State Department awards $4.3M engineering services contract to Contracting Resources Group Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,285,427 ($4.3M)

Contractor: Contracting Resources Group Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2026-09-29

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: DRL GP - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20520

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $4.3 million to CONTRACTING RESOURCES GROUP INC for work described as: DRL GP - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Key points: 1. Contracting Resources Group Inc. secured a significant contract for engineering services. 2. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 3. The duration of the contract is 729 days. 4. The contract is for professional services, specifically engineering. 5. The award was made by the Department of State. 6. The contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle. 7. The contract is not set aside for small businesses.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount is $4,285,426.55. Without specific benchmarks for similar engineering services contracts from the Department of State or other agencies, it is difficult to definitively assess value for money. The contract type is 'Labor Hours', which can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Further analysis would require comparison with historical data for similar services and contractor performance.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources'. This indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, specific sources may have been excluded for defined reasons. The number of bidders is not specified, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process was intended. The level of competition is a positive indicator for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process generally benefits taxpayers by encouraging multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and technical solutions, potentially leading to a more cost-effective outcome.

Public Impact

The Department of State will benefit from engineering services to support its operations. These services are crucial for maintaining and improving infrastructure or technical systems. The contract is geographically focused on the District of Columbia. The contract is expected to support a workforce skilled in engineering disciplines.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of specific performance metrics makes it hard to gauge effectiveness.
The 'Labor Hours' contract type carries inherent risk of cost escalation if not closely monitored.
Details on the exclusion of sources in the 'full and open' competition are not provided, raising questions about the breadth of competition.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a full and open competition process, suggesting a robust selection.
The contract is for essential engineering services, indicating a clear need.
The Department of State is a major federal agency with established procurement processes.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically engineering services (NAICS 541330). This sector is a significant component of federal spending, supporting a wide range of government functions. Benchmarking this contract's value would require comparing it to other engineering service contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense, GSA, or other civilian agencies, considering the scope and complexity of the services.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The prime contractor, Contracting Resources Group Inc., is not identified as a small business in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of State's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Professional Services Contracts
Federal Engineering Services
Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) for Professional Services
Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) Oversight

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to 'Labor Hours' contract type.
Unclear rationale for 'Exclusion of Sources' in competition.
Lack of detailed performance metrics for value assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $4.3 million to CONTRACTING RESOURCES GROUP INC. DRL GP - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CONTRACTING RESOURCES GROUP INC.

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: 2024-09-30. End: 2026-09-29.

What is the track record of Contracting Resources Group Inc. with the Department of State and other federal agencies?

Contracting Resources Group Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts, including with the Department of State. Analyzing their past performance, including contract values, types of services rendered, and any reported issues or successes, is crucial for assessing their reliability and capability for this current engineering services contract. A review of their contract history would reveal if they have successfully managed similar projects in terms of scope, duration, and budget. Information on past performance evaluations, if available, would provide further insight into their ability to meet contractual obligations and deliver quality services.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Department of State?

To benchmark the value of this $4.3 million contract, a comparative analysis with similar engineering services contracts awarded by the Department of State is necessary. This would involve identifying contracts with comparable scope, duration, and service requirements. Factors such as the specific engineering disciplines required, the complexity of the tasks, and the geographic location of service delivery should be considered. Without access to a detailed database of comparable contracts and their pricing structures, it is challenging to definitively state whether this award represents excellent, good, or fair value. However, the 'full and open' competition suggests an effort to achieve competitive pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with a 'Labor Hours' contract type for engineering services?

The 'Labor Hours' contract type, used here, carries inherent risks, primarily related to cost control. Unlike fixed-price contracts, the total cost is determined by the actual hours worked by contractor personnel multiplied by their agreed-upon hourly rates. This means that if the project takes longer than anticipated or if more personnel are required, the total cost can escalate beyond initial estimates. Effective risk mitigation requires rigorous oversight, detailed tracking of hours, and strong program management to ensure that labor is used efficiently and that the project stays within scope and budget. The Department of State must actively manage this contract to prevent cost overruns.

What is the significance of the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation?

The designation 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' indicates that the solicitation was made available to all responsible prospective contractors, but certain sources were intentionally excluded. The reasons for exclusion must be justified and documented, often based on factors like past performance, specific capabilities, or national security concerns. While it aims for broad competition, the exclusion of specific sources means the competitive pool might be smaller than in a purely unrestricted competition. This could potentially impact the range of pricing and innovation offered. Understanding the rationale behind the exclusions is key to assessing the true level of competition achieved.

What are the potential long-term implications of this contract for the Department of State's engineering capabilities?

This contract could have several long-term implications for the Department of State. Firstly, it ensures the availability of critical engineering expertise to support ongoing or new projects, potentially enhancing operational efficiency and infrastructure development. Secondly, the performance of Contracting Resources Group Inc. on this contract could influence future contracting decisions, either positively or negatively. If the contractor performs well, it may lead to future awards. Conversely, poor performance could necessitate a broader search for alternative providers. The contract also represents an investment in maintaining and potentially upgrading the Department's technological or physical assets, contributing to its overall mission effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 19AQMM24Q0133

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 8 W WEST ST, BALTIMORE, MD, 21230

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $17,050,219

Exercised Options: $5,240,741

Current Obligation: $4,285,427

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D8109

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline