GSA awards $30M contract to C2 Technologies for professional military education services to Air University

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $29,907,834 ($29.9M)

Contractor: C2 Technologies, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2020-08-19

End Date: 2026-02-18

Contract Duration: 2,009 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AIR UNIVERSITY - ESCHOOL OF GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION

Place of Performance

Location: MONTGOMERY, MONTGOMERY County, ALABAMA, 36112

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $29.9 million to C2 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. for work described as: AIR UNIVERSITY - ESCHOOL OF GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized training. 2. Competition dynamics suggest a potentially competitive bidding process for this service. 3. Contract duration indicates a long-term commitment to the service provider. 4. Fixed-price contract type aims to control costs and provide predictability. 5. Geographic concentration of the award in Alabama warrants attention for regional economic impact. 6. The award falls within the professional development training sector, aligning with government needs for skilled personnel.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $30 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for specialized professional military education services. Benchmarking against similar contracts for advanced training programs is necessary for a definitive value assessment. The firm-fixed-price structure suggests that cost overruns are primarily the contractor's responsibility, which is a positive indicator for cost control. However, without detailed service breakdowns and performance metrics, a precise value-for-money assessment remains challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple vendors were likely invited to bid. This approach generally fosters a competitive environment, encouraging vendors to offer their best pricing and service offerings to secure the contract. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a robust competition.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions, ultimately maximizing the value received for public funds.

Public Impact

Benefits military officers and civilian personnel seeking advanced professional development. Delivers essential training for professional military education at Air University. Primarily impacts personnel located in or associated with Air University's Alabama facilities. Supports the development of a skilled and knowledgeable military and civilian workforce.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if training requirements are not clearly defined and managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical training function could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract helps manage budget predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a potentially competitive market for these services.
Long contract duration allows for consistent service delivery and relationship building.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional and Management Development Training sector (NAICS 611430), a segment of the broader education and training industry. This sector is characterized by providers offering specialized courses and programs designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals. Government spending in this area is crucial for maintaining a highly trained workforce, particularly within specialized fields like military education. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale training contracts awarded by defense and civilian agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, the prime contractor, C2 Technologies, Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, contributing indirectly to the small business ecosystem. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) through its Federal Acquisition Service, which awarded the contract. The contract's performance would be monitored by the contracting officer and potentially a contract specialist. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases like FPDS, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible.

Related Government Programs

Professional Development Training Services
Military Education and Training Programs
Air Force Training Contracts
General Services Administration (GSA) Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Contract Value
Sole Source Potential (if performance issues arise)
Performance Monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $29.9 million to C2 TECHNOLOGIES, INC.. AIR UNIVERSITY - ESCHOOL OF GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is C2 TECHNOLOGIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $29.9 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-19. End: 2026-02-18.

What is the track record of C2 Technologies, Inc. in delivering similar professional military education services?

C2 Technologies, Inc. has a history of providing training and simulation services to government and commercial clients. While specific details on their performance for Air University under this particular contract require deeper investigation into performance reports and past performance evaluations, their general experience in the training sector suggests a foundational capability. Analyzing past contract awards, client feedback, and any documented performance issues or commendations would provide a more comprehensive understanding of their track record in delivering complex educational programs. It is important to note that contract performance can vary significantly based on the specific requirements, duration, and oversight of each individual contract.

How does the awarded amount of $30 million compare to similar professional military education contracts?

The $30 million award for professional military education services over approximately six years (August 2020 to February 2026) places it as a substantial contract within its domain. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare it against other large-scale training and education contracts awarded by the Department of Defense or other federal agencies to similar institutions or private providers. Factors such as the scope of curriculum, number of personnel trained, duration of courses, and the level of specialization (e.g., graduate-level professional military education) are critical for a meaningful comparison. Without access to a database of comparable contracts with detailed service descriptions and pricing, a precise value comparison is difficult, but the amount suggests a significant scope of services.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Key risks for this contract include potential performance deficiencies by the contractor, changes in educational requirements or technology, and budget fluctuations within the government. Mitigation strategies likely involve robust contract oversight by GSA, clear performance metrics and deliverables outlined in the contract, and the firm-fixed-price structure which incentivizes contractor efficiency. The full and open competition process also mitigates risk by ensuring a competitive market and potentially allowing for easier transition to a new provider if performance issues arise. However, the long duration of the contract means that sustained performance monitoring is crucial throughout its life cycle.

How effective is the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific service?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered effective in ensuring value for money when the scope of work is well-defined and unlikely to change significantly. For professional military education, where curriculum and delivery methods can be standardized, FFP provides cost certainty for the government and incentivizes the contractor to manage costs efficiently to maximize profit. This reduces the government's risk of cost overruns. However, if the educational requirements are highly dynamic or require significant adaptation, an FFP contract might limit flexibility and potentially lead to change orders, which could increase costs. The success of FFP here depends on the clarity and stability of the training requirements.

What is the historical spending pattern for professional military education services at Air University or similar institutions?

Historical spending patterns for professional military education (PME) at institutions like Air University are typically characterized by consistent, long-term investments. Agencies like the Department of the Air Force allocate significant budgets to PME to ensure readiness and professional development of its personnel. Spending can fluctuate based on strategic priorities, enrollment numbers, and the introduction of new training methodologies or technologies. Analyzing past contract awards for PME services, including those awarded to other institutions or contractors, would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the types of services procured. This specific $30 million award suggests a sustained level of investment in this area.

What are the implications of awarding this contract to C2 Technologies, Inc. for the broader defense training market?

Awarding a significant contract like this to C2 Technologies, Inc. can enhance its market position and reputation within the defense training sector. It signals to other potential government clients that the company is capable of managing large-scale, complex educational programs. This could lead to increased competition for future contracts, potentially benefiting the government through more innovative solutions and competitive pricing. Conversely, it might also concentrate significant training responsibilities within a few key providers, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller or newer entrants into the market unless they are effectively utilized as subcontractors.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Professional and Management Development Training

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 47QFAA20R0003

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7601 LEWINSVILLE RD STE 205, MC LEAN, VA, 22102

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,517,661

Exercised Options: $30,430,281

Current Obligation: $29,907,834

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS02Q16DCR0006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline