FEMA awards $6.4M contract for 17 specialists to support Louisiana disaster public assistance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,424,264 ($6.4M)

Contractor: Serco Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-10-16

End Date: 2026-03-20

Contract Duration: 520 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: REQUIREMENT FOR 17 SPECIALISTS TO SUPPORT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT (PA TAC V) LIRO (MULTIPLE LOUISIANA DISASTERS)

Place of Performance

Location: BATON ROUGE, EAST BATON ROUGE County, LOUISIANA, 70802

State: Louisiana Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $6.4 million to SERCO INC for work described as: REQUIREMENT FOR 17 SPECIALISTS TO SUPPORT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT (PA TAC V) LIRO (MULTIPLE LOUISIANA DISASTERS) Key points: 1. Contract aims to bolster technical assistance for public assistance programs in Louisiana. 2. The award is a delivery order under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 3. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 4. The duration of 520 days suggests a focused, medium-term support requirement. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611 indicates management consulting services. 6. The contract was awarded on a full and open competition basis.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount is $6.42 million for approximately 17 specialists over 520 days. Without specific details on the specialists' roles, experience levels, and hourly rates, a precise value-for-money assessment is difficult. However, the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type, while flexible, can lead to higher costs if not closely managed compared to fixed-price contracts. Benchmarking against similar disaster response technical assistance contracts would be necessary for a more definitive value assessment.

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 specific number of bidders is not provided, but a full and open competition generally suggests a healthy level of market interest and potential for competitive pricing. This approach allows the government to solicit proposals from a wide range of qualified contractors.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the potential for receiving competitive bids, which can drive down costs and ensure the government obtains services at a fair market price.

Public Impact

Residents and local governments in Louisiana affected by multiple disasters will benefit from enhanced technical assistance. The contract will provide specialized support for the Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contract (PA TAC V) program. Services will focus on aiding the recovery process and ensuring efficient delivery of federal disaster relief funds. The geographic impact is specifically Louisiana, addressing needs arising from recent disaster declarations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type introduces potential for cost overruns if not diligently managed.
Lack of specific details on specialist roles and experience makes it difficult to assess true value for money.
The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger IDIQ, which may have its own inherent risks or limitations not detailed here.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
Supports critical disaster recovery efforts in a region impacted by multiple events.
The contract duration is defined, providing a clear timeframe for the specialized support.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services sector (NAICS 541611). This sector is crucial for government operations, providing expertise in areas like program management, policy implementation, and operational efficiency. The market for these services is competitive, with many firms offering specialized support to federal agencies, particularly in areas requiring rapid response and technical expertise, such as disaster recovery.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this particular delivery order. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through set-asides is unlikely. However, the prime contractor, Serco Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors, depending on their subcontracting plans and the nature of the services required. Further analysis of Serco's subcontracting history would be needed to determine the indirect impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a component of the Department of Homeland Security. As a delivery order under an IDIQ, oversight mechanisms would typically include performance monitoring, review of deliverables, and financial tracking. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and reporting requirements. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contract (PA TAC)
FEMA Disaster Relief Fund
Federal Emergency Management Agency Support Contracts
Disaster Recovery Consulting Services

Risk Flags

Time and Materials contract type requires close monitoring to prevent cost overruns.
Potential for contractor performance issues impacting critical disaster recovery timelines.
Dependence on a single delivery order for specialized support could lead to continuity risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $6.4 million to SERCO INC. REQUIREMENT FOR 17 SPECIALISTS TO SUPPORT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT (PA TAC V) LIRO (MULTIPLE LOUISIANA DISASTERS)

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is SERCO INC.

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 $6.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-10-16. End: 2026-03-20.

What is the specific expertise required from the 17 specialists, and how does this align with Louisiana's disaster recovery needs?

The requirement specifies '17 specialists to support Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contract (PA TAC V)'. While the exact breakdown of roles isn't detailed, PA TAC typically involves experts in areas such as damage assessment, cost estimating, project management, environmental compliance, and policy interpretation related to FEMA's Public Assistance Program. These specialists are crucial for helping state and local governments navigate the complex process of applying for and receiving federal disaster funding. Given Louisiana's history of significant natural disasters, the need for such specialized support is consistent with its ongoing recovery efforts and preparedness for future events. The contract's focus on 'multiple Louisiana disasters' suggests a need for sustained, expert guidance across various recovery phases and potentially different types of disaster impacts.

How does the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type compare to other contract types in terms of cost efficiency for disaster response services?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are characterized by payment based on the actual labor hours expended and the cost of materials used. This contract type offers flexibility, which can be advantageous in rapidly evolving disaster situations where the scope of work may not be fully defined at the outset. However, T&M contracts carry a higher risk of cost overruns compared to fixed-price contracts because the final cost is not predetermined. Effective management, including close monitoring of labor hours, rates, and material costs, is essential to control expenses. For disaster response, where needs can be unpredictable, T&M can be appropriate, but it necessitates robust oversight from the contracting agency to ensure value for money and prevent unnecessary expenditure.

What is the historical spending pattern for PA TAC V or similar technical assistance contracts by FEMA?

FEMA's Public Assistance Technical Assistance Contract (PA TAC) program, particularly PA TAC V, represents a significant investment in supporting disaster-affected communities. Historical data indicates that FEMA has consistently utilized large IDIQ contracts to procure technical assistance for disaster response and recovery. For instance, previous iterations of PA TAC and related contracts have seen multi-billion dollar ceiling amounts over their performance periods, reflecting the scale of federal disaster aid. Spending within these contracts fluctuates annually based on the number and severity of declared disasters. Contracts like PA TAC V are designed to provide a flexible mechanism to quickly bring on necessary expertise across various regions and disaster types, meaning specific delivery orders can range from thousands to millions of dollars, as seen in this $6.42 million award for Louisiana.

What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single delivery order under a larger IDIQ for critical disaster support?

While delivery orders under an IDIQ provide flexibility, relying on a single order for critical support can introduce risks. If the prime contractor or the awarded specialists face unforeseen challenges (e.g., staffing shortages, performance issues, or financial instability), it could disrupt the continuity of essential technical assistance. Furthermore, the specific expertise required might be highly specialized; if the contractor fails to deliver, finding a replacement quickly under the existing IDIQ framework might be challenging or time-consuming. The government's recourse would depend on the terms of the IDIQ and the specific delivery order, potentially involving contract termination and re-competition, which could delay critical recovery efforts. Robust performance management and contingency planning by FEMA are crucial to mitigate these risks.

How does the geographic focus on Louisiana impact the allocation of resources and the potential for specialized support?

The specific geographic focus on Louisiana for this $6.42 million contract indicates a concentrated effort to address the complex recovery needs of a state that has experienced multiple disaster declarations. This allows FEMA and the contractor, Serco Inc., to tailor their technical assistance to the unique challenges and regulatory environment within Louisiana. It enables the deployment of specialists who may have prior experience with the state's specific recovery programs and infrastructure. While this focused approach can enhance efficiency and effectiveness for Louisiana's recovery, it also means that resources are dedicated to this region, potentially impacting the availability of similar specialized support for other disaster-stricken areas if multiple large-scale events occur simultaneously across different states.

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

Solicitation ID: 70FB8024R00000045

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 12930 WORLDGATE DR, HERNDON, VA, 20170

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $6,424,264

Exercised Options: $6,424,264

Current Obligation: $6,424,264

Actual Outlays: $3,817,489

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB8024D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline