DOI's $14.4M engineering services BPA with M.C. Dean, Inc. awarded via full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,390,550 ($14.4M)

Contractor: M. C. Dean, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2020-06-05

End Date: 2025-12-04

Contract Duration: 2,008 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EPA SES BPA ORDER 001

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20004

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $14.4 million to M. C. DEAN, INC. for work described as: EPA SES BPA ORDER 001 Key points: 1. Value for money appears fair given the time and materials contract type and the broad scope of engineering services. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a robust process, with a full and open competition likely driving competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, stemming from the potential for cost overruns inherent in time and materials contracts. 4. Performance context suggests a long-term need for engineering support, as indicated by the contract's duration. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the engineering services sub-sector, supporting various DOI initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $14.4 million over its period of performance is difficult to benchmark precisely without more detailed task order data. However, as a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) call, it represents a framework for future orders. The time and materials (T&M) pricing structure carries inherent risks of cost escalation if not closely managed. Compared to similar large-scale engineering service contracts, the overall value seems within a reasonable range, but the true value for money will depend on the efficiency and effectiveness of the services delivered under individual task orders.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, suggesting that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the designation implies a competitive process designed to solicit the best value. This approach typically leads to a wider range of proposals and potentially more favorable pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation from contractors.

Public Impact

The Department of the Interior benefits from access to specialized engineering expertise for its diverse infrastructure and operational needs. Services delivered under this BPA call are expected to support a wide array of projects across the DOI's various bureaus and agencies. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, as the DOI operates across the United States and its territories. Workforce implications may include the engagement of skilled engineers and technical staff, both directly by the contractor and potentially through subcontracting opportunities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to the time and materials pricing structure.
Scope creep on individual task orders could increase the overall contract value beyond initial expectations.
Ensuring consistent quality of engineering services across various task orders and project types.
Dependency on a single contractor for a broad range of engineering needs over an extended period.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a potentially competitive pricing structure.
The BPA structure allows for flexibility in acquiring engineering services as needed.
M.C. Dean, Inc. is a large, established contractor with significant experience in engineering and construction.
The contract duration of over five years suggests a strategic, long-term partnership for critical support.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector is a critical component of the federal procurement landscape, supporting a vast array of government functions from infrastructure development to specialized technical support. This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services category. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 (Engineering Services) encompasses firms that provide architectural, engineering, and related services. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure modernization, national security requirements, and research and development initiatives. Benchmarking this specific contract's value against the total federal spending on engineering services would require a broader analysis of the sector's market size and typical contract values.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the data indicates the primary awardee is M.C. Dean, Inc., a large corporation. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within this BPA call. The lack of a small business set-aside suggests that the competition was open to all qualified offerors, and the primary focus was likely on technical capability and overall best value rather than small business participation goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the specific task orders issued under the BPA. The contract type (Time and Materials) necessitates diligent monitoring of labor hours and material costs to ensure compliance and prevent overspending. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which records contract actions. While no specific Inspector General jurisdiction is mentioned, the DOI Office of Inspector General would have oversight authority over potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of the Interior Engineering Services Contracts
Federal Blanket Purchase Agreements
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Procurement
Time and Materials Contracts
Engineering Services for Government Agencies

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type carries inherent cost overrun risk.
Long contract duration may lead to evolving needs not perfectly aligned with initial scope.
Lack of specific small business subcontracting goals noted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $14.4 million to M. C. DEAN, INC.. EPA SES BPA ORDER 001

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is M. C. DEAN, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (Departmental Offices).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-06-05. End: 2025-12-04.

What is the historical spending pattern for engineering services by the Department of the Interior?

The Department of the Interior (DOI) historically spends significant amounts on engineering services to support its vast mission, which includes managing natural resources, infrastructure, and land across the United States. While specific historical spending figures for engineering services alone are not readily available in this dataset, the existence of a $14.4 million BPA call with M.C. Dean, Inc. indicates a substantial and ongoing need. Analyzing past FPDS data would reveal trends in contract awards for NAICS code 541330 (Engineering Services) by the DOI, identifying key contractors, average contract values, and the distribution of spending across different bureaus within the department. This would help contextualize the current BPA call within the department's broader procurement strategy for engineering support.

How does the pricing structure of this Time and Materials (T&M) contract compare to fixed-price engineering contracts?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like the one awarded to M.C. Dean, Inc., offer flexibility by reimbursing the contractor for direct labor hours at specified hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials, plus a percentage for overhead and profit. This structure is often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to evolve. In contrast, fixed-price contracts establish a set price for a well-defined scope of work, shifting the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. While T&M contracts can be advantageous for adapting to changing requirements, they carry a higher risk of cost escalation for the government if not meticulously managed and monitored. Fixed-price contracts generally offer better cost certainty for the government when the scope is stable and well-understood.

What is M.C. Dean, Inc.'s track record with federal engineering service contracts?

M.C. Dean, Inc. is a well-established and large federal contractor with extensive experience in engineering, systems integration, and construction services. They have a significant history of securing and performing on contracts across various federal agencies, including defense, civilian, and intelligence communities. Their portfolio often includes complex projects involving critical infrastructure, secure facilities, and advanced technological systems. While this specific BPA call is for $14.4 million, M.C. Dean has been awarded contracts of much larger magnitudes in the past. A thorough review of their contract history in the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) would provide detailed insights into their performance ratings, past performance evaluations, and any significant issues or successes on previous federal engagements.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-duration BPA for engineering services?

Long-duration Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), such as this one extending to December 2025, carry several potential risks. Firstly, the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, common in BPAs for evolving needs, can lead to cost overruns if not rigorously managed, as labor rates and material costs can increase over time. Secondly, the extended period might reduce the incentive for the contractor to innovate or optimize processes if they are assured of continued work. Thirdly, the government's needs may evolve significantly over the contract's life, potentially making the original scope or service offerings less relevant, requiring modifications or new procurements. Finally, maintaining consistent oversight and ensuring the contractor's performance remains high throughout the entire duration requires sustained effort and resources from the contracting agency.

How does the 'full and open competition' designation impact the value proposition for the taxpayer?

The 'full and open competition' designation is a cornerstone of federal procurement policy designed to maximize value for taxpayers. It mandates that all responsible sources are permitted to submit a bid or proposal, thereby fostering a competitive environment. This broad competition typically drives down prices as contractors vie for the award, encourages innovation as they seek to differentiate their offerings, and ensures that the government has access to the widest possible pool of qualified vendors. For taxpayers, this means a higher likelihood of receiving goods and services at the most competitive market rates, reducing the risk of paying inflated prices due to limited competition or sole-source awards. It also enhances transparency and accountability in the procurement process.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1765 GREENSBORO STATION PL, TYSONS, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $14,390,550

Exercised Options: $14,390,550

Current Obligation: $14,390,550

Actual Outlays: $13,623,603

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 7

Total Subaward Amount: $363,954

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140D0420A0009

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline