DoD's $33.9M Afghanistan infrastructure contract awarded to WSP USA for master planning and asset inventory

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,946,132 ($33.9M)

Contractor: WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2015-06-18

End Date: 2016-09-21

Contract Duration: 461 days

Daily Burn Rate: $73.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TITLE I SERVICES AFGHANISTAN - MASTER PLANNING, DESIGNS&CAPITAL ASSET INVENTORY ASSESSMENTS, AFGHANISTAN

Place of Performance

Location: BLUE BELL, MONTGOMERY County, PENNSYLVANIA, 19422

State: Pennsylvania Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $33.9 million to WSP USA ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TITLE I SERVICES AFGHANISTAN - MASTER PLANNING, DESIGNS&CAPITAL ASSET INVENTORY ASSESSMENTS, AFGHANISTAN Key points: 1. Contract focused on critical infrastructure assessments in a complex operational environment. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a broad market search. 3. Performance period spanned over a year, indicating a substantial project scope. 4. Fixed-price contract type likely aimed to control costs for the government. 5. The contract was a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle. 6. Geographic focus on Afghanistan highlights specialized and high-risk operational requirements.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this specific contract is challenging due to its unique geographic focus and the nature of master planning and asset inventory services in a conflict zone. The total award amount of $33.9 million over approximately 1.5 years suggests a significant investment in understanding and planning for infrastructure needs. Without comparable contracts for similar services in Afghanistan during that period, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the fixed-price contract type indicates an attempt to establish a clear cost ceiling.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that the Department of Defense sought proposals from all responsible sources. This approach generally promotes a competitive environment, allowing multiple firms to bid and potentially leading to better pricing and service offerings. The fact that it was a delivery order under an IDIQ suggests that the initial competition occurred when the IDIQ was established, and this delivery order was then competed or awarded based on pre-established terms.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of obtaining services at competitive prices by allowing a wide range of potential contractors to participate.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include the Department of Defense and potentially Afghan reconstruction efforts by providing foundational data for future infrastructure investments. Services delivered included master planning, design, and capital asset inventory assessments. Geographic impact is concentrated in Afghanistan, supporting U.S. military and stabilization operations. Workforce implications would involve specialized engineering, planning, and assessment professionals.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Geopolitical instability in Afghanistan could impact project execution and data accuracy.
The specialized nature of the services required may limit the pool of truly qualified bidders.
Defining 'master planning' and 'asset inventory' in a dynamic environment presents scope definition challenges.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, maximizing potential contractor reach.
Fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The contract addresses critical needs for infrastructure understanding in a key operational area.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on engineering and architectural services related to infrastructure. The market for such services, particularly in support of government operations in complex environments, is substantial. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other large-scale infrastructure assessment and planning contracts awarded by federal agencies, though the unique geographic and operational context of Afghanistan makes direct comparisons difficult. The contract's value of over $33 million indicates a significant project within this niche.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this specific delivery order was not detailed in the provided data. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses could have participated directly or indirectly. However, the nature of master planning and infrastructure assessment for large-scale government projects often involves prime contractors with specialized expertise, potentially limiting direct small business set-aside opportunities unless specific sub-requirements were identified.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Defense's contracting and program management structures. Given the operational environment in Afghanistan, oversight would likely involve both on-the-ground program managers and potentially Inspector General (IG) offices to ensure compliance with contract terms, performance standards, and ethical conduct. Transparency would be facilitated through contract award databases and reporting mechanisms, though detailed operational oversight specifics are often internal.

Related Government Programs

Afghanistan Reconstruction
Infrastructure Development Programs
Engineering and Design Services
Capital Asset Management
Master Planning Contracts

Risk Flags

Operational Environment Risk
Geopolitical Instability
Security Concerns
Logistical Complexity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $33.9 million to WSP USA ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INC.. IGF::OT::IGF TITLE I SERVICES AFGHANISTAN - MASTER PLANNING, DESIGNS&CAPITAL ASSET INVENTORY ASSESSMENTS, AFGHANISTAN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WSP USA ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE INC..

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 $33.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-06-18. End: 2016-09-21.

What was the contractor's track record with similar master planning and infrastructure assessment contracts, particularly in overseas or high-risk environments, prior to this award?

WSP USA Environment & Infrastructure Inc. (formerly Parsons Brinckerhoff) has a significant history of providing engineering, planning, and infrastructure services globally. While specific details on their track record for master planning and capital asset inventory assessments in Afghanistan prior to this 2015 award are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, the company's broader portfolio includes large-scale infrastructure projects, environmental services, and program management for government and private clients worldwide. Their experience in complex environments and with large federal contracts suggests a capacity to undertake such a project. A deeper dive into their project history and client testimonials would be necessary for a comprehensive assessment of their specific qualifications for this particular contract's unique challenges.

How does the $33.9 million award compare to the typical cost of similar master planning and infrastructure assessment services for a comparable scope and duration, adjusted for the unique operational

Directly comparing the $33.9 million award to 'typical' costs is challenging due to the unique and high-risk operational environment of Afghanistan, which inherently increases costs for personnel, logistics, security, and risk mitigation. Master planning and capital asset inventory assessments are complex services that vary greatly in scope and detail. Without specific benchmarks for similar services conducted in Afghanistan during the 2015-2016 period, a precise value-for-money comparison is difficult. However, the fixed-price nature of the contract suggests an effort to contain costs within a defined budget. The duration of approximately 1.5 years for the services indicates a substantial undertaking, making the total award amount plausible for such a critical and complex mission.

What were the primary risks identified for this contract, and what mitigation strategies were employed by the contractor and the Department of Defense?

Primary risks for a contract of this nature in Afghanistan would likely include geopolitical instability, security threats to personnel and assets, logistical challenges in a remote and underdeveloped region, potential for corruption, and the difficulty of accurately assessing infrastructure in a dynamic and potentially hostile environment. Mitigation strategies would typically involve robust security protocols for personnel, secure communication channels, detailed logistical planning, adherence to strict financial controls and anti-corruption measures, and close coordination with military and diplomatic entities on the ground. The Department of Defense would also likely have oversight mechanisms and contingency plans in place to address unforeseen challenges. The fixed-price contract type itself serves as a risk mitigation tool for the government by capping costs.

How effective were the master planning and capital asset inventory assessments in supporting subsequent infrastructure development or decision-making in Afghanistan?

The effectiveness of the master planning and capital asset inventory assessments in supporting subsequent infrastructure development or decision-making is not directly quantifiable from the provided award data. The value of such assessments lies in providing a foundational understanding of existing infrastructure, identifying needs, and informing future planning and investment. The success would depend on the quality and accuracy of the data collected, the clarity of the master plans developed, and how well these outputs were integrated into subsequent project cycles by the Department of Defense and other relevant agencies. Without post-contract analysis or follow-on projects directly linked to these assessments, their ultimate impact remains qualitative.

What was the historical spending pattern for similar infrastructure assessment services in Afghanistan by the Department of Defense leading up to this contract?

Historical spending patterns for similar infrastructure assessment services in Afghanistan by the Department of Defense leading up to this 2015 contract would likely show a significant and ongoing investment. Following the initial invasion and subsequent stabilization efforts, the U.S. military and reconstruction agencies (like the SIGAR and USAID) were heavily involved in assessing and rebuilding Afghan infrastructure. This included projects related to roads, buildings, utilities, and security facilities. Spending in this area would have been substantial throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, driven by the need to support military operations, facilitate economic development, and improve the lives of the Afghan population. This $33.9 million contract represents one component of that broader, long-term investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Remediation and Other Waste Management Services › Remediation Services

Product/Service Code: NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT › NATURAL RESOURCES - OTHER SVCS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 28

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Amec E&I Inc (UEI: 026521332)

Address: 751 ARBOR WAY, STE 180, BLUE BELL, PA, 19422

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,946,132

Exercised Options: $33,946,132

Current Obligation: $33,946,132

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: FA890308D8766

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline