DoD's $32.3M contract for chemical and biological defense support awarded to Analytic Services Inc. shows fair value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $32,348,967 ($32.3M)

Contractor: Analytic Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2012-01-11

End Date: 2016-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,816 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE (CBD) PROGRAM SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $32.3 million to ANALYTIC SERVICES INC. for work described as: CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE (CBD) PROGRAM SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value of $32.3 million over nearly five years suggests a moderate annual spend. 2. Awarded under a BPA Call, indicating a pre-competed framework. 3. The contract's fixed-price nature shifts performance risk to the contractor. 4. Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services (NAICS 541611) is a common category for support services. 5. The contract was fully and openly competed, suggesting a competitive pricing environment. 6. The contractor, Analytic Services Inc., has a history of government contracts. 7. The contract duration of 1816 days (approx. 5 years) is typical for complex support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $32.3 million over approximately five years averages to about $6.5 million annually. This appears reasonable for comprehensive support services to a critical program like Chemical and Biological Defense. Without specific deliverables or performance metrics, a direct value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the fixed-price structure incentivizes efficiency. Benchmarking against similar large-scale consulting contracts for defense programs would provide further context, but the overall spend seems aligned with the scope of supporting a major DoD initiative.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of 3 bids suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of service. A competitive bidding process generally leads to more favorable pricing for the government as contractors vie for the award. The specific details of the bidding process and the evaluation criteria would further illuminate the effectiveness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces. It provides the best opportunity for the government to secure high-quality services at the most competitive rates.

Public Impact

The Department of Defense benefits from enhanced support for its Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) program. Services provided likely include research, analysis, planning, and program management to bolster national security against chemical and biological threats. The geographic impact is primarily within the Washington D.C. area, where the contract was administered. The contract supports a specialized workforce in management consulting and defense analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring continued alignment with evolving CBD program needs requires proactive contract management.

Positive Signals

The fixed-price contract structure incentivizes cost control and efficient service delivery.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potentially competitive pricing.
The contractor's established presence implies experience in supporting government programs.

Sector Analysis

The Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) program operates within the broader national security and defense sector. This contract for administrative and management consulting services supports the strategic and operational functions of the CBD program. The market for defense consulting is substantial, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. This contract fits within the segment of professional services supporting complex government programs, where expertise in policy, analysis, and program management is crucial. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve looking at other large-scale support contracts within DoD or other federal agencies for similar program management functions.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of specific small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data. The award to Analytic Services Inc., a firm likely of significant size given the contract value, suggests that the primary focus was on obtaining specialized expertise. The absence of small business set-asides means that opportunities for small businesses to participate in this specific contract may be limited, though they could potentially be involved as subcontractors if the prime contractor opts to engage them.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) within the Department of Defense. As a BPA Call award, the underlying BPA likely has established oversight mechanisms. The fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability by linking payment to performance. Transparency is generally maintained through federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG, which record contract awards. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Chemical and Biological Defense Program
Department of Defense Support Services
Management and Consulting Services Contracts
Broad Agency Announcements (BAA) and Basic Ordering Agreements (BOA)

Risk Flags

Contract duration exceeds 4 years.
Awarded under a BPA Call.
Contract value exceeds $10 million.
Contractor has prior federal contract experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $32.3 million to ANALYTIC SERVICES INC.. CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE (CBD) PROGRAM SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ANALYTIC SERVICES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Washington Headquarters Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $32.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2012-01-11. End: 2016-12-31.

What is the track record of Analytic Services Inc. with the federal government, particularly in defense-related contracts?

Analytic Services Inc. (ANSER) has a significant history of contracting with the federal government, particularly within the Department of Defense and other national security agencies. They specialize in research, analysis, and support services for complex policy and technical issues. Their portfolio often includes work related to defense strategy, emerging threats, and program management. Examining their past performance on similar contracts, especially those involving chemical and biological defense or large-scale program support, would provide insight into their capabilities and reliability. Publicly available contract databases often detail their award history, including agencies served, contract types, and values, suggesting a consistent engagement with government needs.

How does the pricing of this contract compare to similar consulting services for defense programs?

Benchmarking the pricing of this $32.3 million contract against similar defense consulting services requires access to detailed cost data and market rates for comparable tasks. However, the contract's 'full and open competition' award and 'firm fixed price' type suggest that the government sought competitive bids and aimed for cost certainty. The average annual spend of approximately $6.5 million for comprehensive support to the CBD program appears reasonable given the critical nature of the work and the specialized expertise required. Without specific task orders or detailed service level agreements, a precise comparison is difficult, but the competitive award mechanism is a positive indicator for value.

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

Key risks for this contract include potential scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is contractor performance; if Analytic Services Inc. fails to deliver the expected quality or timeliness of services, the CBD program's effectiveness could be compromised. Mitigation strategies likely include robust contract management by the Washington Headquarters Services, clear definition and monitoring of deliverables, regular performance reviews, and the fixed-price contract structure itself, which incentivizes the contractor to manage costs and performance efficiently. The competitive nature of the award also reduces the risk of selecting an underqualified vendor.

How effective has the Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) program been historically, and how does this contract contribute to its mission?

The effectiveness of the Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) program is multifaceted, aiming to protect U.S. military forces and civilian populations from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. Historically, the program has focused on developing countermeasures, detection systems, medical countermeasures, and response capabilities. This contract, providing administrative and management consulting services, directly supports the program's operational efficiency, strategic planning, and policy development. By ensuring effective program management and analytical support, the contract contributes to the CBD program's ability to adapt to evolving threats and maintain readiness, thereby enhancing national security.

What are the historical spending patterns for chemical and biological defense support services within the Department of Defense?

Historical spending patterns for chemical and biological defense (CBD) support services within the Department of Defense (DoD) reflect a consistent and significant investment in protecting against CBRN threats. The DoD allocates substantial resources annually to research, development, acquisition, and sustainment of CBD capabilities. Spending in this area fluctuates based on threat assessments, technological advancements, and global security dynamics. Contracts for support services, like the one awarded to Analytic Services Inc., are a component of this broader spending, often involving analytical, programmatic, and management expertise. Examining multi-year spending trends would reveal periods of increased investment driven by specific events or strategic shifts in defense priorities.

What is the significance of the BPA Call award mechanism for this contract?

The Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) Call award mechanism signifies that this contract was issued under a pre-existing, competitively awarded BOA. BOAs are not contracts themselves but rather agreements establishing terms and conditions under which future orders (calls) can be placed. This approach streamlines the procurement process for recurring needs, as the foundational competition and vetting of the contractor have already occurred. For the government, it offers flexibility and potentially faster acquisition cycles. For the contractor, it provides a framework for anticipated work. The specific call order then details the scope, price, and delivery for a particular requirement, often still subject to some level of competition or adherence to the BOA's terms.

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) › PROFESSIONAL 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

Address: 2900 S QUINCY ST, ARLINGTON, VA, 22206

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,348,967

Exercised Options: $32,348,967

Current Obligation: $32,348,967

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HQ003412A0003

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline