DoD's $13.4M contract for Navy Reserve Command support awarded to LB & B Associates Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,435,342 ($13.4M)

Contractor: LB & B Associates Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2008-08-01

End Date: 2013-11-29

Contract Duration: 1,946 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: COMS SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF COMMANDER, NAVY RESERVE FORCES COMMAND AT VARIOUS RESERVE SITES

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBIA, HOWARD County, MARYLAND, 21046

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.4 million to LB & B ASSOCIATES INC for work described as: COMS SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF COMMANDER, NAVY RESERVE FORCES COMMAND AT VARIOUS RESERVE SITES Key points: 1. Contract value of $13.4M over 5 years for engineering services. 2. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, which shifts cost risk to the contractor. 4. Performance period spans from August 2008 to November 2013. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541330 (Engineering Services). 6. The contract was awarded as a Delivery Order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $13.4 million over approximately five years for engineering services appears to be within a reasonable range for supporting Navy Reserve Command functions. Benchmarking against similar contracts for base operations support or specialized engineering services for military commands would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which can be beneficial for the government if managed effectively. However, without detailed performance metrics or comparison data, a definitive assessment of cost-effectiveness is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 5 bids indicates a moderate level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process like this generally helps ensure that the government receives fair market prices and that the most capable contractor is selected. The number of bidders suggests that the market for these services is sufficiently robust to support multiple interested parties.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces and encourages a wider pool of contractors to vie for government work, potentially leading to cost savings.

Public Impact

Directly supports the operational readiness and administrative functions of the Navy Reserve Forces Command. Ensures the effective functioning of various Reserve sites across the nation. Provides essential engineering services that contribute to the maintenance and improvement of military infrastructure. Impacts Navy Reserve personnel by ensuring their support facilities are well-maintained and functional.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if 'support' is broadly defined and not tightly managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant period could lead to complacency or reduced innovation.
The effectiveness of the firm fixed-price contract depends on accurate initial cost estimations by the contractor.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Firm fixed-price contract structure transfers cost overrun risk to the contractor.
The contract duration of nearly five years allows for stable support and potential for contractor expertise development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector supports various government functions, including defense infrastructure maintenance and development. The market for engineering services supporting federal agencies is substantial, with significant spending allocated annually. This specific contract addresses the unique needs of the Navy Reserve, highlighting the specialized nature of engineering support within the defense sector.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans or their impact on the small business ecosystem. Without specific subcontracting goals or reporting, it's difficult to assess the extent to which small businesses may have benefited from this award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), as indicated by the 'sa' field. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract places the primary responsibility for cost control on the contractor. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability measures would involve performance monitoring against contract requirements and adherence to delivery schedules. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Navy Reserve Command Operations Support
Defense Engineering Services Contracts
Military Base Operations Support
Federal Engineering Services Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if initial estimates are inaccurate.
Risk of contractor performance issues impacting Navy Reserve operations.
Dependence on a single contractor for a prolonged period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.4 million to LB & B ASSOCIATES INC. COMS SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF COMMANDER, NAVY RESERVE FORCES COMMAND AT VARIOUS RESERVE SITES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is LB & B ASSOCIATES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-08-01. End: 2013-11-29.

What is the track record of LB & B Associates Inc. with federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

LB & B Associates Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, primarily within the Department of Defense. Analyzing their contract portfolio reveals a pattern of providing services related to engineering, technical support, and program management. Their performance on previous contracts, including any awards, penalties, or contract terminations, would be crucial for assessing their reliability and capability for this specific requirement. A review of past performance evaluations and any available CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) data would offer deeper insights into their track record and suitability for supporting the Navy Reserve Forces Command.

How does the awarded amount of $13.4 million compare to similar engineering support contracts for military reserve commands?

Comparing the $13.4 million contract value requires identifying comparable contracts for engineering and operational support services provided to other military reserve components or similar-sized defense commands. Factors such as the scope of services, geographic distribution of sites supported, contract duration, and specific technical requirements influence pricing. If similar contracts over a comparable period (approximately 5 years) were awarded in the range of $10-15 million for similar support levels, this award would appear reasonable. Conversely, if comparable contracts were significantly lower, it might suggest potential overpricing or a broader scope in this instance. Benchmarking against industry standards for engineering services in the defense sector is also essential.

What are the primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract for engineering services?

The primary risks associated with this firm fixed-price contract revolve around the contractor's ability to accurately estimate costs and manage performance within the agreed-upon price. If LB & B Associates Inc. underestimates the complexity or resource requirements, they risk financial losses, potentially impacting their motivation or ability to deliver quality services. Conversely, if the government's initial cost estimates were too high, taxpayers may have overpaid. Another risk is the potential for scope creep, where the requirements expand beyond the original agreement without a corresponding price adjustment, which can strain the contractor's resources and lead to disputes. Effective government oversight is crucial to mitigate these risks by ensuring adherence to the defined scope and performance standards.

How effective has LB & B Associates Inc. been in delivering engineering services under previous DoD contracts?

Assessing the effectiveness of LB & B Associates Inc. requires examining their performance history on prior Department of Defense contracts. This involves reviewing available performance metrics, customer feedback (such as CPARS reports), and any documented instances of success or failure. Key indicators of effectiveness include on-time delivery, adherence to technical specifications, quality of work, and responsiveness to issues. If past performance indicates consistent delivery of high-quality services within budget and schedule, it suggests a lower risk for this contract. Conversely, a history of performance issues, disputes, or contract modifications due to contractor error would raise concerns about their effectiveness.

What has been the historical spending trend for engineering services supporting Navy Reserve Forces Command?

Analyzing historical spending trends for engineering services supporting the Navy Reserve Forces Command is vital for contextualizing this $13.4 million award. This involves examining contract awards over several fiscal years to identify patterns in spending levels, types of services procured, and primary contractors. If spending has been relatively consistent, this award aligns with historical norms. A significant increase or decrease in spending could indicate shifts in operational needs, budget priorities, or contracting strategies. Understanding these trends helps determine if the current contract represents a sustainable level of investment or a deviation requiring further investigation into its drivers.

What is the significance of the contract being awarded as a 'Delivery Order'?

The designation of this award as a 'Delivery Order' (aw: DELIVERY ORDER) implies that it is likely a task order issued under a broader Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. IDIQ contracts establish terms and conditions for services over a period, allowing agencies to issue specific orders (delivery or task orders) as needed. This approach provides flexibility for the government to procure services incrementally based on evolving requirements. For LB & B Associates Inc., it means they are obligated to fulfill orders placed under the parent IDIQ contract. The total value of this specific delivery order is $13.4 million, but the overall ceiling of the parent IDIQ contract could be substantially higher.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD EQUIPMENT › MAINT, REPAIR, REBUILD OF EQUIPMENT

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N6133904R0038

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 9891 BROKENLAND PKWY, COLUMBIA, MD, 21046

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $13,663,459

Exercised Options: $13,663,459

Current Obligation: $13,435,342

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N6133905D6008

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline