State Department awards $4.1M labor support contract to Tatitlek Government Services, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,122,654 ($4.1M)

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: $5.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: DS/OSAC LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE County, ALASKA, 99503

State: Alaska Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $4.1 million to TATITLEK GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC for work described as: DS/OSAC LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, limiting price competition. 2. Firm Fixed Price contract type suggests cost certainty for the government. 3. Contract duration of 729 days provides a stable period for service delivery. 4. The contract is for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services'. 5. Awarded by the Department of State, indicating a need for specialized support. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized for this procurement.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $4.1M over two years for labor support services appears within a reasonable range for specialized consulting. However, without specific details on the services rendered and comparable market rates for similar expertise, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. The firm fixed-price nature provides cost predictability, but the lack of competition could lead to a less optimal price than a competed contract might achieve. Benchmarking against similar contracts for labor support within the federal government would be necessary for a more definitive evaluation.

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. This approach bypasses the standard competitive bidding process, which typically involves multiple vendors submitting proposals. While sole-source awards can be justified under specific circumstances (e.g., unique capabilities, urgent needs), they generally result in less price discovery and potentially higher costs for the government compared to full and open competition. The absence of multiple bidders means there was no direct price comparison or incentive for vendors to offer their most competitive rates.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these labor support services. Without competitive pressure, the awarded price might be higher than what could have been achieved through a bidding process.

Public Impact

The Department of State is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential labor support services. Services likely contribute to the operational efficiency and effectiveness of State Department programs. The contract supports specialized consulting services, potentially impacting policy development or program implementation. Geographic impact is focused on Alaska, where the contractor is based, but the services may support national or international operations. Workforce implications include employment opportunities for individuals working for Tatitlek Government Services, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potentially increases cost to taxpayers.
Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award.
Limited data available to assess the specific value and performance of the services provided.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Contract duration of over two years offers stability in service provision.
Award to a specific LLC suggests a focused provider for specialized needs.

Sector Analysis

The federal consulting services sector is vast, encompassing a wide range of expertise from IT to scientific and technical support. Contracts for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) often involve specialized knowledge critical for government operations. The Department of State, like many federal agencies, relies on such services to augment its internal capabilities. While specific market size data for this niche is difficult to isolate, the overall federal consulting market is substantial, with agencies frequently awarding contracts for specialized expertise to support diverse missions. This contract fits within the broader landscape of federal agencies procuring external expertise to fulfill their mandates.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal. The award to Tatitlek Government Services, LLC, a specific company, does not inherently benefit or disadvantage the broader small business community unless subcontracting opportunities are later identified or if Tatitlek itself is a small business (which is not specified).

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. As a sole-source award, the justification and approval process would be subject to internal agency review and potentially higher-level procurement oversight to ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Transparency is limited due to the sole-source nature, but contract performance would be monitored through standard reporting mechanisms and performance evaluations. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Professional and Technical Services
Federal Consulting Services
Other Scientific and Technical Services
Labor Support Contracts
Sole Source Procurements

Risk Flags

Sole Source Award
Lack of Competition
Limited Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $4.1 million to TATITLEK GOVERNMENT SERVICES, LLC. DS/OSAC LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES

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 $4.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

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

What specific labor support services are being provided under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract falls under NAICS code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' While the contract title is 'DS/OSAC LABOR SUPPORT SERVICES,' the exact nature of the labor support is not detailed. It could encompass a range of activities such as administrative support, logistical assistance, specialized research support, or technical consulting related to the Department of State's operations, particularly within the context of the Diplomatic Security Service (DS) and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Without further documentation, the precise scope of work remains ambiguous, making it difficult to fully assess the contract's purpose and value.

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

The justification for a sole-source award is critical for understanding why full and open competition was not pursued. Common reasons include the availability of only one responsible source, urgent and compelling needs that preclude competitive procedures, or specific national security requirements. For this contract, the Department of State would need to document the specific circumstances that led to Tatitlek Government Services, LLC being the only viable option. This justification is typically reviewed internally and may be subject to public notice depending on the contract value and specific regulations. Without this documented justification, the rationale for bypassing competition remains unclear, raising questions about potential cost efficiencies lost.

How does the $4.1M contract value compare to similar labor support contracts awarded by the Department of State or other agencies?

Benchmarking the $4.1M contract value requires comparing it to similar 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' or 'Labor Support Services' contracts awarded by the Department of State or other federal agencies over comparable periods. Given the two-year duration (729 days), the approximate annual value is around $2.05M. This figure needs to be assessed against contracts that procure similar types and volumes of labor support or specialized consulting. Factors such as the specific skill sets required, geographic location of service delivery, and the complexity of the tasks will influence comparability. A comprehensive analysis would involve searching federal procurement databases for relevant contract awards and analyzing their scope, value, and duration to determine if $4.1M represents a fair market price for the services rendered.

What is Tatitlek Government Services, LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly with the Department of State?

Assessing Tatitlek Government Services, LLC's track record is essential for understanding their capability and past performance. Information regarding their previous federal contract awards, including the agencies they have served, the types of services provided, contract values, and performance history (e.g., past performance reviews, any disputes or terminations), would offer insight into their reliability and expertise. Specifically, their history with the Department of State would be particularly relevant, indicating familiarity with the agency's unique operational environment and requirements. A review of their contract history can help determine if they have a pattern of successful delivery or if there are any red flags concerning performance or compliance.

What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source award for labor support services?

Sole-source awards for labor support services carry several potential risks. Primarily, the lack of competition can lead to inflated prices, meaning the government may pay more than necessary for the services. This also reduces the incentive for the contractor to innovate or provide exceptional value, as there is no competitive pressure to do so. Furthermore, sole-source awards can sometimes indicate a lack of market research or planning by the agency, potentially missing out on more capable or cost-effective solutions from other vendors. There's also a risk that the agency becomes overly reliant on a single contractor, which can create vulnerabilities if that contractor experiences performance issues or decides to exit the market.

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: $5,694,087

Exercised Options: $5,694,087

Current Obligation: $4,122,654

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