Commerce Department awards $34.6M for staff support, with 2 bidders competing

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $34,629,514 ($34.6M)

Contractor: Trident Technical Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2022-06-08

End Date: 2026-06-03

Contract Duration: 1,456 days

Daily Burn Rate: $23.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: STAFF SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20230

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $34.6 million to TRIDENT TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: STAFF SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the competitive nature of the award. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a moderate level of market interest. 3. Risk indicators are low due to a clear scope and established contractor. 4. Performance context is within standard administrative support services. 5. Sector positioning is in management consulting services for government operations.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's total value of $34.6 million over its period of performance suggests a moderate investment for administrative support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for staff support services is challenging without more granular data on the specific tasks and skill sets required. However, the pricing structure (Time and Materials) can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. The presence of two bidders indicates some level of price discovery, but it's not as robust as a multi-bidder scenario.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' which implies that while the competition was initially open, certain sources were later excluded. The data indicates two bidders participated in this process. A limited competition with only two bidders may not always yield the most competitive pricing compared to a scenario with numerous interested parties. However, it still provides a basis for price comparison and selection.

Taxpayer Impact: With two bidders, taxpayers benefit from some level of price negotiation and comparison, preventing a sole-source situation. However, the potential for higher costs exists compared to broader competition.

Public Impact

The Department of Commerce benefits from essential staff support services, enabling its various offices to function efficiently. Services delivered include administrative management and general management consulting, crucial for operational effectiveness. The geographic impact is concentrated in the District of Columbia, where the agency is headquartered. Workforce implications involve the provision of skilled personnel to support federal employees and operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost escalation with Time and Materials contract type if not rigorously monitored.
Limited competition may not have driven the absolute lowest price.
Scope creep could increase costs if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded to a known entity, Trident Technical Solutions, LLC, suggesting some level of past performance.
The contract was competed, indicating an effort to secure value.
Clear service category (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services) provides defined expectations.

Sector Analysis

The administrative support and management consulting sector is a significant part of the federal contracting landscape, with agencies consistently seeking external expertise to augment internal capabilities. This contract falls within the broader professional services category, which includes a wide array of specialized services. Spending in this area is driven by the need for efficiency, specialized skills, and flexibility in staffing. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within the General Services Administration (GSA) schedules or other agency-specific contracts for similar support services.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates no specific subcontracting requirements were mandated. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is minimal for this particular award. However, the prime contractor, Trident Technical Solutions, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors if it aligns with their operational needs and strategy, though this is not explicitly detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Commerce's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract is suspected or reported.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Support Services
Management and Consulting Services
Professional Services Contracts
Federal Staff Augmentation

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M contract type.
Limited competition may impact optimal price discovery.
Scope definition and management are critical for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $34.6 million to TRIDENT TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC. STAFF SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRIDENT TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (Office of the Secretary).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $34.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-06-08. End: 2026-06-03.

What is the track record of Trident Technical Solutions, LLC with federal contracts, particularly in administrative support?

Trident Technical Solutions, LLC has a history of securing federal contracts, primarily within the administrative and professional services domains. While specific details on their performance for this particular contract are pending as it is ongoing, their past awards suggest experience in providing similar support. Analyzing their contract history, including past performance evaluations and any reported issues on previous awards, would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and effectiveness. It's important to note that contract performance can vary significantly based on the specific requirements, agency oversight, and the contractor's resource allocation for each engagement.

How does the awarded price compare to market rates for similar administrative support services?

Determining the precise value-for-money requires a detailed comparison of the specific services rendered under this contract against market benchmarks. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure means the final cost is dependent on the hours worked and the rates charged. Without knowing the exact labor categories, skill levels, and hours expended, a direct comparison to market rates is difficult. However, the fact that the contract was competed among two bidders suggests some market validation of the proposed rates. Agencies often use GSA schedules or conduct independent government cost estimates to ensure rates are fair and reasonable, but this information is not publicly detailed here.

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

The primary risk with Time and Materials (T&M) contracts is the potential for cost overruns if the scope of work is not well-defined or if contractor effort is not efficiently managed. Unforeseen complexities or scope creep can lead to increased hours billed. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust oversight by the contracting officer's representative (COR), clear task orders with defined deliverables, regular progress reviews, and strict monitoring of labor hours and rates. The Department of Commerce would be expected to have internal controls and processes in place to manage these risks effectively and ensure the contractor remains within the contract's ceiling amount.

What is the expected impact of these staff support services on the Department of Commerce's overall operational efficiency?

The expected impact of these staff support services is to enhance the operational efficiency of the Department of Commerce by providing necessary administrative and management consulting expertise. These services can fill gaps in internal staffing, bring specialized skills to bear on specific projects, and allow permanent federal employees to focus on core mission-critical functions. By outsourcing routine administrative tasks and leveraging external consulting for management improvements, the Department can potentially streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, and improve decision-making, ultimately contributing to the effective execution of its governmental responsibilities.

How has federal spending on administrative support and management consulting services evolved over the past five years?

Federal spending on administrative support and management consulting services has generally seen a consistent demand over the past five years, reflecting agencies' ongoing needs for operational efficiency, specialized expertise, and workforce flexibility. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on agency budgets, program priorities, and economic conditions, the overall trend indicates a sustained reliance on these services. Factors such as evolving technological landscapes, complex regulatory environments, and the need for strategic guidance continue to drive procurement in this sector. Agencies often utilize these contracts to augment their capabilities without increasing permanent headcount, making them a flexible tool for managing workload and achieving strategic objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › Education, Training, Employment, and Social Services R&D Services

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8370 W HILLSBOROUGH AVE STE 206, TAMPA, FL, 33615

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $38,622,351

Exercised Options: $34,629,514

Current Obligation: $34,629,514

Actual Outlays: $210,479

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1331L520D13ES0002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline