State Department awards $2.8M for staffing support in Baghdad, raising value-for-money questions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,808,550 ($2.8M)

Contractor: Cayuse Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2019-09-20

End Date: 2025-03-29

Contract Duration: 2,017 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: STAFFING SUPPORT SERVICES BAGHDAD

Place of Performance

Location: PENDLETON, UMATILLA County, OREGON, 97801

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $2.8 million to CAYUSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: STAFFING SUPPORT SERVICES BAGHDAD Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting price competition. 2. Duration of over 5 years suggests a need for stable, long-term support. 3. Time and Materials pricing structure can pose cost control challenges. 4. Lack of competition may lead to suboptimal pricing for taxpayers. 5. Performance context is critical given the sensitive nature of operations in Baghdad. 6. Sector positioning within professional services indicates a need for specialized expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract's value-for-money is difficult to assess without comparable sole-source awards or detailed cost breakdowns. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model, while flexible, can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. Benchmarking against similar staffing support contracts in high-risk environments would be necessary to determine if the $2.8 million expenditure represents a fair price. The lack of competition further complicates a robust value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor was considered. This approach bypasses the competitive bidding process, which typically drives down prices and encourages innovation. Without a competitive solicitation, it is challenging to ascertain if Cayuse Technologies, LLC offered the best possible price or if alternative solutions were explored.

Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can result in higher costs for taxpayers as the government does not benefit from the price discovery mechanisms inherent in a competitive environment.

Public Impact

Provides essential staffing support services to U.S. government operations in Baghdad. Ensures continuity of operations and mission effectiveness in a challenging geopolitical environment. Supports diplomatic and security functions by providing necessary personnel. Impacts the local workforce through employment opportunities, though specific numbers are not detailed.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pressure on pricing.
Time and Materials contract type can lead to unpredictable costs.
Extended duration without clear performance metrics raises oversight concerns.
Geographic location in Baghdad presents inherent operational and security risks.

Positive Signals

Contract addresses a critical need for staffing in a high-demand environment.
Long-term award suggests a stable, ongoing requirement for services.
Cayuse Technologies, LLC is the awarded contractor, implying some level of vetting.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541990. This broad category encompasses a wide range of specialized services. The market for such services in support of government operations, particularly in overseas locations, is significant. Comparable spending often involves security, logistics, and administrative support in complex environments.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation is not a primary focus, as the award is not a small business set-aside and the contractor is not explicitly identified as a small business. There is no information provided regarding subcontracting plans, which could potentially offer opportunities for small businesses. The impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal for this specific award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance work statement and delivery order terms. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature and the sensitive operational context. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Overseas Staffing
Professional and Technical Services Contracts
Support Services for Diplomatic Missions
Contracts in High-Risk Environments

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Time and Materials contract type
High-risk operational environment
Lack of detailed performance metrics in award data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $2.8 million to CAYUSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. STAFFING SUPPORT SERVICES BAGHDAD

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CAYUSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-20. End: 2025-03-29.

What is the track record of Cayuse Technologies, LLC in performing similar staffing support services, particularly in overseas or high-risk environments?

Information regarding Cayuse Technologies, LLC's specific track record for staffing support services in Baghdad or similar high-risk environments is not readily available in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history with the Department of State or other agencies, and any reported issues or successes on previous engagements. Without this data, it's difficult to gauge their experience and capability to meet the demands of this specific contract. Further investigation into federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems would be necessary to build a complete picture of their past performance.

How does the $2.8 million total contract value compare to similar staffing support contracts awarded by the Department of State or other agencies for operations in Baghdad?

Direct comparison of the $2.8 million total contract value for staffing support in Baghdad is challenging without access to a database of comparable sole-source awards or detailed cost breakdowns. However, given the duration of over five years and the location, this figure appears to be within a plausible range for specialized support services in a high-risk environment. To provide a more precise benchmark, one would need to analyze contracts for similar services (e.g., administrative, logistical, security-related staffing) awarded to other vendors or for other missions in the region. The absence of competition for this award means a direct price-to-price comparison is not feasible, making value assessment reliant on qualitative factors and estimated market rates.

What are the primary risks associated with a sole-source Time and Materials contract for staffing support in Baghdad?

The primary risks associated with a sole-source Time and Materials (T&M) contract for staffing support in Baghdad are multifaceted. Firstly, the sole-source nature eliminates competitive pressure, potentially leading to inflated pricing and reduced incentive for the contractor to optimize costs. Secondly, the T&M structure, where the government pays for labor hours and materials used, carries a significant risk of cost overruns if not meticulously monitored. Without a fixed price or strong cost ceilings, the total expenditure can escalate beyond initial projections. Thirdly, the operational environment in Baghdad presents inherent security and logistical challenges that can drive up costs and impact service delivery. Effective oversight and robust contract management are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What specific staffing functions or roles are covered under this $2.8 million contract, and how do they contribute to the Department of State's mission in Baghdad?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'STAFFING SUPPORT SERVICES BAGHDAD' under NAICS code 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services). This broad classification suggests the contract likely covers a range of professional, administrative, or technical support roles essential for the functioning of the U.S. Embassy or related operations in Baghdad. These could include administrative assistants, program support staff, technical specialists, or other personnel required to maintain diplomatic and operational continuity. By providing these essential human resources, the contract directly contributes to the Department of State's mission of advancing U.S. foreign policy interests, protecting American citizens abroad, and fostering international relations in a complex region.

What is the historical spending pattern for staffing support services in Baghdad by the Department of State, and how does this award fit within that trend?

Historical spending patterns for staffing support services in Baghdad by the Department of State are not detailed in the provided data. However, it is generally understood that diplomatic missions in high-threat environments like Baghdad require significant investment in personnel and support services to ensure operational effectiveness and security. Awards for such services can fluctuate based on geopolitical conditions, mission requirements, and available funding. This $2.8 million award, spanning over five years, suggests a sustained need for these services. Without historical data, it's difficult to definitively state if this award represents an increase, decrease, or continuation of previous spending trends, but it indicates a consistent requirement for external staffing support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Cayuse Holdings, LLC

Address: 72632 COYOTE RD, PENDLETON, OR, 97801

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, HUBZone Firm, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $3,031,445

Exercised Options: $3,031,445

Current Obligation: $2,808,550

Actual Outlays: $1,039,064

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM19D0101

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline