DOJ awards $4.69M contract for training and technical assistance to Manhattan Strategy Group

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,686,106 ($4.7M)

Contractor: THE Manhattan Strategy Group LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Justice

Start Date: 2022-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: NATIONAL TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (NTTAC)

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20531

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Justice obligated $4.7 million to THE MANHATTAN STRATEGY GROUP LLC for work described as: NATIONAL TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (NTTAC) Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract is for training and technical assistance, a critical support function for government programs. 3. The duration of the contract is approximately four years, indicating a need for sustained support. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges if not managed effectively. 5. The award was made to The Manhattan Strategy Group LLC, a single contractor. 6. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541519 suggests services related to computer systems design and related services, though the description is 'Other Computer Related Services'. 7. The contract is a delivery order, implying it is part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar vehicle.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's value of $4.69 million over four years averages to approximately $1.17 million per year. Without specific performance metrics or deliverables, it is difficult to benchmark the value for money. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure, while flexible, can lead to higher costs if not closely monitored for efficiency and necessity of hours. Comparing this to similar training and technical assistance contracts across federal agencies would provide a clearer picture of its cost-effectiveness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The presence of 7 bidders suggests a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process generally leads to better price discovery and potentially more favorable terms for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently by driving down prices and encouraging innovative solutions from multiple vendors.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the programs and personnel within the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, who will receive training and technical assistance. The services delivered will focus on enhancing the capabilities and effectiveness of DOJ staff and potentially its grantees. The contract is geographically focused on the District of Columbia, where the contractor is located and likely where much of the training and assistance will be delivered or coordinated. The contract may have implications for the workforce by providing professional development opportunities and support, indirectly impacting the efficiency and morale of DOJ personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently, as it reimburses actual labor hours and costs.
The specific nature of 'Other Computer Related Services' under NAICS 541519 is broad and could encompass a wide range of activities, making it difficult to assess the precise scope and potential for scope creep without further detail.
The contract is a delivery order, suggesting it might be part of a larger contract vehicle, which could obscure the full value and competitive history of the underlying award.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust bidding process and potential for competitive pricing.
The contract duration of approximately four years suggests a stable, long-term need for these services, providing continuity.
The Department of Justice, specifically the Office of Justice Programs, is a significant federal entity, implying the contract supports important public safety and justice initiatives.

Sector Analysis

The IT services sector, particularly under the broad category of 'Other Computer Related Services,' is a significant area of federal spending. Contracts like this, supporting training and technical assistance, are crucial for the effective implementation of government programs. Benchmarking this contract's value against similar IT support and training services procured by agencies like the DOJ or other law enforcement and justice-related bodies would provide context. The overall federal IT services market is vast, with agencies increasingly relying on specialized contractors for expertise.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the competition was open to all business sizes, and there is no explicit requirement for the prime contractor to subcontract with small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem would depend on whether The Manhattan Strategy Group LLC voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors, which is not detailed in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs. As a Time and Materials contract, rigorous oversight of labor hours, cost tracking, and deliverable completion is essential to ensure accountability and prevent cost overruns. Transparency would be enhanced through regular reporting requirements and performance reviews. The Inspector General's office for the Department of Justice would have jurisdiction to investigate any potential fraud, waste, or abuse related to this contract.

Related Government Programs

Department of Justice Training Programs
Office of Justice Programs Technical Assistance
Federal IT Services Procurement
Time and Materials Contracts
Delivery Orders

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires diligent oversight to control costs.
Broad NAICS code 'Other Computer Related Services' may lack specificity in scope.
Delivery Order implies potential for larger underlying contract vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Justice awarded $4.7 million to THE MANHATTAN STRATEGY GROUP LLC. NATIONAL TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (NTTAC)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is THE MANHATTAN STRATEGY GROUP LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Office of Justice Programs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the track record of The Manhattan Strategy Group LLC in performing similar federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Justice?

Assessing the track record of The Manhattan Strategy Group LLC requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts. Specifically, looking at previous awards from the Department of Justice or similar agencies for training, technical assistance, or IT-related services would be crucial. Key indicators include on-time delivery, adherence to budget, quality of services rendered, and any past performance evaluations or disputes. Without access to a comprehensive contract performance database (like the Federal Procurement Data System - FPDS), it's challenging to provide a detailed analysis. However, the fact that they were awarded this $4.69 million, four-year contract suggests they met the agency's requirements and passed initial vetting processes. Further investigation into their contract history, including any awards under different contract vehicles or task orders, would provide a more complete picture of their capabilities and reliability.

How does the average annual cost of this contract compare to similar training and technical assistance contracts within the federal government?

This contract has an average annual value of approximately $1.17 million ($4.69 million / 4 years). To benchmark this effectively, we would need to compare it against similar contracts for training and technical assistance services awarded by federal agencies, particularly those within the justice or public safety sectors. Factors influencing cost include the complexity of the training, the number of personnel to be trained, the level of technical expertise required, and the duration of support. A comparison would ideally involve analyzing contracts with similar NAICS codes (like 541519 or related training/consulting codes) and contract types (Time and Materials). Without access to a broad dataset of comparable contracts, it's difficult to definitively state whether this price is high, low, or average. However, the competitive award process suggests the Department of Justice sought value.

What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for this specific service?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract type for training and technical assistance is the potential for cost escalation. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual hours worked and the cost of materials used. If not managed diligently through robust oversight, the contractor could incur excessive labor hours or use more expensive resources than necessary, driving up the total cost beyond initial expectations. For training and technical assistance, this could manifest as extended training sessions, inefficient use of consultant time, or the use of premium-rate personnel without clear justification. To mitigate this risk, the government must implement strong oversight mechanisms, including detailed tracking of hours, regular performance reviews, and clear definitions of 'completion' for tasks to prevent scope creep and ensure efficient service delivery.

What is the expected effectiveness of the training and technical assistance to be provided under this contract?

The effectiveness of the training and technical assistance hinges on several factors not fully detailed in the provided data. The contract's objective is to support the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), implying the services aim to enhance the operational capabilities, program delivery, or policy implementation within OJP's purview. The success will depend on the quality of the curriculum, the expertise of the trainers and technical advisors, the engagement of the participants, and the alignment of the services with OJP's strategic goals. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurable outcomes should be established within the contract's statement of work to track effectiveness, such as improved performance metrics for OJP programs, enhanced staff skills, or successful implementation of new initiatives. Without these specific metrics, assessing expected effectiveness remains qualitative.

How has federal spending on 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) evolved over the past five years, and where does this contract fit?

Federal spending on 'Other Computer Related Services' (NAICS 541519) has generally seen a steady increase over the past five years, reflecting the government's ongoing reliance on technology and specialized IT support. Agencies across the board procure services under this broad category for a variety of needs, including system integration, IT consulting, technical support, and specialized software development. This specific $4.69 million contract with the Department of Justice represents a modest portion of the overall federal expenditure in this category. Its placement within the 'training and technical assistance' domain highlights a specific application of IT-related services, focusing on human capital development and program support rather than core infrastructure or software development. Understanding the broader spending trends can help contextualize the significance and potential value of individual contracts like this one.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related 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: 15PJDP22Q00000001

Offers Received: 7

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 420 LEXINGTON AVE RM 300, NEW YORK, NY, 10017

Business Categories: Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,363,343

Exercised Options: $5,623,664

Current Obligation: $4,686,106

Actual Outlays: $3,926,878

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QTCA18D00KV

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline