Labor Department awards $1.98M contract for periodical publishing services, highlighting a need for specialized content dissemination

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,983,580 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Dodge Construction Network, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2021-01-25

End Date: 2026-03-14

Contract Duration: 1,874 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DATA

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20210

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $2.0 million to DODGE CONSTRUCTION NETWORK, LLC for work described as: CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DATA Key points: 1. The contract value appears reasonable for specialized publishing services, though a direct comparison to similar contracts is needed for a definitive value-for-money assessment. 2. The procurement was conducted under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive market for these services. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type mitigates cost overrun risks for the government. 4. The contract duration of over five years indicates a long-term need for these publishing services. 5. The services are essential for disseminating information to a broad audience, supporting the agency's communication goals.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of approximately $1.98 million for periodical publishing services over nearly five years requires benchmarking against similar government or commercial contracts. Without specific details on the scope of work (e.g., number of publications, distribution channels, content complexity), it's challenging to definitively assess value for money. However, the firm-fixed-price structure suggests a predictable cost for the government, which is a positive indicator. The absence of a specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for 'Periodical Publishers' in the provided data (511120 is for Periodical Publishers, but the 'psc' field is empty) warrants further investigation into the precise nature of the services procured.

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. This suggests a healthy competitive environment for periodical publishing services. The data does not specify the number of bidders, which would provide further insight into the intensity of the competition. A robust competition typically leads to better pricing and service quality for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its investment in these essential publishing services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely federal employees, stakeholders, and the public who receive information disseminated through the agency's periodicals. The services delivered include the production and distribution of periodicals, crucial for agency communication and outreach. The contract is geographically focused on the District of Columbia, where the Department of Labor is headquartered. The contract supports the workforce within the publishing and media sector, potentially including writers, editors, designers, and printers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics or service level agreements in the provided data makes it difficult to assess contractor performance beyond contract completion.
The long contract duration could lead to complacency if not actively managed and monitored for continued value.
Potential for scope creep if the definition of 'periodical publishing services' is not tightly controlled.

Positive Signals

The use of firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarding under full and open competition suggests a commitment to obtaining competitive pricing and quality.
The contract addresses a clear need for ongoing information dissemination by the Department of Labor.

Sector Analysis

The periodical publishing industry is a mature sector encompassing a wide range of services from content creation to distribution. This contract falls within the broader media and information services market. While specific benchmarks for government periodical publishing contracts are not readily available, the overall market for publishing services is competitive. The Department of Labor's need for these services aligns with the agency's mission to inform and engage its stakeholders.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses mandated by this award. The impact on the small business ecosystem is neutral unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses in their supply chain.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Government Printing Office Services
Public Affairs and Communications Contracts
Information Dissemination Services
Federal Agency Publishing Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for outdated services due to long contract duration.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Need for benchmarking against similar contracts to confirm value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $2.0 million to DODGE CONSTRUCTION NETWORK, LLC. CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DATA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is DODGE CONSTRUCTION NETWORK, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-01-25. End: 2026-03-14.

What is the specific scope of 'periodical publishing services' covered under this contract?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of 'periodical publishing services.' This typically encompasses a range of activities including content development (writing, editing), design and layout, printing, and distribution of publications such as newsletters, magazines, reports, or bulletins. For the Department of Labor, these periodicals likely serve to disseminate information related to labor laws, workforce development, economic data, and agency initiatives to various stakeholders, including employers, employees, researchers, and the general public. A more granular understanding of the deliverables would require reviewing the contract's statement of work (SOW).

How does the awarded amount compare to similar periodical publishing contracts awarded by the federal government?

Benchmarking this $1.98 million contract against similar federal periodical publishing contracts requires access to a broader dataset and specific contract details. Factors such as the volume of publications, frequency, complexity of content, distribution methods (print vs. digital), and geographic reach significantly influence pricing. While the contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting market competitiveness, without comparable contract data, it is difficult to ascertain if the price represents optimal value. Further analysis would involve identifying contracts with similar NAICS codes (e.g., 511120) and service descriptions across different agencies and contract durations.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate the contractor's performance?

The provided data does not specify the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract. In a typical periodical publishing contract, KPIs might include adherence to publication deadlines, quality of content (accuracy, clarity, grammar), effectiveness of distribution (timeliness, reach), adherence to budget, and responsiveness to agency feedback. The contracting officer and the designated contract specialist or administrator are responsible for monitoring these aspects throughout the contract period. The firm-fixed-price nature implies that meeting the defined scope and quality standards is paramount for successful contract completion.

What is the historical spending pattern for periodical publishing services by the Department of Labor?

Historical spending data for periodical publishing services by the Department of Labor is not provided in the current dataset. To establish a pattern, one would need to analyze past contracts awarded by the agency for similar services over several fiscal years. This analysis would reveal trends in contract values, durations, types of services procured, and the competitive landscape. Understanding historical spending can help in assessing whether the current $1.98 million award is consistent with past investments, represents an increase or decrease, and whether spending has been efficient over time.

What is the potential risk associated with the long duration of this contract (nearly five years)?

The primary risk associated with a long contract duration, such as this nearly five-year award, is the potential for the contractor's services or pricing to become outdated or less competitive over time. Market conditions, technology, and agency needs can evolve. If not managed proactively, the government might miss opportunities for cost savings or service improvements available through newer solutions or vendors. Mitigation strategies include incorporating clauses for periodic review, performance-based incentives, or options for early termination if performance or market conditions change significantly. Regular communication and performance monitoring by the agency are crucial.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers › Periodical Publishers

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 1605C1-21-R-00003

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 300 AMERICAN METRO BLVD STE 185, HAMILTON, NJ, 08619

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,983,580

Exercised Options: $1,983,580

Current Obligation: $1,983,580

Actual Outlays: $1,983,580

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline