FEMA Awards $8.5M Task Order to Serco Inc. for Disaster Support Specialists

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $8,542,390 ($8.5M)

Contractor: Serco Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-08-29

End Date: 2026-08-15

Contract Duration: 351 days

Daily Burn Rate: $24.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TASK ORDER IN SUPPORT LA DISASTER. THE CONTRACTOR IS TO PROVIDE 41 TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS IN SUPPORT OF THE MULTIPLE REGION VI DISASTERS (DR-4611-LA HURRICANE IDA, DR-4817-LA HURRICANE FRANCINE). S1 APPROVAL GIVEN ON 8/25/2025.

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20170

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $8.5 million to SERCO INC for work described as: PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TASK ORDER IN SUPPORT LA DISASTER. THE CONTRACTOR IS TO PROVIDE 41 TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS IN SUPPORT OF THE MULTIPLE REGION VI DISASTERS (DR-4611-LA HURRICANE IDA, DR-4817-LA HURRICANE FRANCINE). S1 APPROVAL GIVEN ON 8/25/2025. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for 41 technical specialists to support disaster recovery efforts in Louisiana. 2. Competition method was 'Full and Open', suggesting a broad search for qualified contractors. 3. Risk of cost overruns exists due to Time and Materials pricing, especially with extended durations. 4. The sector is primarily administrative and management consulting services, crucial for disaster response coordination.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The $8.54M award for 41 specialists over 351 days averages to approximately $24,337 per specialist. This rate appears reasonable given the specialized nature of disaster support and the short-notice requirement, but the Time and Materials structure introduces uncertainty.

Cost Per Unit: $24,337 per specialist

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure can limit price certainty for the government, as costs are based on actual labor hours and materials used.

Taxpayer Impact: While competition aims for fair pricing, the T&M nature of this award means taxpayer costs could fluctuate based on actual hours worked and resources consumed, potentially exceeding initial estimates.

Public Impact

Direct support to communities impacted by Hurricanes Ida and Francine. Ensures availability of critical technical expertise during disaster recovery. Potential for extended deployment and associated costs impacting federal disaster relief budgets.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials pricing
Potential for scope creep
Reliance on a single contractor for critical support

Positive Signals

Full and open competition
Support for critical disaster relief
Experienced contractor (Serco Inc.)

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under administrative and general management consulting services, a common need during large-scale disaster responses. Benchmarks for such services can vary widely based on specialization and urgency, but FEMA's award reflects the need for immediate, skilled personnel.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses and Serco Inc. is a large business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

The award was approved by S1 on 8/25/2025, suggesting internal review. However, the Time and Materials structure warrants close monitoring of hours and expenses to ensure accountability and prevent overspending.

Related Government Programs

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
Federal Emergency Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing introduces cost uncertainty.
Potential for extended duration and associated cost increases.
Lack of specific small business participation noted.
High number of specialists required suggests significant disaster impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $8.5 million to SERCO INC. PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TASK ORDER IN SUPPORT LA DISASTER. THE CONTRACTOR IS TO PROVIDE 41 TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS IN SUPPORT OF THE MULTIPLE REGION VI DISASTERS (DR-4611-LA HURRICANE IDA, DR-4817-LA HURRICANE FRANCINE). S1 APPROVAL GIVEN ON 8/25/2025.

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 $8.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-29. End: 2026-08-15.

What is the estimated total cost if all 41 specialists work the maximum possible hours within the contract period?

The contract is Time and Materials with a ceiling of $8.54M over 351 days. Without specific hourly rates or material cost caps, it's impossible to determine the exact total cost. However, the ceiling represents the maximum the government is obligated to pay. Close monitoring of labor hours and material usage is crucial to stay within this budget.

How will FEMA ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent overruns with a Time and Materials contract for disaster support?

FEMA will likely implement robust oversight mechanisms, including detailed tracking of all labor hours, material expenditures, and regular progress reports. Establishing clear task objectives and performance metrics, along with defined ceilings for different cost categories, will be essential to manage costs and ensure value for taxpayer money.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the 41 technical specialists to ensure effective disaster support?

Key performance indicators could include response time to critical needs, successful completion of assigned technical tasks, adherence to safety protocols, effective coordination with local and federal agencies, and timely reporting of progress and challenges. Performance will be evaluated against the specific technical support requirements outlined for DR-4611-LA and DR-4817-LA.

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: 70FBR625R00000022

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: $8,542,390

Exercised Options: $8,542,390

Current Obligation: $8,542,390

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 7

Total Subaward Amount: $2,303,489

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70FB8024D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline