GSA awards $25M for management consulting, with Censeo Consulting Group securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,007,990 ($25.0M)

Contractor: Censeo Consulting Group, Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2019-08-29

End Date: 2025-03-08

Contract Duration: 2,018 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: GOVERNMENT WIDE CATEGORY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20006

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $25.0 million to CENSEO CONSULTING GROUP, INC. for work described as: GOVERNMENT WIDE CATEGORY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract provides essential program management support services to the government. 2. The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. The duration of the contract extends over several years, indicating a long-term need for these services. 4. The services fall under administrative and general management consulting, a critical area for government operations. 5. The contract's value places it within a significant spending category for management support.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $25 million over its period of performance appears reasonable for comprehensive management consulting services. Benchmarking against similar large-scale government-wide program management support contracts suggests this level of investment is typical for acquiring specialized expertise. The pricing structure, likely based on labor hours, allows for flexibility but requires diligent oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness. Without specific details on the labor categories and rates, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the competitive award process provides some assurance of fair pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. The presence of multiple bidders (implied by 'full and open') generally leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the nature of the competition suggests that the government sought the best value through a robust selection process.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it fosters a competitive environment, driving down costs and ensuring the government receives high-quality services at a fair market price.

Public Impact

Federal agencies requiring program management and administrative support services benefit directly from this contract. The contract enables the delivery of critical government functions by providing expert consulting. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia, where the contractor is located. The contract supports a workforce of consultants, contributing to the professional services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if not managed tightly, leading to increased costs.
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring consistent quality of service delivery across the contract duration requires ongoing monitoring.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive and fair process.
The contract duration indicates a stable, long-term need being met.
The services provided are essential for effective government program management.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541611). This is a significant market for government contractors, providing expertise in areas such as strategic planning, organizational efficiency, and program execution. Spending in this sector is driven by the government's need for specialized knowledge to manage complex programs and improve operational effectiveness. Comparable contracts often involve large dollar values and long durations, reflecting the ongoing demand for these high-level advisory services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates 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 set-aside provision. However, the prime contractor, Censeo Consulting Group, may engage small businesses as subcontractors depending on their own business strategy and the specific needs of the task orders issued under this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract is likely managed by the General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service, which awarded the contract. Mechanisms would include regular performance reviews, monitoring of task order execution, and financial oversight to ensure adherence to contract terms and budget. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Government-wide Management and Program Support
Professional Services Contracts
Management and Consulting Services
Federal Program Management Support

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns
Contractor performance variability
Scope creep risk
Over-reliance on external expertise

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $25.0 million to CENSEO CONSULTING GROUP, INC.. GOVERNMENT WIDE CATEGORY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CENSEO CONSULTING GROUP, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $25.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-08-29. End: 2025-03-08.

What is the track record of Censeo Consulting Group with the federal government?

Censeo Consulting Group, Inc. has a history of contracting with the federal government, primarily providing management and consulting services. Their awards often fall under categories related to program management, strategic planning, and operational improvement. Analyzing their past performance on similar contracts, including client satisfaction, adherence to schedules, and budget management, is crucial for assessing their capability to deliver on this current $25 million award. Reviewing contract close-out data and any performance evaluations available in federal procurement databases can provide insights into their reliability and effectiveness as a government contractor. Their experience suggests they are well-positioned to handle complex consulting requirements.

How does the awarded amount compare to similar management consulting contracts?

The $25 million award for program management office support services is substantial and aligns with the typical scale of large, government-wide consulting contracts. Many federal agencies procure similar services through multi-year agreements that can reach tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scope and duration. For instance, contracts supporting agency-wide digital transformation or large-scale operational efficiency initiatives often exceed this amount. The value here is consistent with acquiring specialized expertise for complex, long-term government needs. Benchmarking against contracts with similar NAICS codes (541611) and agencies like GSA, DOD, or HHS would provide a more precise comparison, but the current figure is within the expected range for this type of service.

What are the primary risks associated with this type of contract?

Key risks for this contract include potential cost overruns if task orders are not tightly managed, scope creep that expands the project beyond initial objectives, and contractor performance issues. There's also a risk of over-reliance on the contractor's expertise, potentially hindering internal government capacity building. Ensuring the contractor maintains adequate staffing levels with the right skill sets throughout the contract's duration is another consideration. Furthermore, changes in government priorities or agency leadership could impact the demand for or direction of the consulting services, posing a programmatic risk. Robust oversight and clear performance metrics are essential to mitigate these risks.

How effective are management consulting services in improving government program outcomes?

The effectiveness of management consulting services in improving government program outcomes is highly variable and depends significantly on the quality of the contractor, the clarity of the government's objectives, and the level of engagement from agency leadership. When well-executed, these services can bring valuable external perspectives, specialized expertise, and best practices to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and improve strategic decision-making. They can be instrumental in tackling complex challenges like digital modernization, organizational restructuring, or performance improvement initiatives. However, if objectives are poorly defined, or if recommendations are not effectively implemented due to internal resistance or lack of resources, the impact can be minimal. Success hinges on a strong partnership between the government client and the consulting firm.

What is the historical spending trend for administrative management and general management consulting services by the GSA?

The General Services Administration (GSA) consistently spends significant amounts on administrative management and general management consulting services, reflecting its role as a primary procurement and shared services provider for the federal government. Historical data shows a steady demand for these services, often awarded through large, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts or specific task orders like the one awarded to Censeo Consulting Group. Spending in this category has generally trended upwards over the past decade, driven by government-wide initiatives focused on efficiency, modernization, and strategic planning. GSA utilizes these services to improve its own operations and to support other federal agencies in achieving their missions, making it a substantial and recurring expenditure area.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

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: ID05190052

Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Contractor Details

Address: 1776 I ST NW STE 1030, WASHINGTON, DC, 20006

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $32,687,527

Exercised Options: $32,687,527

Current Obligation: $25,007,990

Actual Outlays: $946,615

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0052R

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline