DoD spent over $792M to train and mentor Afghan forces, providing contractor logistics support for maintenance and supply chain operations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $792,342,385 ($792.3M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2017-05-23

End Date: 2021-08-30

Contract Duration: 1,560 days

Daily Burn Rate: $507.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THIS ACTION PROCURES TRAINING AND MENTORING FOR THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL DEFENSE SECURITY FORCES (ANDSF) AT THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTAINER LEVEL IN MAINTENANCE, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, AND WAREHOUSE SUPPLY SUPPORT. THE ANDSF CONSISTS OF THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL ARMY (ANA) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE (MOD) AND THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL POLICE (ANP) IN THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR (MOI). THE ANA AND ANP OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY OF EACH OTHER WITH SEPARATE FACILITIES, MAINTENANCE LOCATIONS, AND OPERATING PROCEDURES. THIS EFFORT ALSO WILL PROVIDE CONTRACTOR LOGISTICS SUPPORT (CLS) FOR A DEFINED PERCENTAGE OF THE MAINTENANCE WORK ORDERS TO AUGMENT ANDSF-PERFORMED MAINTENANCE AND STRENGTHEN OPERATIONAL READINESS (OR). THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRACTOR-COMPLETED WORK ORDERS WILL DECREASE IN EACH YEAR OF PERFORMANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT. THE REQUIRING ACTIVITY, COMBINED SECURITY TRANSITION COMMAND-AFGHANISTAN (CSTC-A), PROVIDED THE REQUIRED PERCENTAGES OF CONTRACTOR-PERFORMED WORK ORDERS TO FACILITATE SELF-SUFFICIENT ANDSF LOGISTICS OPERATIONS BY THE END OF THE CONTRACT. CLS ALSO INCLUDES TASKS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE ANDSF SUPPLY SYSTEM, IMPLEMENT A MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, AND TRACK AND REPORT DATA NECESSARY TO MONITOR THE OR RATE FOR THE ENTIRE ANDSF FLEET OF VEHICLES AND GROUND EQUIPMENT. THE CONTRACTOR WILL ALSO PROVIDE BASIC LIFE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ITS PERSONNEL DURING PERFORMANCE OF THIS EFFORT. FURTHER, THIS ACTION EXERCISES THE OPTION FOR CONTRACTOR-PROVIDED MOBILE AND STATIC SECURITY. IGF::OT::IGF.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $792.3 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: THIS ACTION PROCURES TRAINING AND MENTORING FOR THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL DEFENSE SECURITY FORCES (ANDSF) AT THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTAINER LEVEL IN MAINTENANCE, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, AND WAREHOUSE SUPPLY SUPPORT. THE ANDSF CONSISTS OF THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL ARMY (ANA) IN THE … Key points: 1. The contract aimed to enhance the operational readiness of the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) through specialized training and contractor logistics support. 2. A significant portion of the contract value was allocated to providing contractor logistics support (CLS) for maintenance, augmenting the ANDSF's own capabilities. 3. The contract structure included a decreasing percentage of contractor-completed work orders over time, indicating a phased approach to building ANDSF self-sufficiency. 4. The training and support covered critical areas such as maintenance, supply chain management, and warehouse supply support for both the Afghan National Army and Police. 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a broad market search for qualified contractors. 6. The use of a Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract type suggests that contractor performance on specific metrics would influence the final payment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount of over $792 million for a period of approximately four years represents a substantial investment in security force capacity building. Benchmarking this against similar international security assistance programs is challenging due to the unique geopolitical context and specific operational requirements in Afghanistan. The CPIF contract type, while allowing for flexibility, can lead to higher costs if performance targets are not met efficiently. The decreasing reliance on contractor logistics support over time suggests an intent to manage long-term costs and foster local capability, but the initial high expenditure warrants scrutiny.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating that the Department of the Army sought proposals from all responsible sources. The data does not specify the number of bids received, but the use of this procurement method generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the best value offering. The fact that it was competed broadly suggests that multiple companies had the capability to perform this complex training and support mission.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it encourages a competitive environment, which can lead to more reasonable pricing and better quality services. It ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by leveraging market forces to obtain the best possible outcome.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries were the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), including the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP), who received critical training and logistical support. Services delivered included management and maintainer-level training in maintenance, supply chain management, and warehouse supply support. Contractor logistics support (CLS) was provided to augment ANDSF maintenance capabilities and strengthen operational readiness. The geographic impact was concentrated within Afghanistan, supporting the stability and operational effectiveness of Afghan security institutions. Workforce implications include the training of ANDSF personnel to eventually assume full responsibility for these functions, reducing long-term reliance on external support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

High dollar value contract in a complex and volatile operational environment.
Reliance on contractor logistics support (CLS) for critical functions raises questions about long-term sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
The success of the training and mentoring is directly tied to the stability and effectiveness of the Afghan government and its security forces.
Potential for cost overruns given the CPIF contract type and the inherent uncertainties of operating in Afghanistan.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
Phased approach to reducing contractor involvement over time aims to build local capacity.
Focus on critical areas like maintenance and supply chain management is essential for operational readiness.
Contract aimed to directly support and strengthen national security forces.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically logistics consulting and support. The market for such services in support of international security operations is significant, though highly specialized and often concentrated among a few large defense contractors. The total spending of over $792 million on this single contract highlights the substantial resources dedicated to capacity-building efforts in complex environments. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish precisely due to the unique nature of the mission and location.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Given the scale and complexity of the training and logistics support required for national defense forces in a foreign country, it is likely that large, experienced defense contractors were best positioned to compete. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight mechanisms for this contract would typically involve the Department of the Army contracting officer and their representatives, as well as potentially the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) given the context. Transparency is facilitated through contract awards databases, but detailed performance metrics and financial breakdowns may be limited. Accountability measures would be tied to the CPIF contract terms, incentivizing performance while allowing for cost reimbursement.

Related Government Programs

Afghanistan Security Forces Fund (ASFF)
Security Cooperation Programs
Foreign Military Sales (FMS)
Logistics and Maintenance Support Services
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) related contracts

Risk Flags

High-risk operational environment
Complex logistical requirements
Capacity building in developing security forces
Potential for fraud, waste, and abuse
Sustainability of support post-contract

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $792.3 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. THIS ACTION PROCURES TRAINING AND MENTORING FOR THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL DEFENSE SECURITY FORCES (ANDSF) AT THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTAINER LEVEL IN MAINTENANCE, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, AND WAREHOUSE SUPPLY SUPPORT. THE ANDSF CONSISTS OF THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL ARMY (ANA) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENSE (MOD) AND THE AFGHANISTAN NATIONAL POLICE (ANP) IN THE MINISTRY OF INTERIOR (MOI). THE ANA AND ANP OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY OF EACH OTHER WITH SEPARATE FACILITIES, MAINTENANCE LOCATIONS, AND OPERATING PR

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AMENTUM 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 $792.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-05-23. End: 2021-08-30.

What was the contractor's track record prior to and during this contract?

Amentum Services, Inc. (formerly AECOM's Management Services division) has a long history of providing support services to government agencies, including extensive work in defense, intelligence, and infrastructure sectors, often in challenging overseas environments. Prior to this specific contract, Amentum and its predecessor entities had experience in similar security assistance and logistics support roles. During the life of this contract (2017-2021), performance would have been monitored through contractually defined metrics and reporting requirements. While specific performance details are not publicly detailed in the provided data, the continuation and value of such contracts typically indicate a satisfactory level of performance, though specific challenges or successes would be documented in internal government reviews and potentially in reports from oversight bodies like SIGAR.

How does the value of this contract compare to similar international security assistance efforts?

The $792 million awarded for training and logistics support to the ANDSF is a significant sum, reflecting the scale and complexity of nation-building and security capacity efforts. Comparing it directly to 'similar' contracts is difficult due to the unique geopolitical context of Afghanistan and the specific nature of the ANDSF. However, large-scale security assistance programs often run into hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars over their lifecycles. For instance, broader security cooperation initiatives in other regions or historical programs like the reconstruction efforts in Iraq also involved substantial financial commitments for training, equipment, and logistical support. The value here is substantial but must be viewed within the context of the overarching U.S. strategy in Afghanistan during that period.

What were the primary risks associated with this contract, and how were they managed?

The primary risks included the volatile security environment in Afghanistan, potential for corruption, challenges in effective knowledge transfer to ANDSF personnel, and the sustainability of the support infrastructure post-contract. Management strategies likely involved robust security protocols for personnel and assets, stringent financial controls and auditing, phased training approaches to build ANDSF self-sufficiency, and continuous monitoring of operational readiness metrics. The contract's structure, with decreasing contractor involvement over time, was a risk mitigation strategy aimed at fostering long-term sustainability. The CPIF structure also aimed to manage cost risks by incentivizing efficient performance.

How effective was the training and contractor logistics support in achieving the stated goals of enhancing ANDSF operational readiness?

Assessing the precise effectiveness is complex and depends on metrics not fully detailed in the provided data. The goal was to enhance ANDSF operational readiness through training and CLS. Reports from oversight bodies like SIGAR often highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in building the ANDSF's capabilities. While the training and support provided undoubtedly contributed to the ANDSF's operational capacity during the contract period, the ultimate effectiveness was intertwined with broader political, security, and leadership factors within Afghanistan. The long-term sustainability of these gains remained a significant concern, as evidenced by subsequent events.

What were the historical spending patterns for ANDSF training and support prior to this contract?

Prior to this specific contract (awarded in 2017), significant funds had already been allocated towards training, equipping, and supporting the ANDSF through various mechanisms, including the Afghanistan Security Forces Fund (ASFF). Spending on ANDSF development had been a cornerstone of U.S. policy in Afghanistan for over a decade, often amounting to billions of dollars annually through different phases of the conflict and reconstruction efforts. This contract represents a specific, large-scale procurement within that broader historical context of sustained U.S. investment in Afghan security institutions.

How did the decreasing percentage of contractor-completed work orders impact the overall cost and effectiveness?

The phased reduction in contractor-completed work orders was designed to progressively transfer responsibilities to the ANDSF, thereby aiming to increase their self-sufficiency and potentially reduce long-term costs. From a cost perspective, this transition could lead to savings as contractor rates are typically higher than in-house labor. However, the effectiveness hinges on the ANDSF's capacity to absorb these responsibilities. If the ANDSF lacked the necessary skills, resources, or stability to take over, the reduction in contractor support could have negatively impacted operational readiness, potentially requiring adjustments or continued, albeit reduced, contractor involvement. The success of this phasing is critical to the contract's overall value proposition.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W56HZV15R0139

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: COST PLUS INCENTIVE FEE (V)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Pae-Parsons Global Logistics Services, LLC

Address: 4800 WESTFIELDS BLVD STE 400, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,007,587,610

Exercised Options: $792,342,385

Current Obligation: $792,342,385

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $37,828

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline