Over $31M for Administrative Management Consulting Services awarded to The Bizzell Group LLC by the Department of the Interior

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,300,608 ($31.3M)

Contractor: THE Bizzell Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2020-08-17

End Date: 2025-08-16

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $17.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: OFFICE OF HEAD START CENTRAL OFFICE CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20201

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $31.3 million to THE BIZZELL GROUP LLC for work described as: OFFICE OF HEAD START CENTRAL OFFICE CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $31.3M over 5 years suggests a significant investment in management consulting. 2. Full and open competition indicates a broad market search, potentially leading to competitive pricing. 3. The contract's duration of 1825 days (5 years) allows for sustained support but also carries long-term financial commitment. 4. Awarded under a Delivery Order, this contract likely represents a specific need within a larger framework. 5. The NAICS code 541611 points to a focus on general management consulting services. 6. The contractor, The Bizzell Group LLC, will be providing customer service support services for the Office of Head Start. 7. The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can pose cost control challenges if not managed carefully.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $31.3 million over five years for administrative management and general management consulting services appears substantial. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for customer service support for large federal programs like Head Start is crucial. Without specific comparable data, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. The Time and Materials pricing structure introduces a risk of cost overruns if not closely monitored, potentially impacting the overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. This method is generally preferred for maximizing competition and achieving fair market prices. The number of bidders is not specified, but the open competition implies a robust process was intended to identify the most capable and cost-effective provider for these essential customer service support services.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, potentially leading to better value.

Public Impact

Beneficiaries include the Office of Head Start, its staff, and potentially the families and communities served by Head Start programs who rely on effective customer service. Services delivered include customer service support, likely involving call centers, information dissemination, and administrative assistance. The geographic impact is national, as the Office of Head Start serves programs across the United States. Workforce implications may include the direct employment of individuals by The Bizzell Group LLC to fulfill the contract requirements.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently.
The significant contract value over five years represents a long-term financial commitment.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical customer service functions could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a potentially competitive pricing structure.
The contract duration allows for continuity of essential customer service support.
The contractor, The Bizzell Group LLC, is tasked with supporting a vital federal program (Office of Head Start).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the administrative management and general management consulting services sector, specifically focused on customer service support. This sector is crucial for government operations, enabling agencies to manage programs and interact with the public effectively. The market for these services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in program support and administrative functions. The value of this contract, over $31 million, is significant and reflects the scale of the Office of Head Start's operations.

Small Business Impact

The contract details indicate that small business participation was not a specific set-aside criterion (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the competition was open to all qualified vendors, regardless of size. While there is no explicit small business set-aside, the prime contractor, The Bizzell Group LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors to fulfill certain aspects of the contract, contributing to the small business ecosystem. However, without subcontracting plans, the direct impact on small businesses is not guaranteed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the Department of the Interior's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Office of Head Start. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases and reporting requirements, though specific performance metrics may not always be publicly disclosed. The Inspector General's office for the Department of the Interior would have jurisdiction for audits and investigations if any issues arise.

Related Government Programs

Head Start Program Administration
Federal Customer Service Contracts
Administrative Support Services
Management Consulting Services
Department of Health and Human Services Contracts (as Head Start is often associated)

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
Long-term commitment of significant funds over a 5-year period.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical customer service functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $31.3 million to THE BIZZELL GROUP LLC. OFFICE OF HEAD START CENTRAL OFFICE CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE BIZZELL GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-17. End: 2025-08-16.

What is the track record of The Bizzell Group LLC in performing similar federal contracts, particularly those involving customer service support for large-scale programs?

The Bizzell Group LLC has a history of performing federal contracts, including those related to program management and support services. To assess their track record for this specific contract, a detailed review of their past performance evaluations, contract history with agencies like HHS (which oversees Head Start) or similar entities, and any reported issues or successes would be necessary. Their experience with customer service operations, particularly for government programs requiring interaction with diverse populations, is a key indicator of their capability to meet the requirements of the Office of Head Start. Analyzing past performance metrics and client feedback would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and effectiveness in similar roles.

How does the awarded amount of $31.3 million compare to the typical spending for similar customer service support contracts for federal programs of the Office of Head Start's scale?

The awarded amount of $31.3 million over five years for customer service support services for the Office of Head Start is substantial. To benchmark this value, one would need to compare it against historical spending on similar contracts for Head Start or comparable large-scale federal social programs. Factors such as the scope of services (e.g., call volume, types of inquiries handled, administrative tasks), geographic reach, and the complexity of the program being supported influence contract costs. If comparable contracts have been awarded for similar services and durations at significantly lower price points, it might indicate that this contract's value is higher than the market average. Conversely, if the scope is broader or more complex, the price may be justified.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude and duration for customer service support?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude ($31.3M over 5 years) for customer service support is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual labor hours and materials used. If not managed rigorously, this structure can incentivize longer task durations or inefficient resource allocation, leading to costs exceeding initial estimates. For customer service, risks include scope creep where additional services are requested without formal modification, or if the contractor's staffing levels or efficiency are not closely monitored. Effective oversight, clear performance metrics, and regular reviews are critical to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.

What are the potential implications of awarding this contract through 'full and open competition' on the quality and cost of services provided?

Awarding this contract through 'full and open competition' implies that the Department of the Interior sought bids from all responsible sources capable of meeting the requirements. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, which can lead to better pricing for the government as vendors strive to offer the most attractive proposals. It also increases the likelihood of selecting a contractor with specialized expertise and a proven track record, potentially enhancing the quality of customer service support. The transparency inherent in full and open competition can also build public trust. However, the success of this competition in achieving optimal value depends on the clarity of the solicitation, the evaluation criteria, and the number and caliber of the bidders.

How does the NAICS code 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services) align with the stated purpose of providing customer service support for the Office of Head Start?

The NAICS code 541611, 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services,' aligns well with providing customer service support for the Office of Head Start. These consulting services often encompass improving organizational efficiency, streamlining operations, and enhancing client/customer interactions. In the context of Head Start, this could involve optimizing call center operations, developing better communication strategies, managing administrative workflows related to customer inquiries, and providing strategic advice on customer service delivery. The code suggests that the contractor is expected to bring management expertise to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the customer service functions, rather than simply providing basic call-taking services.

Industry Classification

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

Solicitation ID: 140D0420Q0305

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8201 CORPORATE DR STE 900, HYATTSVILLE, MD, 20785

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $34,203,259

Exercised Options: $34,203,259

Current Obligation: $31,300,608

Actual Outlays: $31,219,430

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA18D00FZ

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline