CACI NSS, LLC awarded $78.8M contract for All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services by the Department of the Air Force

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $78,836,982 ($78.8M)

Contractor: CACI NSS, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2009-06-08

End Date: 2014-05-31

Contract Duration: 1,818 days

Daily Burn Rate: $43.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: A&AS II

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $78.8 million to CACI NSS, LLC for work described as: A&AS II Key points: 1. The contract value of $78.8M represents a significant investment in professional and technical services. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are favorable, indicating potential for competitive pricing. 3. The firm fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost control measures. 4. The contract duration of 1818 days (approx. 5 years) indicates a long-term need for these services. 5. The award to CACI NSS, LLC suggests a focus on established service providers. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541990 covers a broad range of 'other' professional services.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $78.8M for approximately five years of service appears reasonable given the broad scope of 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. Benchmarking against similar large-scale A&AS contracts would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The firm fixed-price structure helps manage cost overruns, but the ultimate value depends on the effective delivery of services against the defined scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple bidders were likely considered. This competitive process is generally expected to yield better pricing and service options for the government. The presence of multiple bidders indicates a healthy market for these types of services, allowing the Department of the Air Force to select the most capable and cost-effective provider.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the government receives the best possible value for its investment.

Public Impact

The Department of the Air Force is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential professional and technical services. Services delivered likely encompass a wide range of support functions critical to Air Force operations. The geographic impact is likely concentrated around Air Force installations where these services are deployed. Workforce implications may include the direct employment of personnel by CACI NSS, LLC and potential indirect impacts on government personnel managing the contract.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The broad NAICS code 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' can sometimes lead to scope creep if not tightly managed.
The long contract duration necessitates ongoing performance monitoring to ensure continued value and alignment with evolving Air Force needs.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant duration may reduce flexibility in adapting to new technologies or service providers.

Positive Signals

The award under full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for high-quality service delivery.
The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The significant contract value indicates a critical need for the services being procured, suggesting strategic importance.

Sector Analysis

The professional, scientific, and technical services sector is a large and diverse market supporting various government functions. Contracts under NAICS code 541990 can range from management consulting to scientific research support. The Department of Defense is a major consumer of these services, often seeking specialized expertise to augment its organic capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would require detailed analysis of specific service categories within this broad code.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business participation was not a primary set-aside consideration (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests the contract was awarded based on best value to the government without specific small business targets. While CACI NSS, LLC may engage small businesses as subcontractors, the primary award structure does not prioritize small business inclusion, potentially limiting direct opportunities for smaller firms in this specific procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program management office within the Department of the Air Force. Performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract serve as key accountability measures. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific operational details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Professional and Technical Services
Management and Consulting Services
Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Defense Support Services
Air Force Operations Support

Risk Flags

Broad NAICS Code
Long Contract Duration
Potential for Scope Creep

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $78.8 million to CACI NSS, LLC. A&AS II

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CACI NSS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Air Force).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $78.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-06-08. End: 2014-05-31.

What is the historical spending pattern for 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' by the Department of the Air Force?

Analyzing historical spending for NAICS code 541990 by the Department of the Air Force reveals a consistent demand for a wide array of support services. Over the past decade, spending in this category has fluctuated based on strategic priorities and budget allocations. While specific dollar amounts vary year-to-year, the trend indicates a sustained reliance on external contractors for specialized expertise that complements organic military and civilian capabilities. This contract, valued at $78.8M over approximately five years, falls within the typical range for significant service procurements in this domain, suggesting it aligns with established spending patterns for critical support functions. Further analysis would involve comparing this award to other contracts within the same NAICS code to identify trends in contract size, duration, and competition levels.

How does the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type impact risk for the government and the contractor?

The Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract type shifts the majority of the cost risk to the contractor, CACI NSS, LLC. This means the contractor is obligated to complete the work for the agreed-upon price, regardless of their actual costs. For the government, this offers significant cost certainty and predictability, as the total expenditure is known upfront, assuming no contract modifications. The primary risk for the government lies in ensuring the scope of work is clearly defined and that the contractor delivers the required quality and performance. If the contractor underestimates costs or encounters unforeseen difficulties, they bear the financial burden, which could potentially impact their motivation or ability to perform. Conversely, if the contractor efficiently manages resources, they can achieve a higher profit margin. This structure incentivizes the contractor to control costs and manage performance effectively.

What are the potential performance risks associated with a long-duration contract like this (1818 days)?

Long-duration contracts, such as this 1818-day award, present several potential performance risks. One key risk is the potential for scope creep, where the requirements may evolve or expand beyond the original agreement, leading to increased costs or delays if not managed through formal modification processes. Another risk is technological obsolescence; the services or solutions provided may become outdated over the contract's lifespan, diminishing their effectiveness. Contractor performance can also degrade over time due to personnel turnover, burnout, or a decline in focus if not actively managed and incentivized. Furthermore, maintaining consistent quality and innovation over several years requires robust oversight and continuous engagement from the government's program management team to ensure the contractor remains aligned with evolving mission needs and performance standards. Regular performance reviews and clear communication channels are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Can we assess the value for money without knowing the specific services provided under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'?

Assessing the precise value for money for a contract categorized under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services' (NAICS 541990) is challenging without specific details on the services rendered. This broad category can encompass anything from highly specialized scientific research to general administrative support. However, we can infer some aspects of value. The fact that the contract was awarded under full and open competition suggests that the government received competitive bids, implying a degree of market validation for the pricing. The firm fixed-price structure also provides cost certainty. To truly gauge value for money, one would need to compare the contract's pricing and deliverables against industry benchmarks for similar services, evaluate the contractor's past performance, and assess the impact of the services on the Air Force's mission objectives. Without this granular data, the assessment remains at a high level, focusing on the process and contract structure rather than the intrinsic value of the services themselves.

What does the 'DO' award type signify in the context of this contract?

The 'DO' award type typically signifies a 'Defense Order' or a similar designation within the Department of Defense, often related to priority ratings for defense production or services. In the context of this contract, it suggests that the services procured by CACI NSS, LLC for the Department of the Air Force were deemed critical enough to warrant a priority status. This could mean that the contractor is expected to prioritize this work over other non-priority contracts, ensuring timely delivery of essential services to support defense missions. While the exact implications can vary, a 'DO' rating generally indicates a level of urgency and importance assigned by the government to the contracted services, potentially influencing resource allocation and delivery schedules for the contractor.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: FA561308R6660

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (UEI: 008898843)

Address: 11955 FREEDOM DR STE 12000, RESTON, VA, 11

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $82,862,173

Exercised Options: $82,862,173

Current Obligation: $78,836,982

Contract Characteristics

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA561309D5000

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline