DoD Awards $28.8M Contract for Mess Attendant Services at West Point
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $28,859,568 ($28.9M)
Contractor: Rice Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2022-05-18
End Date: 2026-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,474 days
Daily Burn Rate: $19.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: MESS ATTENDANT/WAITER SERVICES, USMA, WEST POINT, NY.
Place of Performance
Location: WEST POINT, ORANGE County, NEW YORK, 10996
State: New York Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $28.9 million to RICE SERVICES, INC. for work described as: MESS ATTENDANT/WAITER SERVICES, USMA, WEST POINT, NY. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to RICE SERVICES, INC. for food service. 2. Competition method: Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources. 3. Contract type: Firm Fixed Price, Definitive Contract. 4. Duration: 1474 days, ending May 2026. 5. Location: USMA, West Point, NY.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $28.8M over approximately 4 years suggests a reasonable price for comprehensive mess attendant and waiter services at a large military installation. Benchmarking against similar food service contracts at federal facilities would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources,' indicating a competitive process was used, though specific details on source exclusion are not provided. This method aims to ensure fair pricing through competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The firm fixed price structure helps control costs, and the competitive award process should ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for essential services.
Public Impact
Ensures essential food service operations at West Point. Supports military personnel and cadets by providing dining services. Contract value contributes to the local economy in New York.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific details on 'Exclusion of Sources' in competition.
- No clear indication of small business participation.
Positive Signals
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
- Long-term contract provides stability.
- Competitive award process.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Food Service Contractors sector, specifically NAICS code 722310. Spending in this sector supports essential operational needs for government facilities, with costs varying based on location, scale, and service complexity.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business subcontracting opportunities were included or pursued.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract is managed by the Department of the Army, a component of the Department of Defense. Oversight would involve ensuring service delivery meets contract requirements and financial accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Food Service Contractors
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Department of the Army Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
- No small business award noted.
- Long contract duration may present unforeseen cost risks.
- Dependence on a single contractor for essential services.
Tags
food-service-contractors, department-of-defense, ny, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $28.9 million to RICE SERVICES, INC.. MESS ATTENDANT/WAITER SERVICES, USMA, WEST POINT, NY.
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is RICE 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 $28.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-05-18. End: 2026-05-31.
What is the benchmark cost for mess attendant services at comparable federal institutions?
Benchmarking mess attendant services requires comparing contracts with similar scope, duration, and location. Factors like the number of personnel served, specific duties (e.g., food prep, serving, cleanup), and prevailing labor rates in the region are crucial. Without these details, a precise benchmark is difficult, but contracts for large institutional food services can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars over several years.
What are the specific reasons for excluding certain sources in the competition?
The exclusion of sources in a 'Full and Open Competition after Exclusion of Sources' award typically relates to specific technical requirements, past performance issues, or unique capabilities needed for the contract. Without further documentation from the solicitation or award notice, the exact reasons remain unclear, potentially limiting the breadth of competition.
How does the firm fixed price impact the government's risk and the contractor's incentive for efficiency?
A Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract shifts most of the cost risk to the contractor. This incentivizes the contractor, RICE SERVICES, INC., to manage costs efficiently to maximize profit. For the government, it provides budget certainty, as the price is fixed regardless of the contractor's actual costs, assuming no scope changes.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Accommodation and Food Services › Special Food Services › Food Service Contractors
Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: W911SD21R0054
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 506 W MAIN ST, SMITHVILLE, TN, 37166
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $58,840,997
Exercised Options: $31,975,605
Current Obligation: $28,859,568
Actual Outlays: $3,291,602
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-05-18
Current End Date: 2026-05-31
Potential End Date: 2029-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-16
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