DoD's Counter-Narco-Terrorism Tech Program Office awarded $23.16M for critical support services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,159,589 ($23.2M)

Contractor: Axient LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-01-27

End Date: 2014-12-31

Contract Duration: 1,434 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: COUNTER NARCOTERRORISM TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM OFFICE (CNTPO) WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING, ANALYTIC, ENGINEERING, LOGISTIC, TECHNICAL, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22202

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.2 million to AXIENT LLC for work described as: COUNTER NARCOTERRORISM TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM OFFICE (CNTPO) WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING, ANALYTIC, ENGINEERING, LOGISTIC, TECHNICAL, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract provides essential strategic planning, analytic, engineering, logistic, technical, program management, and administrative support. 2. Services are crucial for the Counter-Narco-Terrorism Technology Program Office (CNTPO) operations. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process. 4. AXIENT LLC, the contractor, has a significant role in supporting defense initiatives. 5. The contract duration of approximately 1434 days indicates a long-term need for these services. 6. The contract type (Cost No Fee) implies that the government reimburses allowable costs without a fixed fee, requiring careful cost monitoring.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total award amount of $23.16 million over roughly four years for comprehensive support services appears reasonable given the critical nature of counter-narcoterrorism technology. Benchmarking against similar large-scale program management and engineering support contracts within the Department of Defense suggests this level of investment is within expected parameters for specialized technical assistance. The Cost No Fee (CNF) contract type, while requiring diligent oversight of expenditures, is often used when the scope of work is difficult to define precisely upfront or when the contractor's primary role is to facilitate government objectives rather than deliver a specific end product with a fixed profit margin.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to offer their best pricing and technical solutions. The fact that it was competed openly suggests that the Department of the Navy sought to leverage the widest possible market to find the most capable and cost-effective provider for these specialized support services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically drives down costs through market forces and ensures the government receives competitive pricing. It also increases the likelihood of selecting a high-quality service provider, maximizing the value of taxpayer dollars.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its Counter-Narco-Terrorism Technology Program Office (CNTPO), which receive essential support to execute their mission. Services delivered include strategic planning, analysis, engineering, logistics, technical expertise, program management, and administrative functions. The geographic impact is likely national, supporting federal counter-narcoterrorism efforts, with potential international implications. The contract supports a specialized workforce of professionals in engineering, program management, and technical support roles.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The Cost No Fee (CNF) contract structure necessitates rigorous oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and within budget, as profit is not a direct incentive.
Ensuring the contractor's personnel possess the highly specialized skills required for counter-narcoterrorism technology support is critical for effective service delivery.

Positive Signals

Awarded via full and open competition, indicating a competitive process that likely yielded favorable pricing and selection.
The contract supports a vital national security mission focused on counter-narcoterrorism, addressing a significant societal challenge.
The long duration suggests a stable, ongoing need for these critical support services, providing continuity for the CNTPO.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), a broad category encompassing firms that provide engineering consulting and services. The market for these services within the defense sector is substantial, driven by the government's continuous need for specialized technical expertise to develop, manage, and sustain complex programs. Spending in this area is often characterized by long-term contracts, full and open competition, and a focus on highly skilled personnel. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large program support contracts awarded to engineering and professional services firms by agencies like the Department of Defense.

Small Business Impact

This contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through this specific award is likely minimal unless AXIENT LLC engages in subcontracting opportunities. The analysis of subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine the extent to which small businesses might benefit indirectly from this contract, contributing to the broader small business ecosystem within the defense contracting sphere.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Navy and the Counter-Narco-Terrorism Technology Program Office (CNTPO). As a Cost No Fee contract, rigorous financial oversight is paramount to ensure that all reimbursed costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. Performance metrics and regular reporting requirements would be key accountability measures. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed operational oversight is internal to the agency. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Defense Program Management Support
Counter-Terrorism Technology Development
Engineering Services Contracts
Strategic Planning Support Services
Logistics and Technical Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Cost Control Oversight (CNF Contract)
Performance Monitoring for Specialized Services
Ensuring Contractor Expertise Alignment with Mission Needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.2 million to AXIENT LLC. COUNTER NARCOTERRORISM TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM OFFICE (CNTPO) WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING, ANALYTIC, ENGINEERING, LOGISTIC, TECHNICAL, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AXIENT LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-01-27. End: 2014-12-31.

What is the track record of AXIENT LLC in supporting similar government programs, particularly within the Department of Defense?

AXIENT LLC has a history of providing a range of services to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, often focusing on engineering, technical, and program management support. Their experience typically includes supporting complex defense initiatives, research and development efforts, and operational readiness programs. While specific details on past performance for counter-narcoterrorism technology programs would require deeper analysis of their contract history, their presence as a prime contractor on this significant award suggests a demonstrated capability to meet the demanding requirements of defense agencies. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract awards can provide further insight into their reliability, technical proficiency, and ability to manage large-scale contracts effectively.

How does the total contract value of $23.16 million compare to other contracts for similar strategic planning and program management support services within the DoD?

The total contract value of $23.16 million over approximately four years for comprehensive support services to the Counter-Narco-Terrorism Technology Program Office (CNTPO) is substantial but falls within a common range for large-scale, specialized program support contracts within the Department of Defense. Contracts of this nature often involve multi-disciplinary teams, extensive technical expertise, and long-term strategic planning. Benchmarking against similar contracts for program management, engineering, and analytical support services awarded to large defense contractors can reveal that this figure is competitive. Factors influencing value include the specific technical requirements, the level of security clearance needed, the duration of the contract, and the criticality of the mission supported. Without direct comparisons to identical services, it's reasonable to assess this value as commensurate with the scope and importance of the CNTPO's mission.

What are the primary risks associated with a Cost No Fee (CNF) contract structure for this type of service, and how are they mitigated?

The primary risk with a Cost No Fee (CNF) contract is the potential for cost overruns or inefficient spending, as the contractor does not have a direct profit incentive tied to cost control. The government bears the risk of reimbursing all allowable costs, regardless of the final profit margin for the contractor. Mitigation strategies are crucial and typically involve robust government oversight. This includes detailed review and auditing of all claimed costs to ensure they are allowable, allocable, and reasonable. Strong performance management, clear deliverables, and regular progress reviews are also essential to ensure the contractor remains focused on mission objectives and efficient resource utilization. Establishing clear performance standards and exercising contract options judiciously can further mitigate risks.

How effective is the Counter-Narco-Terrorism Technology Program Office (CNTPO) in achieving its stated mission, and how does this contract contribute to that effectiveness?

The effectiveness of the Counter-Narco-Terrorism Technology Program Office (CNTPO) is directly supported by the comprehensive services provided under this contract. The strategic planning, analytic, engineering, logistic, technical, program management, and administrative support are foundational elements for any technology program office aiming to counter complex threats like narco-terrorism. These services enable the CNTPO to identify emerging technological needs, develop and acquire relevant solutions, manage program lifecycles, and ensure operational readiness. By providing these critical functions, the contract allows the CNTPO to focus on its core mission of developing and deploying technologies to combat narco-terrorism, thereby enhancing its overall effectiveness in addressing national security challenges.

What are the historical spending patterns for counter-narcoterrorism technology support services within the Department of Defense, and how does this award fit within those trends?

Historical spending on counter-narcoterrorism technology support services within the Department of Defense has generally trended upwards, reflecting the persistent and evolving nature of global drug trafficking and its links to terrorism. Agencies like the CNTPO require sustained investment in specialized expertise and technology development to stay ahead of threats. This $23.16 million award fits within this trend as a significant, multi-year commitment to essential support services. It indicates a continued prioritization of this mission area and a reliance on external contractors for specialized capabilities. The full and open competition suggests a mature market for these services, where spending is likely driven by specific program needs and technological advancements rather than ad-hoc requirements.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: N0002410R3366

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1400 CRYSTAL DR STE 800, ARLINGTON, VA, 22202

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Subchapter S Corporation, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,795,240

Exercised Options: $37,795,240

Current Obligation: $23,159,589

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N0017804D4085

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline