Interior's $16.1M NCTC Guest Services Contract Awarded to Aramark for Facilities Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $16,116,853 ($16.1M)

Contractor: Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2022-09-01

End Date: 2026-08-31

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NCTC GUEST SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: SHEPHERDSTOWN, JEFFERSON County, WEST VIRGINIA, 25443

State: West Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $16.1 million to ARAMARK SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: NCTC GUEST SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $16.1 million over 4 years. 2. Awarded via full and open competition. 3. Potential risk in cost-plus award fee structure. 4. Facilities Support Services sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract is a Cost Plus Award Fee type, which can lead to higher costs if performance incentives are not carefully managed. Benchmarking against similar facilities support contracts is recommended to ensure fair pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Cost Plus Award Fee structure requires careful monitoring to ensure cost efficiency.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for facilities support services, with the potential for cost overruns if performance incentives are not aligned with cost control.

Public Impact

Ensures essential guest services and facility maintenance at NCTC. Supports operations for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Aramark's role in providing these services impacts visitor experience and facility upkeep.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee structure may incentivize higher costs.
Lack of small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition.
Definitive contract provides a clear framework.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, which includes a broad range of services for maintaining and operating government facilities. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on the type and scale of facilities managed.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small businesses were not involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or potentially as subcontractors. Further investigation into subcontracting opportunities would be beneficial.

Oversight & Accountability

The use of a Cost Plus Award Fee contract necessitates strong oversight from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure performance targets are met and costs are controlled effectively.

Related Government Programs

Facilities Support Services
Department of the Interior Contracting
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Programs

Risk Flags

Cost Plus Award Fee structure.
No small business participation.
Potential for cost overruns.
Reliance on contractor performance metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $16.1 million to ARAMARK SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES, LLC. NCTC GUEST SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ARAMARK SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $16.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-01. End: 2026-08-31.

What are the specific performance metrics and award fee criteria used to manage the Cost Plus Award Fee structure, and how are they designed to ensure value for money?

The specific performance metrics and award fee criteria are crucial for a Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF) contract. These criteria should be clearly defined, measurable, and directly linked to the essential services provided. The agency must establish objective standards for evaluating Aramark's performance in areas like facility maintenance, guest services, and operational efficiency. The award fee should incentivize exceeding these standards while penalizing underperformance, ensuring that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that the government receives high-quality services aligned with its objectives.

Given the lack of small business participation, what steps are being taken to ensure opportunities for small businesses in future related procurements or subcontracting roles?

The absence of small business participation in this contract warrants attention. Agencies should proactively explore avenues for small business involvement in future procurements, potentially through set-aside contracts or by encouraging prime contractors like Aramark to identify and utilize qualified small business subcontractors. Establishing clear subcontracting goals and monitoring their achievement can foster a more inclusive contracting environment and support small business growth.

How does the pricing structure of this Cost Plus Award Fee contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar facilities support services, and what mechanisms are in place to mitigate potential cost

Comparing the pricing structure of this CPAF contract to industry benchmarks is essential for validating its fairness. The agency should conduct thorough market research and cost analysis to ensure that the base cost plus the potential award fee remains competitive. Robust oversight, including regular audits and performance reviews, is critical to identify and address any potential cost overruns early. Clear communication channels with the contractor are also vital for managing expectations and resolving any pricing discrepancies.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 140F0422R0015

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST PLUS AWARD FEE (R)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2400 MARKET ST STE 5-9, PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19103

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,291,652

Exercised Options: $26,715,154

Current Obligation: $16,116,853

Actual Outlays: $14,331,389

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline