DoD's $19.8M contract for Basrah task force support awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $19,829,876 ($19.8M)

Contractor: Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-02-25

End Date: 2011-05-10

Contract Duration: 1,170 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: {PIIN: W91GDW08C4012} TFBSO - TASK FORCE FOR BASRAH

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $19.8 million to MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES for work described as: {PIIN: W91GDW08C4012} TFBSO - TASK FORCE FOR BASRAH Key points: 1. Contract awarded for administrative and general management consulting services. 2. Duration of 1170 days indicates a long-term support requirement. 3. Firm Fixed Price contract type aims to control costs. 4. Awarded by the Department of the Army, indicating a defense-related need. 5. No small business set-aside, suggesting a focus on larger prime contractors. 6. The contract's purpose is tied to a specific geographic region (Basrah).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $19.8 million over approximately three years for administrative and general management consulting services is moderate for a Department of Defense contract. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for overseas operational support or consulting services would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the firm fixed-price structure suggests an attempt to manage cost predictability. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, it's challenging to definitively assess the value received.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and service quality. The number of bidders is not specified, but the full and open nature suggests a robust competition was intended.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive bids and potentially lower prices.

Public Impact

Provides administrative and management support to a task force operating in Basrah. Supports Department of Defense operations in a foreign theater. Likely impacts military personnel and civilian staff assigned to the task force. Contributes to the logistical and operational effectiveness of the task force.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess contractor effectiveness.
Geographic location in Basrah may present logistical and security challenges impacting service delivery.
Contract duration could lead to contractor complacency if not actively managed.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive award process.
Awarded by a major federal agency (Department of Defense) implies a structured procurement process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically administrative management and general management consulting. This sector is a significant component of federal spending, supporting a wide range of government functions. Contracts of this nature are often used to provide specialized expertise or augment government staff for specific projects or operational needs, particularly in complex or overseas environments.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor is likely a larger entity, and the focus was on obtaining the best overall offer rather than specifically promoting small business participation in this instance.

Oversight & Accountability

As a Department of Defense contract, this award is subject to various oversight mechanisms, including internal agency audits, potential Inspector General reviews, and congressional oversight. The firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial accountability. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases, though specific performance monitoring details are typically internal.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Administrative Support Contracts
Overseas Operations Support Contracts
Management Consulting Services for Government Agencies

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds typical short-term support needs.
Geographic location presents inherent security and logistical risks.
Lack of specific performance metrics hinders value assessment.
Contractor identity is broadly categorized ('Miscellaneous Foreign Awardees').

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $19.8 million to MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES. {PIIN: W91GDW08C4012} TFBSO - TASK FORCE FOR BASRAH

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $19.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-02-25. End: 2011-05-10.

What were the specific administrative and general management consulting services required under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract was for 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' (NAICS code 541611). While the specific tasks are not detailed, this typically encompasses a broad range of support functions. These could include strategic planning, organizational analysis, process improvement, administrative support, human resources consulting, and general management advice tailored to the needs of the Task Force for Basrah. The exact scope would have been defined in the Statement of Work (SOW) within the contract documentation, outlining deliverables, performance standards, and reporting requirements for the contractor.

How does the $19.8 million contract value compare to similar support contracts for overseas task forces?

Comparing the $19.8 million value requires context on the duration, scope, and specific services. For a contract spanning 1170 days (over three years), this averages approximately $5.3 million per year. This figure is moderate for supporting overseas military or governmental operations, which can often involve significant logistical, security, and personnel costs. Contracts for similar functions in high-risk or remote locations can vary widely. Without access to a database of comparable contracts with detailed service descriptions and performance outcomes, a precise benchmark is difficult. However, the value suggests a substantial, long-term support requirement.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration contract (1170 days) for services in a region like Basrah?

Long-duration contracts, especially in complex environments like Basrah, carry several risks. Firstly, the 'cost-plus' nature of some contracts can lead to cost overruns if not tightly managed, though this contract is Firm Fixed Price. Secondly, the extended period might lead to contractor complacency or a decline in service quality if performance is not rigorously monitored. Thirdly, geopolitical or security situations in regions like Basrah can change rapidly, potentially impacting the contractor's ability to deliver services or requiring contract modifications. Finally, institutional knowledge might become concentrated within the contractor, creating dependency and potential challenges during transition periods. The Firm Fixed Price structure mitigates some financial risk, but operational and performance risks remain.

What does the 'MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES' designation imply about the contractor?

The designation 'MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN AWARDEES' suggests that the prime contractor for this award was not a U.S.-based entity. This could mean the company is headquartered in another country, or it might be a U.S. company operating through a foreign subsidiary or local presence to fulfill the contract requirements in Basrah. This designation is often used for awards made outside the United States or to entities not typically categorized under standard U.S. business classifications, particularly when dealing with international operations or foreign partners.

How does the 'Department of the Army' awarding this contract align with the need for support in Basrah?

The Department of the Army awarding this contract aligns with historical U.S. military presence and operations in Iraq, including the Basrah region. The Army is typically responsible for ground operations and often manages logistical, administrative, and support functions for deployed forces. A task force operating in Basrah would likely fall under Army command or coordination, necessitating administrative and management support services. Therefore, the Army awarding this contract is consistent with its role in managing military operations and personnel in such theaters.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: MISCELLANEOUS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2011 CRYSTAL DR STE 911, ARLINGTON, VA, 08

Business Categories: Category Business, Foreign Owned, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,948,605

Exercised Options: $20,948,605

Current Obligation: $19,829,876

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Timeline