DOL awards $6.2M to SAFAL PARTNERS for VETS NVTAC Services under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,226,838 ($6.2M)

Contractor: Safal Partners LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2021-07-16

End Date: 2026-12-17

Contract Duration: 1,980 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICE (VETS) NATIONAL VETERANS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (NVTAC) SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: HOUSTON, HARRIS County, TEXAS, 77042

State: Texas Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $6.2 million to SAFAL PARTNERS LLC for work described as: VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICE (VETS) NATIONAL VETERANS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (NVTAC) SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract supports the Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) National Veterans Technical Assistance Center (NVTAC). 2. SAFAL PARTNERS LLC is the sole awardee for these administrative management and general management consulting services. 3. The contract was awarded using a BPA Call under full and open competition. 4. This award represents a significant investment in supporting veteran employment initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $6.2M over its period of performance appears reasonable for specialized technical assistance services. Benchmarking against similar consulting contracts for government-wide technical assistance programs would provide further validation.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The award was made under full and open competition, indicating a robust process for selecting the most qualified offeror. The use of a BPA Call suggests a streamlined approach to task order issuance, potentially leading to efficient price discovery for specific needs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being utilized to enhance veteran employment and training programs through specialized technical assistance, aiming for improved outcomes for veterans.

Public Impact

Enhances critical support services for veterans transitioning into the workforce. Aims to improve the effectiveness of federal programs designed to assist veterans' employment. Leverages specialized consulting expertise to address complex challenges in veteran training. Contributes to the government's commitment to supporting military personnel and their families.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep in technical assistance projects.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical NVTAC functions.

Positive Signals

Clear objective to support veteran employment.
Awarded through a competitive process.
Focus on specialized technical assistance.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under administrative management and general management consulting services, a sector that supports various government functions. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for specialized expertise to improve program efficiency and effectiveness.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not awarded to a small business (ss: false, sb: false). Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was solicited or achieved through subcontracting.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was made by the Department of Labor, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management, suggesting internal oversight. The use of a BPA Call implies a framework for managing multiple task orders, which can facilitate oversight.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Labor Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Programs

Risk Flags

Contract duration extends beyond the initial award year.
Awarded under a BPA Call, indicating potential for future task orders.
Services are critical to supporting veteran employment initiatives.
Contract value is substantial, reflecting the importance of the services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $6.2 million to SAFAL PARTNERS LLC. VETERANS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SERVICE (VETS) NATIONAL VETERANS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER (NVTAC) SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SAFAL PARTNERS 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 $6.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-07-16. End: 2026-12-17.

What specific metrics will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the NVTAC services provided by SAFAL PARTNERS LLC?

The effectiveness of NVTAC services will likely be evaluated based on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the successful delivery of technical assistance, program improvements, and ultimately, the impact on veteran employment outcomes. This could include metrics such as the number of veterans served, the satisfaction levels of program participants, and the demonstrable enhancement of VETS program efficiency.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for these critical technical assistance services?

Relying on a single contractor, SAFAL PARTNERS LLC, for critical NVTAC services presents risks such as potential service disruptions if the contractor faces financial or operational issues. There's also a risk of reduced innovation or complacency over time due to a lack of direct competition for the core services. Contingency planning and robust performance monitoring are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does this contract contribute to the overall value proposition of the VETS program for the nation's veterans?

This contract contributes to the VETS program's value by ensuring specialized technical expertise is available to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of employment and training services for veterans. By improving the operational capacity and strategic guidance of NVTAC, the contract aims to create more impactful programs that directly benefit veterans' successful transition to civilian careers and employment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting 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

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2900 WILCREST DR, SUITE - 416, HOUSTON, TX, 77042

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,052,429

Exercised Options: $7,052,429

Current Obligation: $6,226,838

Actual Outlays: $4,895,330

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1630DC18A0005

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline