Akima Systems Engineering LLC awarded $944K contract for scientific and technical consulting services by the Department of the Interior

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $94,414 ($94.4K)

Contractor: Akima Systems Engineering LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of the Interior

Start Date: 2023-10-27

End Date: 2026-03-31

Contract Duration: 886 days

Daily Burn Rate: $107/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: SCIENCE TECHNICIAN II

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20192

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of the Interior obligated $94,414 to AKIMA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LLC for work described as: SCIENCE TECHNICIAN II Key points: 1. Contract awarded for scientific and technical consulting, indicating a need for specialized expertise. 2. The contract duration of 886 days suggests a medium-term project requirement. 3. The award amount of $944,140 is a significant investment in scientific support. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690 points to a focus on other scientific and technical consulting services. 5. The contract type is a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The contractor, Akima Systems Engineering LLC, is a known entity in the federal contracting space. 7. The contract is for labor hours, suggesting flexibility in tasking and resource allocation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $944,140 for approximately 886 days of service suggests a daily rate of roughly $1,065 per day. This rate needs to be benchmarked against similar scientific and technical consulting services contracts to determine value for money. Without specific details on the services rendered and the skill level required, it is difficult to definitively assess if this represents a competitive price. The absence of a specific Product Service Code (PSC) makes direct comparison challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was generally open, certain sources were excluded for specific reasons, which could potentially limit the pool of bidders. The exact nature of these exclusions would be critical to understanding the true level of competition and its impact on pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: While the competition was broad, the exclusion of specific sources might have slightly reduced the competitive pressure, potentially impacting the final price achieved for taxpayers.

Public Impact

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) within the Department of the Interior benefits from this contract by securing specialized scientific and technical consulting services. The services provided are expected to support scientific research, data analysis, or technical operations within the USGS. The geographic impact is likely focused on areas where the USGS conducts its operations, potentially nationwide. The contract supports the federal workforce by engaging a contractor to supplement internal capabilities.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'After Exclusion of Sources' clause in the competition type warrants further investigation to understand the rationale and potential impact on competition.
The lack of a specific Product Service Code (PSC) hinders detailed benchmarking and analysis of the services provided.
The contract is for labor hours, which can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed effectively.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a broad initial outreach for bidders.
The contractor, Akima Systems Engineering LLC, has experience in federal contracting.
The contract duration indicates a sustained need for these services, implying a recognized value.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader professional, scientific, and technical services sector, which is a significant component of federal spending. The NAICS code 541690 specifically targets 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' This sector is characterized by a wide range of specialized expertise, from environmental consulting to engineering and scientific research support. Federal spending in this area often supports agency missions related to research, development, environmental protection, and resource management.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, and the awardee, Akima Systems Engineering LLC, is a large business. There is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses within the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal for this specific award, though the prime contractor's overall subcontracting practices would be relevant.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement and delivery requirements. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS-NG, where contract awards are reported. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Professional Services
Support Services
U.S. Geological Survey Contracts
Department of the Interior Contracts

Risk Flags

Competition Limitation
Lack of Specific Service Details
Potential for Cost Overruns (Labor Hours)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of the Interior awarded $94,414 to AKIMA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LLC. SCIENCE TECHNICIAN II

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AKIMA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of the Interior (U.S. Geological Survey).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $94,414.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-10-27. End: 2026-03-31.

What specific scientific and technical consulting services are being provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' under NAICS code 541690. However, the specific nature of these services is not detailed. Typically, this could encompass a wide range of activities such as scientific research support, data analysis, environmental consulting, geological surveys, technical assessments, or specialized engineering advice. To understand the precise services, one would need to review the contract's Performance Work Statement (PWS) or Statement of Work (SOW), which outlines the tasks, deliverables, and technical requirements. Without the PWS/SOW, the exact contribution to the USGS mission remains generalized.

How does the awarded amount of $944,140 compare to similar contracts for scientific and technical consulting services?

Benchmarking the $944,140 award requires comparing it to contracts with similar scope, duration, and complexity within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category (NAICS 541690). Given the contract duration of 886 days (approximately 2.4 years), the total value suggests an average annual spend of around $393,000. This figure needs to be assessed against market rates for comparable expertise and services. Factors such as the required skill levels, security clearances, and geographic location of service delivery would influence the benchmark. A detailed analysis would involve querying federal procurement databases for similar awards, filtering by agency, NAICS code, and contract value range, and then examining the average daily or hourly rates.

What are the potential risks associated with a 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' contract type?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' contract type presents a nuanced risk profile. While it begins with the intent of broad competition, the subsequent exclusion of specific sources introduces a potential limitation. The primary risk is that the exclusion, if not well-justified and documented, could inadvertently reduce the competitive landscape, potentially leading to higher prices or less optimal solutions than might have been achieved with unrestricted competition. It could also raise questions about fairness and equal opportunity among potential bidders. Understanding the specific reasons for exclusion is crucial for assessing whether this limitation significantly impacted the government's ability to secure the best value.

What is the track record of Akima Systems Engineering LLC in delivering scientific and technical consulting services to the federal government?

Akima Systems Engineering LLC has a substantial track record as a federal contractor. As a large business, it has secured numerous contracts across various agencies and service areas. To assess its specific performance in scientific and technical consulting, a review of its past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) and contract history would be necessary. This would reveal its success in meeting technical requirements, adhering to schedules, managing costs, and overall client satisfaction on similar projects. A positive history in related fields would suggest a lower performance risk for this current award.

How does the duration of 886 days impact the assessment of this contract's value and risk?

The contract duration of 886 days (approximately 2.4 years) indicates a medium-term engagement, suggesting a sustained requirement for the services provided. From a value perspective, a longer duration can sometimes allow for economies of scale and more predictable resource planning for both the government and the contractor. However, it also extends the period over which performance risks exist. For the government, a longer contract requires consistent oversight to ensure continued value and prevent scope creep or performance degradation. For the contractor, it provides a stable revenue stream but also commits resources for an extended period. The value assessment should consider whether the services are best suited for a fixed-term engagement or if a more flexible, task-order-based approach might have been more appropriate.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Nana Regional Corporation, Inc.

Address: 2553 DULLES VIEW DR # 700, HERNDON, VA, 20171

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $94,414

Exercised Options: $94,414

Current Obligation: $94,414

Actual Outlays: $94,414

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 140G0121D0010

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline