DOJ awards $2M engineering services task order to M.C. Dean, Inc. for 633 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,009,503 ($2.0M)

Contractor: M. C. Dean, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2024-08-23

End Date: 2026-05-18

Contract Duration: 633 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: NEW TASK ORDER - RENO NV ESS-48J-2731

Place of Performance

Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $2.0 million to M. C. DEAN, INC. for work described as: NEW TASK ORDER - RENO NV ESS-48J-2731 Key points: 1. Value for money appears reasonable given the fixed-price nature and duration. 2. Full and open competition suggests a competitive bidding process. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a fixed-price contract and defined period. 4. Performance context is within engineering services for the U.S. Marshals Service. 5. Sector positioning is in engineering services, a critical support function for federal agencies.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of approximately $2 million over 633 days (about 21 months) for engineering services seems within a reasonable range for specialized federal support. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty. Benchmarking against similar engineering services contracts for law enforcement agencies would offer further insight into its value proposition, but the initial assessment suggests fair pricing for the scope.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. With three bidders participating, the competition level suggests a healthy market response. This level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: The full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through multiple bids, ensuring that the government is not overpaying for the required engineering services.

Public Impact

The U.S. Marshals Service benefits from specialized engineering support. Services delivered likely include design, planning, and oversight of facilities or systems. Geographic impact is centered around Reno, NV, where the task order is issued. Workforce implications may involve specialized engineering talent, potentially sourced by the contractor.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if not tightly managed within the fixed-price structure.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical engineering services could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Contractor M.C. Dean, Inc. has a significant presence and experience in government contracting.
Defined period of performance limits long-term commitment and allows for re-evaluation.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services, categorized under NAICS code 541330, represent a significant segment of the federal contracting market, supporting a wide array of agency missions. This contract fits within the broader landscape of professional services procured by federal law enforcement and justice agencies. Spending in this sector is often driven by infrastructure needs, modernization efforts, and specialized technical requirements.

Small Business Impact

The contract details do not indicate a small business set-aside, nor is there explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Given the nature of specialized engineering services and the prime contractor's profile, the direct impact on small businesses may be limited unless M.C. Dean, Inc. actively engages them for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this task order would typically fall under the U.S. Marshals Service contracting officers and program managers. Accountability is established through the firm fixed-price contract terms and performance requirements. Transparency is facilitated by federal procurement data systems, though specific performance metrics are not detailed here. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Buildings and Facilities
Law Enforcement Support Services
Professional Engineering and Technical Services
Department of Justice Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Fixed-Price Risk
Sole Source Potential (if follow-on)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $2.0 million to M. C. DEAN, INC.. NEW TASK ORDER - RENO NV ESS-48J-2731

Who is the contractor on this award?

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

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (U.S. Marshals Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-08-23. End: 2026-05-18.

What is the historical spending pattern for engineering services by the U.S. Marshals Service?

Analyzing historical spending for engineering services by the U.S. Marshals Service reveals a consistent need for specialized technical support. Over the past five fiscal years, the agency has allocated significant funds towards contracts in this domain, often driven by facility maintenance, upgrades, and security infrastructure projects. While specific dollar amounts fluctuate annually based on agency priorities and budget allocations, the trend indicates a sustained reliance on external engineering expertise. This particular task order, valued at approximately $2 million, aligns with the typical scale of such service contracts, suggesting it is part of an ongoing procurement strategy rather than an outlier expenditure. Further analysis of contract vehicles like Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs) and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts would provide a more granular view of how these services are procured and managed over time.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to similar engineering services contracts?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost for this engineering services contract is challenging without specific details on the services rendered (e.g., hours, deliverables, complexity). However, the total award of $2,009,502.90 over approximately 633 days (roughly 21 months) suggests an average monthly cost of around $95,000. This figure encompasses all engineering labor, project management, and potentially other direct costs. When compared to industry averages for specialized engineering consulting, this monthly burn rate appears competitive, especially considering the overhead and compliance requirements of federal contracting. A more precise comparison would necessitate access to detailed labor rates, overhead structures, and the specific technical scope of work, which are typically not publicly disclosed in task order awards.

What is M.C. Dean, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of Justice?

M.C. Dean, Inc. has a substantial and long-standing track record as a federal contractor, with a significant portion of its business derived from government contracts. The company specializes in complex engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, often involving mission-critical infrastructure for defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. Their history with the Department of Justice (DOJ) is extensive, encompassing numerous contracts across various components, including the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and others. These contracts have often involved large-scale projects related to facility modernization, security systems, and energy infrastructure. Their consistent award of significant contracts suggests a strong performance history and a deep understanding of federal procurement processes and requirements, although like any large contractor, specific project performance can vary.

What are the potential risks associated with this specific task order, and how are they mitigated?

Potential risks for this task order include scope creep, contractor performance issues, and potential delays impacting the U.S. Marshals Service's operations. Given it's a firm fixed-price contract, scope creep is a primary concern, as any expansion beyond the defined SOW could lead to disputes or require contract modifications. Mitigation strategies typically involve rigorous SOW definition, clear communication channels, and proactive project management by the government contracting officer's representative (COR). Contractor performance is monitored through contract performance metrics and regular progress reports. Delays are mitigated by establishing realistic timelines and having contingency plans. The contractor's experience and the competitive bidding process also serve as risk-reduction factors, suggesting a capable entity was selected.

How does this contract align with the U.S. Marshals Service's broader mission and operational needs?

This engineering services task order directly supports the U.S. Marshals Service's (USMS) mission by providing essential technical expertise for infrastructure and operational systems. The USMS is responsible for protecting the federal judiciary, apprehending fugitives, managing and transporting federal prisoners, and protecting federal officials. These functions often require secure, reliable, and technologically advanced facilities and equipment. Engineering services could encompass a range of needs, from designing and implementing security enhancements in courthouses or detention facilities to maintaining and upgrading critical IT or communication infrastructure. Ensuring that these physical and technological assets are robust and functional is paramount to the USMS's ability to execute its diverse and critical law enforcement responsibilities effectively.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

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: $2,009,503

Exercised Options: $2,009,503

Current Obligation: $2,009,503

Actual Outlays: $177,596

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 6

Total Subaward Amount: $589,713

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 15M20019AA32NP01D

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline