State Dept. Awards $37.3M for ICASS Support to Cherokee Nation Solutions
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,290,997 ($37.3M)
Contractor: Cherokee Nation Solutions Link, L.L.C.
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2022-11-01
End Date: 2026-04-30
Contract Duration: 1,276 days
Daily Burn Rate: $29.2K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: DSD UAE ICASS SUPPORT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $37.3 million to CHEROKEE NATION SOLUTIONS LINK, L.L.C. for work described as: DSD UAE ICASS SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single entity, raising questions about competition. 2. Significant value suggests a critical need for travel arrangement services. 3. Limited competition could lead to suboptimal pricing. 4. Focus on travel services indicates a niche but essential government function.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $37.3 million over approximately 4.25 years is substantial. Without comparable contract data, it's difficult to assess if this pricing is competitive. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status further complicates value assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract is listed as 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' indicating a sole-source or limited competition award. This significantly restricts price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for taxpayers.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competitive bidding may result in the government paying more than necessary for these travel services, impacting taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
Government employees rely on these services for essential travel arrangements. Potential for increased travel costs impacts departmental budgets. Ensuring efficient and cost-effective travel is crucial for agency operations.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- Potential for overpricing
- Contract duration
Positive Signals
- Addresses a specific government need
- Long-term award provides stability
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services,' a niche sector within government contracting. Benchmarks for this specific service category are not readily available, making direct comparison difficult.
Small Business Impact
There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors. The award to a single, larger entity suggests limited opportunities for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status warrants closer oversight to ensure the justification for limited competition is sound and that the pricing is fair. Transparency in the procurement process is key.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for inflated pricing due to lack of competition.
- Contract duration of over 4 years.
- No clear small business participation noted.
Tags
all-other-travel-arrangement-and-reserva, department-of-state, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $37.3 million to CHEROKEE NATION SOLUTIONS LINK, L.L.C.. DSD UAE ICASS SUPPORT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CHEROKEE NATION SOLUTIONS LINK, L.L.C..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $37.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2022-11-01. End: 2026-04-30.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a limited or sole-source basis, and has it been adequately documented?
The provided data states 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION,' which implies a limited or sole-source justification. A thorough review would be needed to ascertain the specific reasons, such as unique capabilities of the contractor or urgent needs. Adequate documentation is crucial for accountability and to ensure taxpayer funds are used responsibly.
How does the per-unit cost of travel arrangements under this contract compare to industry benchmarks or previous government contracts for similar services?
Without specific per-unit cost data or access to comparable contracts, a direct benchmark comparison is not possible. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status makes it even harder to assess if the pricing is competitive. Further analysis would require detailed cost breakdowns and market research.
What mechanisms are in place to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the travel services provided by Cherokee Nation Solutions Link, L.L.C.?
Standard contract clauses likely include performance metrics and reporting requirements. However, given the limited competition, proactive oversight is essential. The Department of State should actively monitor service delivery, traveler feedback, and cost-effectiveness to ensure the contract meets its objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services › All Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Cherokee Nation
Address: 10838 E MARSHALL ST STE 220-J, TULSA, OK, 74116
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, 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: $73,548,857
Exercised Options: $73,548,857
Current Obligation: $37,290,997
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2022-11-01
Current End Date: 2026-04-30
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-10
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