FEMA awards $37.5M for community engagement and risk communication, highlighting administrative management consulting needs

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $37,462,364 ($37.5M)

Contractor: Resilience Action Partners

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2022-09-20

End Date: 2023-09-19

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $102.9K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CERC TASK ORDER 3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND RISK COMMUNICATION SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20472

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $37.5 million to RESILIENCE ACTION PARTNERS for work described as: CERC TASK ORDER 3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND RISK COMMUNICATION SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $37.5 million for a one-year period suggests a significant need for specialized communication services. 2. The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating a broad market search for qualified vendors. 3. The 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' NAICS code points to a focus on strategic planning and operational support. 4. The award type is a delivery order, suggesting it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. 5. The contractor, Resilience Action Partners, will provide critical support for FEMA's mission in community engagement and risk communication. 6. The contract's duration of 364 days aligns with typical project-based service delivery timelines. 7. The absence of small business set-aside flags indicates the competition was open to all eligible offerors, not specifically targeted.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $37.5 million for a one-year period for administrative management and general management consulting services is substantial. Benchmarking this against similar large-scale communication and public engagement contracts within federal agencies is necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the full and open competition suggests that multiple firms vied for this work, which typically drives competitive pricing. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a definitive value assessment is challenging, but the competitive nature of the award is a positive indicator.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit an offer. This approach is generally favored for ensuring the government receives the best possible value by leveraging a wide range of potential contractors. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation implies a robust competitive process designed to solicit multiple proposals and encourage price and technical innovation.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it maximizes the chances of securing services at competitive prices and encourages a diverse pool of contractors to participate, fostering innovation and potentially leading to more efficient service delivery.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are communities that will receive enhanced risk communication and engagement services from FEMA. Services delivered include critical support for FEMA's mission in managing and communicating risks to the public. The geographic impact is likely nationwide, supporting FEMA's broad operational scope across the United States. Workforce implications may involve specialized consultants in communication, public relations, and emergency management.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for cost overruns if project scope expands beyond initial estimates, given the Time and Materials contract type.
Ensuring consistent quality and effectiveness of communication strategies across diverse communities requires robust oversight.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical risk communication could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive process that likely yielded a fair price.
The contractor, Resilience Action Partners, is selected to provide specialized expertise in community engagement and risk communication.
The contract supports FEMA's vital mission, indicating alignment with critical government objectives.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the administrative management and general management consulting services sector, a broad category encompassing strategic planning, operational efficiency, and specialized advisory services. The federal government is a significant consumer of these services, particularly for complex missions like emergency management and public communication. The $37.5 million award for a one-year period indicates a substantial investment in specialized expertise, likely reflecting the scale and sensitivity of FEMA's risk communication needs. Comparable spending in this sector often involves large consulting firms supporting federal agencies with policy implementation, program management, and public outreach initiatives.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and the 'sb' field is false, indicating it was open to all eligible offerors. This suggests that the primary focus was on securing the best technical solution and price from the broadest possible market. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data, but large federal contracts often include provisions for small business participation, which would be detailed in the full contract documentation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work, including performance standards, reporting requirements, and delivery schedules. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific details of performance and cost are often proprietary. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply to any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Disaster Preparedness Programs
FEMA Public Assistance Programs
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Programs
National Incident Management System (NIMS) Implementation
Department of Homeland Security Risk Communication Initiatives

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Scope creep potential in consulting services requires diligent oversight.
Ensuring consistent quality of communication across diverse audiences.
Dependence on contractor performance for critical public messaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $37.5 million to RESILIENCE ACTION PARTNERS. CERC TASK ORDER 3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND RISK COMMUNICATION SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is RESILIENCE ACTION PARTNERS.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $37.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2022-09-20. End: 2023-09-19.

What is the track record of Resilience Action Partners in delivering similar community engagement and risk communication services for federal agencies?

Assessing the track record of Resilience Action Partners requires a review of their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those involving large-scale community engagement and risk communication. Information on past performance is typically available through sources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or contractor performance assessment reports (CPARS). A thorough analysis would involve examining the scope, duration, and success metrics of their previous engagements, looking for evidence of successful project completion, client satisfaction, and adherence to budget and schedule. Positive past performance is a strong indicator of future success, while a history of issues could raise concerns about the contractor's ability to meet FEMA's requirements effectively.

How does the $37.5 million contract value compare to similar FEMA or DHS contracts for risk communication and community engagement services?

To benchmark the $37.5 million contract value, one would compare it to similar contracts awarded by FEMA or other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components for risk communication, public outreach, and community engagement services. This involves identifying contracts with comparable scope, duration, and complexity. For instance, contracts supporting major disaster declarations, public health campaigns, or national security awareness initiatives could serve as benchmarks. Analyzing the per-year cost and the specific services provided in comparable contracts would help determine if FEMA's investment is reasonable. A higher value might be justified by a broader scope, longer duration, or more specialized expertise required.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for risk communication services, and how are they mitigated?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like this one, carry inherent risks, primarily the potential for cost overruns if the scope of work is not well-defined or if labor hours exceed initial estimates. For risk communication services, this could mean extended engagement periods or unforeseen complexities in community outreach. Mitigation strategies employed by agencies typically include robust oversight, detailed work breakdown structures, regular progress reviews, and clear ceilings on labor hours and costs. FEMA would likely implement strict monitoring of the contractor's timekeeping and deliverables, coupled with strong program management to ensure the project stays within budget and achieves its objectives efficiently.

What specific performance metrics or deliverables are likely included in this contract to ensure effective risk communication?

Effective risk communication requires measurable outcomes. Specific performance metrics and deliverables for this contract would likely include the development and execution of comprehensive communication plans, the creation of targeted outreach materials (e.g., fact sheets, public service announcements, social media content), the organization and facilitation of community meetings or webinars, and the establishment of feedback mechanisms to gauge public understanding and concerns. Performance would be assessed based on the reach and impact of these communications, the clarity and accuracy of information disseminated, the timeliness of responses to public inquiries, and the overall effectiveness in fostering informed decision-making and preparedness within affected communities. Regular reporting on these metrics would be a key deliverable.

How does this contract align with FEMA's broader strategy for disaster preparedness and response, particularly concerning public engagement?

This contract is directly aligned with FEMA's strategic imperative to enhance public preparedness and response capabilities through effective communication and engagement. By investing in specialized services for community engagement and risk communication, FEMA aims to build trust, disseminate critical information, and empower individuals and communities to take appropriate actions before, during, and after disasters. This aligns with FEMA's mission to support citizens and first responders and to build, sustain, and improve the nation's capability to prevent, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. The contract supports the goal of ensuring that the public is well-informed and actively involved in their own safety and resilience.

What is the historical spending trend for administrative management and general management consulting services at FEMA or DHS?

Analyzing historical spending trends for administrative management and general management consulting services at FEMA or DHS would involve examining procurement data over several fiscal years. This would reveal patterns in the volume and value of contracts awarded within this NAICS code. Trends might indicate an increasing or decreasing reliance on external consultants for strategic planning, operational support, or specialized advisory roles. Factors influencing these trends could include shifts in agency priorities, budget allocations, major events (like natural disasters), or changes in federal policy regarding the use of contractors. Understanding these patterns provides context for the current $37.5 million award, helping to assess if it represents a typical investment or a significant deviation.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4301 DUTCH RIDGE RD, BEAVER, PA, 15009

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $37,462,364

Exercised Options: $37,462,364

Current Obligation: $37,462,364

Actual Outlays: $5,798,423

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FA6021D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline