DoD's $25.2M Task Force Safety contract awarded to AECOM for electrical services in USARCENT

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,212,782 ($25.2M)

Contractor: AECOM Technical Services, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-05-31

End Date: 2020-07-30

Contract Duration: 791 days

Daily Burn Rate: $31.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: TASK FORCE SAFETY ASSESSMENTS OF FIRE AND ELECTRICITY (TF SAFE) WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ARMY CENTRAL (USARCENT) AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY IGF::OT::IGF

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $25.2 million to AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: TASK FORCE SAFETY ASSESSMENTS OF FIRE AND ELECTRICITY (TF SAFE) WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ARMY CENTRAL (USARCENT) AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in operational safety infrastructure. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for this service. 3. Contract duration of approximately two years indicates a substantial, ongoing requirement. 4. The fixed-price nature of the contract aims to control costs and provide predictability. 5. Focus on fire and electrical safety highlights critical infrastructure protection needs. 6. Geographic focus on USARCENT area of responsibility implies support for deployed forces.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $25.2 million over two years for electrical safety assessments appears reasonable given the scope and geographic area. Benchmarking against similar large-scale infrastructure support contracts within DoD, this figure aligns with the complexity of operating in a designated area of responsibility. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests an expectation of cost control by the government, and the number of bids received (5) indicates a degree of market interest, which can contribute to fair pricing.

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. With five bids received, the competition level suggests a healthy interest from qualified contractors in providing these specialized safety assessment services. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and can lead to more competitive pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition with multiple bidders is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of securing services at a fair market price, preventing potential overpayment.

Public Impact

Service members and personnel operating within the USARCENT area of responsibility benefit from enhanced safety measures. The contract ensures critical infrastructure, including electrical systems and fire safety protocols, are assessed and maintained. Geographic impact is concentrated within the USARCENT operational theater, supporting deployed forces. Workforce implications include the need for specialized electrical and safety assessment personnel, potentially supporting local economies where contractors are based.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if initial assessments reveal unforeseen extensive remediation needs.
Dependence on contractor expertise for accurate and thorough safety evaluations.
Geopolitical instability in the area of responsibility could impact contract performance and timelines.

Positive Signals

Clear focus on essential safety functions, reducing risk to personnel and assets.
Firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Award to a known entity (AECOM) suggests a level of confidence in their capabilities.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the construction and professional services sector, specifically focusing on electrical contractors and wiring installation. The market for such services within defense contexts is substantial, driven by the need to maintain operational readiness and safety in diverse and often challenging environments. AECOM's role as a large, established technical services provider positions them well for complex, geographically dispersed contracts like this one. Comparable spending often involves significant investments in base infrastructure, force protection, and operational support services.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. While AECOM is a large business, there is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses. The absence of set-aside language suggests that opportunities for small businesses would likely arise through subcontracting, the extent of which is not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of the Army and potentially the Inspector General for the Department of Defense, especially concerning the effective use of funds and performance quality. The firm-fixed-price nature provides a degree of accountability for the contractor to deliver services within the agreed-upon budget. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

US Army Corps of Engineers construction and facilities support contracts
DoD Fire and Emergency Services contracts
Base Operations Support (BOS) contracts
Contingency Base Support Services

Risk Flags

Geographic instability risk
Contractor performance risk
Scope definition clarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $25.2 million to AECOM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC.. TASK FORCE SAFETY ASSESSMENTS OF FIRE AND ELECTRICITY (TF SAFE) WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ARMY CENTRAL (USARCENT) AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AECOM TECHNICAL 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 $25.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-05-31. End: 2020-07-30.

What is AECOM's track record with similar Department of Defense safety assessment contracts?

AECOM Technical Services, Inc. has a significant history of performing complex technical and professional services for the Department of Defense, including infrastructure assessment, engineering, and support services. While specific details on prior 'Task Force Safety Assessments' for fire and electricity within USARCENT are not immediately available in this data snippet, AECOM's broader portfolio includes extensive work in base operations support, facilities engineering, and environmental services for military clients globally. Their experience often involves navigating challenging operational environments and adhering to stringent military standards. A deeper dive into their contract history with DoD agencies would reveal the scale and scope of their past performance in related safety and infrastructure management areas, providing context for their capability to execute this specific contract effectively.

How does the $25.2 million contract value compare to similar fire and electrical safety assessment contracts within DoD?

Benchmarking the $25.2 million contract value requires comparing it to similar contracts for fire and electrical safety assessments within the Department of Defense, considering factors like geographic scope, duration, and specific services. Contracts for large-scale infrastructure assessments in operational theaters can range significantly. For a two-year period supporting a specific area of responsibility like USARCENT, this value appears to be within a reasonable range, especially if it includes comprehensive assessments, potential minor remediation oversight, and specialized expertise. However, without specific comparable contract data points (e.g., cost per facility assessed, cost per square mile), a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. Generally, contracts of this magnitude for specialized technical services in support of military operations are substantial investments.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks for this contract include potential geopolitical instability impacting access and operations within the USARCENT area of responsibility, leading to delays or increased costs. Another risk is the accuracy and thoroughness of the safety assessments themselves; any oversight could have severe consequences. Furthermore, the firm-fixed-price nature, while beneficial for cost control, could incentivize the contractor to minimize effort if not properly monitored, potentially impacting the quality of assessments. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by the Army, clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and potentially incorporating clauses for unforeseen operational disruptions. The contractor's expertise and established safety protocols are also key mitigation factors.

What is the expected program effectiveness and impact on operational readiness?

The expected program effectiveness hinges on the thoroughness and accuracy of the fire and electrical safety assessments conducted by AECOM. By identifying and addressing potential hazards, the contract directly contributes to enhancing the safety of personnel and the security of critical infrastructure within the USARCENT area of responsibility. Improved safety conditions and the mitigation of electrical and fire risks are crucial for maintaining operational readiness, as they reduce the likelihood of accidents, equipment damage, and mission disruptions. Effective implementation should lead to a more secure and reliable operating environment for deployed forces.

How has spending on similar safety assessment services evolved within the Department of the Army over the past five years?

Analyzing historical spending trends for similar safety assessment services within the Department of the Army over the past five years would require access to comprehensive federal procurement data. Generally, spending on infrastructure maintenance, safety, and operational support services for deployed forces tends to be consistent, with potential fluctuations based on geopolitical conditions, modernization efforts, and budget allocations. Contracts focused on critical areas like fire and electrical safety are often prioritized to ensure force protection and asset preservation. An increase in such contracts could indicate a heightened focus on risk mitigation or a response to aging infrastructure. Conversely, a decrease might suggest shifts in strategic priorities or consolidation of services.

What is the significance of the 'Task Force Safety Assessments' designation?

The designation 'Task Force Safety Assessments' (TF SAFE) suggests a focused, potentially urgent, and integrated approach to evaluating critical safety aspects within a specific operational command (USARCENT). The 'Task Force' element implies a dedicated team or initiative possibly formed to address a particular set of safety concerns or to streamline safety oversight in a complex environment. This designation underscores the importance placed on proactively identifying and mitigating fire and electrical hazards to ensure the well-being of personnel and the integrity of military assets within that area of responsibility. It signals a commitment to robust safety management beyond routine inspections.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Construction › Building Equipment Contractors › Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W912DY18RXXX1

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: AECOM (UEI: 153561212)

Address: 300 S GRAND AVE STE 1100, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90071

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,211,794

Exercised Options: $25,212,782

Current Obligation: $25,212,782

Actual Outlays: $41,154

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 130

Total Subaward Amount: $315,554,936

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline