Smithsonian Institution awards $1.59M task order for personal services, with a 10-year duration

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,587,456 ($1.6M)

Contractor: Agile Defense, LLC

Awarding Agency: Smithsonian Institution

Start Date: 2018-09-04

End Date: 2028-08-16

Contract Duration: 3,634 days

Daily Burn Rate: $437/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER #1

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20013

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Smithsonian Institution obligated $1.6 million to AGILE DEFENSE, LLC for work described as: TASK ORDER #1 Key points: 1. Value-for-money assessment indicates potential for cost efficiencies given the long-term nature of the contract. 2. Competition dynamics show a full and open competition, suggesting a healthy market for these services. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with a long performance period requiring careful monitoring. 4. Performance context is tied to essential personal services for the Smithsonian Institution. 5. Sector positioning places this contract within the administrative and support services category.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of $1.59 million over 10 years suggests an average annual spend of approximately $159,000. This appears reasonable for specialized personal services, especially when considering the extended performance period which can lead to economies of scale and reduced administrative overhead compared to multiple shorter-term contracts. Benchmarking against similar long-term personal service contracts within government agencies would provide a more precise value assessment.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This approach typically fosters a competitive environment, encouraging multiple bidders to present their best pricing and technical solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the method of competition suggests a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down prices through market forces and ensuring that the government receives the most advantageous offer available.

Public Impact

The Smithsonian Institution directly benefits from the continuity of essential personal services. Services delivered are crucial for the operational support of the institution's various functions. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the Smithsonian is headquartered. Workforce implications may involve the integration of contractor personnel into existing operational teams.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration (10 years) could lead to complacency or reduced urgency if not actively managed.
Dependence on specific personal services might create vulnerabilities if key personnel are lost.
Potential for scope creep over the extended period if not strictly monitored.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a competitive pricing environment.
Long-term contract provides stability and predictability for service delivery.
Clear performance period allows for focused management and evaluation.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on personal services. The market for such services is broad, encompassing a wide range of specialized expertise required by government agencies. The Smithsonian Institution, as a major cultural and research entity, frequently procures services to support its diverse operations, making this contract a typical component of its administrative and operational budget.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (ss and sb fields) was not a specific set-aside criterion for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is likely minimal. However, the prime contractor, AGILE DEFENSE, LLC, may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Smithsonian Institution. Accountability measures are established through the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is facilitated by the contract's award under full and open competition, with data publicly available through federal procurement databases. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Smithsonian Institution Operations Support
Federal Personal Services Contracts
Long-Term Government Service Agreements
Administrative Support Services

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may increase risk of performance degradation or obsolescence.
Potential for over-reliance on contractor personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Smithsonian Institution awarded $1.6 million to AGILE DEFENSE, LLC. TASK ORDER #1

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AGILE DEFENSE, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian Institution).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $1.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-09-04. End: 2028-08-16.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar personal services contracts at the Smithsonian Institution?

Analyzing historical spending for similar personal services contracts at the Smithsonian Institution is crucial for understanding long-term trends and identifying potential anomalies. While specific data for this contract shows a $1.59 million award over 10 years, a broader review would involve examining previous awards for 'All Other Personal Services' (NAICS 812990) or related categories. This would reveal if the current award is consistent with past investments, if spending has increased or decreased over time, and whether the duration and value are typical for the services procured. Understanding these patterns helps in assessing whether the current contract represents a strategic shift or a continuation of established practices, and provides a baseline for future value-for-money assessments.

How does the per-unit cost of these personal services compare to market rates or similar government contracts?

Benchmarking the per-unit cost of these personal services is essential for determining value for money. Since the contract is awarded on a 'LABOR HOURS' (PT) basis, the key metric would be the hourly rate charged by AGILE DEFENSE, LLC. Comparing these rates against established government-wide contract vehicles (like GSA schedules) or against rates paid by other federal agencies for comparable personal services provides a clear indication of whether the pricing is competitive. If the hourly rates are significantly higher than market or peer agency benchmarks, it could signal potential overpricing or a lack of sufficient competition, warranting further investigation into the specific skill sets and service levels required.

What are the specific risks associated with a 10-year performance period for personal services?

A 10-year performance period for personal services introduces several risks. Firstly, there's the risk of 'contractor complacency,' where the long duration might reduce the incentive for the contractor to innovate or maintain peak performance. Secondly, 'key personnel risk' is elevated; if critical individuals leave the contractor's employ, it could significantly disrupt service delivery, especially if replacements are not readily available or adequately trained. Thirdly, 'scope creep' is a concern, as requirements might evolve over a decade, potentially leading to unmanaged cost increases if not rigorously controlled through contract modifications. Finally, 'technological obsolescence' or changes in best practices could render the contracted services less effective over time if the contract doesn't include mechanisms for adaptation.

What is the track record of AGILE DEFENSE, LLC in performing similar government contracts?

Evaluating the track record of AGILE DEFENSE, LLC is critical for assessing the reliability and performance risk associated with this task order. A review of past performance information, including contract تاريخ (history), past performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports), and any documented disputes or terminations, would provide insight into their capabilities. Specifically, looking for experience with similar personal services, long-duration contracts, and performance within the Smithsonian Institution or comparable agencies would be most relevant. A history of successful, on-time, and within-budget contract completion suggests a lower risk, while a pattern of performance issues or contract disputes would raise concerns about their ability to meet the requirements of this new task order.

How does the Smithsonian Institution ensure accountability and performance management over such a long contract duration?

Ensuring accountability and performance management over a 10-year contract requires robust mechanisms. The Smithsonian Institution would likely employ a dedicated contract administrator or COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) responsible for day-to-day oversight. Regular performance reviews, milestone tracking, and adherence to the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) outlined in the contract are crucial. The contract should include clear metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are regularly assessed. Furthermore, periodic reviews of the contract's continued necessity and alignment with the institution's strategic goals are important. Mechanisms for addressing performance deficiencies, including corrective action plans and potential penalties, should be clearly defined and enforced throughout the contract's life.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Other Personal Services › All Other Personal Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11600 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 440, RESTON, VA, 20191

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $1,587,456

Exercised Options: $1,587,456

Current Obligation: $1,587,456

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 33330218DF0010272

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline