DoD's $22.5M Amentum Services Contract for Afghanistan Electrical Repairs Faces Scrutiny Over Value and Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $22,464,510 ($22.5M)

Contractor: Amentum Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2014-02-18

End Date: 2021-12-31

Contract Duration: 2,873 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT AND REPAIRS, FIRE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM IN AFGHANISTAN.

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $22.5 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT AND REPAIRS, FIRE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM IN AFGHANISTAN. Key points: 1. The contract awarded to Amentum Services, Inc. for electrical assessment and repairs in Afghanistan raises questions about its overall value given the duration and location. 2. While listed as 'Full and Open Competition', the specific nature of the services and the geopolitical context may have limited genuine competitive pressure. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the significant expenditure warrants a closer look at the pricing and performance. 4. The sector, broadly related to facility maintenance and support services, is common in defense operations, but the specific application in a high-risk environment is notable.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's total value of over $22 million for electrical repairs and fire safety training over nearly eight years appears high, especially considering the operational context in Afghanistan. Benchmarking against similar contracts for facility maintenance in austere environments is difficult but the cost per year is substantial.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition'. However, the specialized nature of services required in a complex geopolitical environment like Afghanistan might have implicitly limited the pool of truly capable and willing bidders, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: The significant expenditure of taxpayer funds on services in a challenging overseas location necessitates robust justification to ensure value for money and effective use of resources.

Public Impact

Taxpayer funds are being utilized for essential infrastructure maintenance and safety training in a high-cost, high-risk operational theater. The contract supports U.S. military operations and personnel safety through critical infrastructure upkeep. The long duration of the contract raises questions about adaptability to changing conditions and potential for cost overruns or inefficiencies.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Geopolitical Risk
Contract Duration
Value for Money
Limited Competition Potential

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price Contract
Essential Service Provision

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under facility support services, a broad category often associated with government operations. Spending benchmarks for such services can vary widely based on location, scope, and security requirements. The context of Afghanistan suggests potentially higher operational costs and risks compared to domestic contracts.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The award to Amentum Services, Inc., a large entity, suggests a focus on established prime contractors for complex overseas operations.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract's long duration and significant value warrant thorough oversight to ensure that services are delivered effectively, costs are managed appropriately, and the objectives are being met. Audits and performance reviews would be crucial.

Related Government Programs

Landscaping Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Army Programs

Risk Flags

High contract value for services in a challenging environment.
Potential for limited effective competition despite 'Full and Open' status.
Long contract duration raises concerns about adaptability and cost control.
Lack of specific performance metrics or outcome data provided.
Geopolitical instability in Afghanistan could impact service delivery and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $22.5 million to AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT AND REPAIRS, FIRE SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM IN AFGHANISTAN.

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 $22.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-02-18. End: 2021-12-31.

What specific metrics were used to determine the $22.5 million value, and how do these compare to industry standards for similar services in comparable environments?

The data provided does not include the specific metrics used for valuation. Determining the appropriate value requires detailed cost breakdowns, labor rates, material costs, and risk premiums specific to operating in Afghanistan. Benchmarking against similar contracts is challenging due to the unique geopolitical and operational context, but a thorough analysis would involve comparing cost-per-square-foot for maintenance, hourly labor rates for specialized technicians, and overhead costs adjusted for the austere environment.

Given the 'Full and Open Competition' designation, what steps were taken to ensure a broad and competitive bidding process, and were there any pre-qualification requirements that might have limited pa

The designation 'Full and Open Competition' implies that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. However, the effectiveness of this competition depends on the specific solicitation requirements, outreach efforts, and the availability of qualified contractors willing and able to operate in Afghanistan. Without further details on the solicitation and bidding process, it's difficult to assess if the competition was truly robust or if practical limitations narrowed the field significantly.

How effectively were the fire safety training program objectives met, and what was the measurable impact on safety protocols and incident reduction in Afghanistan?

The provided data does not contain information on the effectiveness or outcomes of the fire safety training program. Assessing its success would require reviewing performance reports, training completion rates, post-training assessments, and any data on fire incidents or safety improvements during the contract period. This information is critical for evaluating the overall value and impact of the contract beyond just the provision of services.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Services to Buildings and Dwellings › Landscaping Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: AECOM (UEI: 153561212)

Address: 20501 SENECA MEADOWS PKWY STE 300, GERMANTOWN, MD, 20876

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $22,464,510

Exercised Options: $22,464,510

Current Obligation: $22,464,510

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS21F0053U

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline