Department of Defense awards $9.98M contract for administrative management consulting services to Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,977,756 ($10.0M)

Contractor: Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2006-09-25

End Date: 2011-03-25

Contract Duration: 1,642 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: JUNIOR RESEARCH ANALYST - ANALYST LVL II

Place of Performance

Location: UPPER MARLBORO, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20774

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $10.0 million to HOME INNOVATION RESEARCH LABS, INC. for work described as: JUNIOR RESEARCH ANALYST - ANALYST LVL II Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 1642 days indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. Services fall under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting, a broad category. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 5. The award was a single delivery order, potentially indicating a phased approach or specific tasking. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611 points to a specific segment of the consulting market.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value for this specific contract is challenging without more detailed service descriptions and comparable contract data. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while common for certain types of consulting, can lead to less predictable costs compared to fixed-price contracts. The total award amount of $9.98 million over approximately 4.5 years suggests a moderate annual expenditure for the services provided. Further analysis would require comparing the hourly rates and total costs against similar government contracts for administrative management consulting.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The fact that it was a single delivery order suggests that the competition may have been for a specific task or project within a broader potential requirement. The level of competition is not explicitly stated (e.g., number of bidders), but full and open competition generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select from a wide range of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it is intended to drive down prices through market forces and ensure the government receives the best value. It reduces the risk of inflated costs that can occur with less competitive solicitations.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary of this contract is the Department of the Army, receiving administrative and management consulting support. The services delivered are expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative and general management functions within the Army. The geographic impact is likely concentrated within the Department of the Army's operational areas, potentially nationwide or specific installations. Workforce implications could include support for existing Army personnel by providing specialized consulting expertise, or potentially involving the contractor's personnel directly in project execution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the quality of services delivered.
The broad nature of 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' could lead to scope creep if not well-defined.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that should yield fair pricing.
The contractor, Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc., has secured a significant contract, indicating a level of trust and capability.
The contract duration suggests a sustained need and potential for long-term strategic support for the agency.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management consulting. This sector is a significant component of federal spending, supporting a wide array of government functions. The market for administrative and management consulting is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other contracts for similar consulting services across various federal agencies to gauge pricing and value.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the primary focus was on full and open competition. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc. voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors, which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the designated contract specialist or administrator within the Department of the Army. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance work statement and the terms of the Time and Materials contract. Transparency is facilitated by the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which records contract awards. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Management and Consulting Services
Professional Services Contracts
Department of Defense Administrative Support
Army Consulting Engagements

Risk Flags

Time and Materials Contract Type
Potential for Scope Creep
Need for Detailed Performance Metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $10.0 million to HOME INNOVATION RESEARCH LABS, INC.. JUNIOR RESEARCH ANALYST - ANALYST LVL II

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HOME INNOVATION RESEARCH LABS, 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 $10.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2006-09-25. End: 2011-03-25.

What is the historical spending pattern for Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc. with the federal government?

Analyzing the historical spending patterns for Home Innovation Research Labs, Inc. requires accessing comprehensive federal procurement databases. While this specific contract represents a significant award of $9.98 million, understanding the contractor's broader federal footprint involves examining all their awarded contracts across different agencies and years. This includes looking at the types of services they have provided, the agencies they have served, and the total value of contracts over time. A review of past performance can reveal trends in their service offerings, their success rate in winning bids, and their overall contribution to federal programs. Without access to a complete historical database, it's difficult to provide a detailed spending pattern, but this single award indicates a capacity to handle substantial government contracts.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure compare to other contract types for similar consulting services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to change, allowing flexibility. However, they can be less cost-predictable for the government compared to Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts, where the price is set upfront. For administrative and management consulting, FFP contracts are often preferred when requirements are well-defined, offering better cost certainty. Other contract types like Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) involve reimbursing costs plus a fixed fee. The suitability of T&M depends on the specific project's nature; it can be effective if managed with strict oversight on labor hours and rates, but it carries a higher risk of cost escalation if not properly controlled, potentially making it less cost-effective than FFP for stable requirements.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) typically associated with administrative management consulting contracts?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for administrative management consulting contracts are crucial for measuring success and ensuring value for money. While not detailed in the provided data, typical KPIs often include metrics related to efficiency improvements (e.g., reduction in process cycle times, cost savings achieved), effectiveness of implemented solutions (e.g., improved accuracy rates, enhanced decision-making capabilities), client satisfaction (measured through surveys or feedback), adherence to project timelines and budgets, and successful knowledge transfer to agency personnel. For this specific contract, KPIs might focus on optimizing administrative workflows, improving resource allocation, or enhancing the strategic planning capabilities within the Department of the Army. Robust KPIs are essential for managing T&M contracts effectively.

What is the typical market size and competition level for administrative management consulting services within the federal government?

The federal market for administrative and management consulting services is substantial and highly competitive. Numerous large and small businesses vie for these contracts, offering a wide range of expertise from strategic planning and organizational design to process improvement and change management. The competition level can vary significantly depending on the specific service niche, agency, and contract vehicle. While large, comprehensive contracts like this one may see fewer bidders due to qualification requirements, the overall sector is characterized by a dynamic ecosystem of providers. Agencies often utilize various contract types and vehicles, including GSA schedules and task orders under larger IDIQs, to access these services, reflecting the broad demand and diverse supplier base.

Are there any specific risks associated with contracting for administrative management consulting services, particularly under a Time and Materials structure?

Yes, there are specific risks associated with contracting for administrative management consulting, especially under a Time and Materials (T&M) structure. A primary risk is cost escalation, as T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for actual labor hours and material costs, which can exceed initial estimates if not carefully managed. Scope creep is another significant risk; without clear definitions and controls, the project's objectives can expand, leading to increased costs and timelines. Contractor performance is also a risk; the quality of advice and implementation may not meet expectations. Furthermore, ensuring the contractor's personnel possess the necessary expertise and maintain objectivity can be challenging. Robust oversight, clear task definitions, and strong performance management are critical to mitigating these risks.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: National Association of Home Builders

Address: 400 PRINCE GEORGES BLVD, UPPER MARLBORO, MD, 20774

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $10,442,518

Exercised Options: $10,442,518

Current Obligation: $9,977,756

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0025L

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline