State Department awards $4.3M contract for diplomatic security labor support to Tatitlek Government Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,314,960 ($4.3M)

Contractor: Tatitlek Government Services, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-07-01

End Date: 2026-06-30

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DIPLOMATIC SECURITY LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES FOR (DSS) DS/FO, DS/PA

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22219

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $4.3 million to TATITLEK GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: DIPLOMATIC SECURITY LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES FOR (DSS) DS/FO, DS/PA Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting competitive opportunities. 2. Firm fixed-price contract type suggests defined scope and cost certainty. 3. Contract duration of two years indicates a medium-term need for services. 4. Services are for Diplomatic Security (DS) functions, critical for agency operations. 5. The contract falls under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code. 6. No small business set-aside was applied to this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.3 million over two years appears reasonable for specialized labor support services within a federal agency. However, without a competitive bidding process, it is difficult to benchmark the pricing against market rates or identify potential cost savings. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost predictability for the government, but the absence of competition raises questions about whether the most advantageous pricing was secured. Further analysis would require comparison with similar sole-source contracts for comparable services.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning only one vendor, Tatitlek Government Services, LLC, was solicited. The justification for a sole-source award typically involves specific circumstances, such as the unique capabilities of the contractor or urgent needs that preclude full and open competition. The limited competition means that the government did not benefit from the price discovery and innovation that typically arise from multiple bidders vying for a contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not have received the lowest possible price for these essential diplomatic security support services. Without competing offers, there is a reduced incentive for the awarded contractor to offer the most cost-effective solution.

Public Impact

The Department of State's Diplomatic Security (DS) bureau will benefit from this contract. Services provided will support critical functions related to diplomatic security operations. The contract is geographically focused on supporting the agency's needs, likely within the U.S. or at diplomatic posts. The contract supports the workforce by providing necessary labor for security functions.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competition and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
Lack of transparency in the sole-source justification could mask inefficiencies.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support services poses a risk.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract supports essential diplomatic security functions, ensuring operational continuity.
Tatitlek Government Services, LLC is the awarded contractor, implying some level of established capability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category (NAICS 541690). This sector encompasses a broad range of consulting services not elsewhere classified, often including specialized support for government operations. The market for such services is competitive, but sole-source awards can bypass this dynamic. Benchmarking would typically involve comparing rates for similar labor support services across various federal agencies or private sector contracts, which is challenging without competitive data for this specific award.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. The award to Tatitlek Government Services, LLC, a company that may or may not be classified as a small business itself, means that opportunities for small business participation through subcontracting are not explicitly mandated by this contract. This could limit the direct economic benefit to the small business ecosystem from this particular procurement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will primarily reside with the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers responsible for Diplomatic Security. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract type, which obligates the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature of the award, making it difficult for the public to scrutinize the procurement process and pricing. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Security Services Contracts
Federal Professional and Management Support Services
Diplomatic Security Bureau Operations
Government Labor Support Services

Risk Flags

Sole-source award limits competition.
Potential for unbenchmarked pricing due to lack of competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $4.3 million to TATITLEK GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC. DIPLOMATIC SECURITY LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES FOR (DSS) DS/FO, DS/PA

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TATITLEK GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-07-01. End: 2026-06-30.

What is the specific nature of the 'labor support services' being provided under this contract?

The contract data indicates 'DIPLOMATIC SECURITY LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES FOR (DSS) DS/FO, DS/PA'. This suggests the services involve providing personnel or labor resources to support the operational functions of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), specifically within its various bureaus or offices (DS/FO, DS/PA). These services could range from administrative support, logistical assistance, security screening personnel, or other specialized labor required to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of diplomatic security operations. The exact tasks would be detailed in the contract's statement of work, which is not provided in the summary data.

What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?

The provided data states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED', implying a sole-source award. Federal procurement regulations allow for sole-source awards under specific circumstances, such as when only one responsible source can provide the required supplies or services, or when there is a compelling urgency. For a contract of this nature and value, common justifications might include the unique capabilities or specialized knowledge of Tatitlek Government Services, LLC, or a critical, time-sensitive need that precluded a full and open competition. Without the official justification document (e.g., a Justification and Approval for Other Than Full and Open Competition), the precise reason remains speculative but would need to meet strict regulatory criteria.

How does the firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type impact the government's risk and the contractor's incentive?

A Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) contract is generally considered to have the lowest risk for the government regarding cost. Under an FFP contract, the contractor agrees to a set price for the work, regardless of the actual costs incurred. This provides budget certainty for the government. For the contractor, it means they bear the risk of cost overruns; if their costs exceed the fixed price, their profit margin decreases or they may incur a loss. Conversely, if they can complete the work for less than the fixed price, their profit increases. This structure incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently and complete the work within the agreed-upon budget.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar diplomatic security labor support services by the Department of State?

Analyzing historical spending patterns for similar services is crucial for context. Without access to the Department of State's full contract database or specific historical data for 'Diplomatic Security Labor Support Services,' a precise comparison is difficult. However, the Department of State, like other federal agencies, relies on various contractors for support services, including those related to security. The total value of this $4.3 million contract over two years suggests a significant, ongoing need. Past awards for similar support functions, whether sole-source or competed, would provide benchmarks for pricing, duration, and contractor performance, helping to assess if this current award is consistent with historical trends or represents an anomaly.

Are there any performance concerns or positive performance indicators associated with Tatitlek Government Services, LLC on previous contracts?

Assessing the performance of Tatitlek Government Services, LLC on previous contracts is vital for understanding the risk associated with this new award. Publicly available contract databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) often contain contractor performance evaluations (CPEs) or past performance information. If Tatitlek Government Services has a history of successful contract completion, positive performance reviews, and a good track record with the Department of State or other federal agencies, it would mitigate some of the risks associated with a sole-source award. Conversely, any documented performance issues, disputes, or failures on prior contracts would raise significant concerns about their ability to successfully execute this new requirement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 19AQMM24R0024

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 561 E 36TH AVE STE 400, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, HUBZone Firm, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,811,098

Exercised Options: $5,811,098

Current Obligation: $4,314,960

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 19AQMM24D0014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline