR functions
Potential for long-term system improvement

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under custom computer programming services, a common IT sector. Spending in this area is substantial across government agencies. Benchmarks for similar short-term, high-value IT support contracts are difficult to establish without more context on the specific services rendered.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Alaska Northstar Resources LLC. There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this specific award, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation goals were considered.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a definitive contract awarded by the Department of the Army. Oversight would typically involve program managers and contracting officers ensuring performance and adherence to terms. The limited competition aspect warrants closer scrutiny from oversight bodies.

Related Government Programs

Custom Computer Programming Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises cost concerns.
High value for a short initial phase.
Lack of transparency regarding competition justification.
Potential for cost overruns in subsequent phases.
Insufficient detail on performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $29.4 million to ALASKA NORTHSTAR RESOURCES LLC. ANALYSIS AND TRANSITION - PHASE 1 OF THE ARMY SELECTION BOARD SYSTEM (ASBS) 2.0 SUPPORT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE U.S. ARMY HUMAN RESOURCES COMMAND AT FORT KNOX, KY. ASBS 2.0 PHASE 1 IS FOR 30 DAYS WITH PHASE 2 BEING COMPLETED BY 30 MARCH 2023.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALASKA NORTHSTAR RESOURCES 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 $29.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-08-26. End: 2025-06-30.

What is the specific scope of work for the 30-day Phase 1, and how does it justify the $29.4M cost?

The provided data does not detail the specific tasks or deliverables for the 30-day Phase 1 of the ASBS 2.0 support services. The high cost for such a short duration suggests either highly specialized, urgent requirements or that this phase is a prelude to a much larger, unawarded effort. Without a detailed SOW, it's impossible to validate the value proposition.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a limited or sole-source basis, and what was the process for price negotiation?

The data states the contract was 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' indicating a limited source justification. The specific reason for this limitation (e.g., urgency, unique capabilities) is not provided. Firm Fixed Price contracts require negotiation, but without competition, the government's leverage in achieving the lowest possible price is diminished, raising concerns about potential overpayment.

How will the effectiveness of ASBS 2.0 Phase 1 support be measured, and what are the key performance indicators?

The provided data does not specify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or the methodology for measuring the effectiveness of the ASBS 2.0 Phase 1 support. Given the short duration and the critical nature of HR systems, clear, measurable objectives and performance standards are essential for ensuring the successful implementation and transition of this system.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Custom Computer Programming Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 315 LINCOLN ST, SITKA, AK, 99835

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: $29,426,384

Exercised Options: $29,426,384

Current Obligation: $29,426,384

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline