DHS awards $20M+ engineering services contract to ECS Federal, LLC for ADEMS

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $20,068,101 ($20.1M)

Contractor: ECS Federal, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2025-04-18

End Date: 2026-04-19

Contract Duration: 366 days

Daily Burn Rate: $54.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: ADEMS - ARCHITECTURE, DEVELOPMENT, ENGINEERING, AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $20.1 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC for work described as: ADEMS - ARCHITECTURE, DEVELOPMENT, ENGINEERING, AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 366 days indicates a medium-term engagement for engineering services. 3. The award amount of over $20 million signifies a substantial investment in engineering and management support. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541330 points to a focus on engineering services. 5. The contract type is a Delivery Order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 6. The base award amount of $5.48 million suggests potential for significant growth through task orders. 7. The contract is designated as 'Standard' (ST) for VA, indicating it falls under standard contract terms.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's value of over $20 million for 366 days of engineering services appears reasonable given the scope of ADEMS (Architecture, Development, Engineering, and Management Services). Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering support contracts within DHS or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. The specific details of the services rendered will be crucial in determining if the pricing is competitive and reflects true value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The number of bidders is not specified, but this method generally fosters price discovery and encourages competitive pricing. The agency's commitment to open competition suggests an effort to secure the best value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the potential for lower prices and higher quality services due to the competitive nature of the procurement process.

Public Impact

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) benefits from enhanced engineering, development, and management services through this contract. The ADEMS program likely supports critical infrastructure, technology development, and operational management within DHS. The geographic impact is primarily within the United States, supporting federal agency operations. The contract may have implications for the engineering and IT workforce, potentially creating or sustaining jobs. The services delivered are expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of DHS programs and initiatives.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if not managed effectively, leading to increased costs.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical engineering services could pose a risk if performance falters.
Ensuring adequate technical expertise within the government to oversee the contractor's work is essential.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust selection process.
The contract aims to provide comprehensive engineering, development, and management services, addressing a broad need.
The clear definition of ADEMS suggests a well-defined scope of work for the contractor.

Sector Analysis

The engineering services sector is a critical component of federal procurement, supporting a wide range of government functions from infrastructure development to advanced technology. This contract, falling under NAICS code 541330, aligns with the broader market for professional engineering services. Federal spending in this area is substantial, with agencies like DHS relying on specialized firms to manage complex projects and provide technical expertise. The ADEMS contract represents a significant portion of spending within this specific service category for the agency.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that small business participation (sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, the primary contractor, ECS Federal, LLC, is likely a large business. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist and how they might impact the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Procurement Operations. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards, reporting requirements, and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases where contract awards are recorded. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security IT Services
Federal Engineering Consulting Services
Architecture and Engineering Services
Management and Technical Consulting Services
Defense Engineering Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns if scope is not tightly managed.
Dependence on contractor for critical engineering functions.
Need for strong government oversight to ensure quality and adherence to requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $20.1 million to ECS FEDERAL, LLC. ADEMS - ARCHITECTURE, DEVELOPMENT, ENGINEERING, AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ECS FEDERAL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Office of Procurement Operations).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $20.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-04-18. End: 2026-04-19.

What is the historical spending pattern for ADEMS or similar engineering services at DHS?

Analyzing historical spending for ADEMS or comparable engineering services at DHS is crucial for understanding the agency's investment trends and the contractor's past performance. Without specific historical data for this exact contract vehicle, we can infer trends from broader DHS engineering and IT support spending. Agencies like DHS often have multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts for these types of services, reflecting the ongoing need for technical expertise in areas like cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and program management. A review of previous contract awards for similar services would reveal if ECS Federal, LLC has been a consistent provider, the typical contract values, and the duration of such engagements. This historical context helps in assessing whether the current award is an anomaly, a continuation of a trend, or a strategic shift in procurement.

How does the per-unit cost or labor rate for this contract compare to market benchmarks?

Determining the per-unit cost or labor rate benchmark for this contract requires access to detailed pricing information, which is often not publicly disclosed. However, the contract type 'LABOR HOURS' suggests that payment is based on the time spent by personnel. To assess value, these labor rates would need to be compared against industry benchmarks for similar engineering and management services, considering factors like the experience level of personnel, geographic location, and specific skill sets required. Federal procurement regulations often mandate that agencies obtain fair and reasonable pricing. If this contract was awarded competitively, it implies that the rates were deemed acceptable. However, a deeper dive into the specific labor categories and their associated rates, compared to government-wide contract vehicles or commercial price lists for comparable services, would be necessary for a definitive benchmark analysis.

What is ECS Federal, LLC's track record with federal contracts, particularly with DHS?

ECS Federal, LLC has a significant track record of performing federal contracts, including numerous awards with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A review of federal procurement databases would likely show a history of contracts across various agencies, indicating their capacity and experience. For DHS specifically, their past performance would be evaluated during the bidding process for this ADEMS contract. Key aspects of their track record to consider include on-time delivery, quality of work, adherence to budget, and overall customer satisfaction. Any past performance issues or successes would inform the agency's decision-making and risk assessment. Understanding their history with similar large-scale engineering and management services contracts provides insight into their reliability and capability to execute the requirements of this new award.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Potential risks associated with this contract include scope creep, contractor performance issues, and reliance on a single vendor for critical services. Scope creep can occur if the requirements are not clearly defined or if there are significant changes during the contract period, potentially leading to cost overruns and schedule delays. Contractor performance risks involve the possibility that ECS Federal, LLC may not meet the quality standards or delivery timelines outlined in the contract. Mitigation strategies typically include robust contract management by DHS personnel, clear performance metrics and deliverables, regular progress reviews, and defined procedures for change management. The use of full and open competition also mitigates risk by ensuring a vetted pool of capable bidders.

How does this contract align with DHS's strategic goals and mission objectives?

This contract for Architecture, Development, Engineering, and Management Services (ADEMS) directly aligns with DHS's strategic goals by providing essential support for its operational and technological infrastructure. DHS is tasked with securing the nation, and effective engineering and management services are critical for maintaining and enhancing its capabilities in areas such as border security, cybersecurity, emergency management, and critical infrastructure protection. The ADEMS contract likely supports the development, implementation, and sustainment of systems and processes that enable DHS to fulfill its mission. By investing in these services, DHS aims to improve its operational efficiency, enhance its technological readiness, and ensure the resilience of its systems against evolving threats.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70RTAC25Q00000014

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Asgn Incorporated

Address: 2750 PROSPERITY AVE STE 600, FAIRFAX, VA, 22031

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $20,560,042

Exercised Options: $20,068,101

Current Obligation: $20,068,101

Actual Outlays: $2,036,535

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 3

Total Subaward Amount: $8,162,101

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F072CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline