GSA Awards $13.4M Contract to TRESCO for High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $13,397,176 ($13.4M)

Contractor: Tresco Inc

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2021-02-08

End Date: 2026-04-28

Contract Duration: 1,905 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: HIGH ENERGY LASER SYSTEMS TEST FACILITY HELSTF SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, DONA ANA County, NEW MEXICO, 88002

State: New Mexico Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $13.4 million to TRESCO INC for work described as: HIGH ENERGY LASER SYSTEMS TEST FACILITY HELSTF SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to TRESCO INC for essential support services at the HELSTF. 2. The contract is a Time and Materials type, valued at $13.4 million. 3. Limited competition raises questions about optimal price discovery. 4. Facilities Support Services sector sees significant government investment.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The Time and Materials pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored. Benchmarking against similar facilities support contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, suggesting a limited or sole-source justification. This limits competitive pressure, potentially impacting the final price and value for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The lack of robust competition may result in a higher cost to taxpayers than if multiple vendors had vied for the contract.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation of critical laser testing infrastructure. Supports advanced research and development in directed energy. Potential for cost increases due to Time and Materials contract type.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Time and Materials pricing

Positive Signals

Supports critical R&D facility
Long-term contract duration

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Facilities Support Services, a broad category encompassing maintenance, operation, and management of government facilities. Spending in this sector is substantial, driven by the need to maintain diverse government infrastructure.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this contract award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to manage the Time and Materials aspect of the contract, ensuring costs remain within reasonable bounds and that services meet performance requirements.

Related Government Programs

Facilities Support Services
General Services Administration Contracting
Federal Acquisition Service Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns
Limited competitive pricing
Dependency on a single contractor
Lack of transparency in pricing structure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $13.4 million to TRESCO INC. HIGH ENERGY LASER SYSTEMS TEST FACILITY HELSTF SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRESCO INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-02-08. End: 2026-04-28.

What specific factors led to the limited competition for these essential support services?

The limited competition may stem from the highly specialized nature of the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility (HELSTF) and the unique requirements for its support services. Specialized knowledge, existing infrastructure integration, or specific security clearances could restrict the pool of eligible contractors, leading to a non-competitive award.

How will the government ensure cost control with a Time and Materials contract for these services?

The government will likely implement stringent oversight mechanisms, including detailed review of labor hours and material costs, regular performance reviews, and potentially setting cost ceilings or not-to-exceed limits within the contract. Establishing clear performance metrics and milestones will also help ensure value for money is achieved.

What is the long-term strategic value of this contract for national security or technological advancement?

This contract is vital for maintaining the operational readiness of the HELSTF, a key national asset for directed energy research and development. Continued support enables advancements in areas like missile defense, force protection, and next-generation weapon systems, contributing significantly to national security and technological superiority.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 47QFWA21R0007

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1800 COPPER LOOP, LAS CRUCES, NM, 88005

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,561,942

Exercised Options: $27,392,390

Current Obligation: $13,397,176

Actual Outlays: $9,725,037

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline