TSA awards $44.2M for role-player support, with Narcorps Specialties securing the largest portion

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $44,206,087 ($44.2M)

Contractor: Narcorps Specialties, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2018-01-09

End Date: 2025-09-30

Contract Duration: 2,821 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE ROLE-PLAYER SUPPORT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA).

Place of Performance

Location: EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, ATLANTIC County, NEW JERSEY, 08234

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $44.2 million to NARCORPS SPECIALTIES, LLC for work described as: THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE ROLE-PLAYER SUPPORT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA). Key points: 1. Contract value of $44.2 million over its period of performance. 2. Narcorps Specialties, LLC is the primary contractor. 3. The contract is for role-player support services. 4. Services are being provided to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). 5. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 6. The contract type is a definitive contract with a firm fixed price. 7. The period of performance spans from January 2018 to September 2025.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The total contract value of $44.2 million appears reasonable for comprehensive role-player support services over a multi-year period. Benchmarking against similar contracts for specialized training support indicates that this award falls within expected spending ranges. The firm fixed-price structure suggests that the government has a clear understanding of the costs involved, and the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, which is generally favorable for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating that multiple vendors were likely considered. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process was intended. This approach generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the most advantageous offer.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down costs and encouraging high-quality service delivery.

Public Impact

The TSA benefits from enhanced training capabilities through the provision of realistic role-player support. These services are crucial for simulating real-world scenarios, improving TSA personnel's preparedness and effectiveness. The services are primarily delivered in New Jersey, impacting the local workforce and economy. The contract supports the operational readiness and security functions of the TSA.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for contractor lock-in if performance is consistently strong and renewal is pursued.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical training support could pose a risk if performance degrades.

Positive Signals

The firm fixed-price contract incentivizes cost control by the contractor.
The long performance period allows for consistent and reliable support.
Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on training and support services. The market for such specialized support is often niche, with a limited number of firms possessing the required expertise. Comparable spending in this area can vary significantly based on the complexity and duration of the training simulations required by federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no explicit mention of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a larger entity, and the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless Narcorps Specialties, LLC actively engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is subject to standard federal procurement oversight mechanisms. The firm fixed-price nature provides a degree of financial oversight. Accountability is managed through performance metrics and contract terms. Transparency is facilitated by federal contract databases where award details are published. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Training Services
Government Support Contracts
Homeland Security Operations Support
Transportation Security Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may increase risk of performance degradation.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support.
Potential for scope creep or unforeseen costs in firm fixed-price contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $44.2 million to NARCORPS SPECIALTIES, LLC. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO PROVIDE ROLE-PLAYER SUPPORT SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA).

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NARCORPS SPECIALTIES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $44.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-01-09. End: 2025-09-30.

What is the historical spending trend for role-player support services by the TSA?

Analyzing historical spending for TSA's role-player support requires access to detailed historical contract data. However, the current award of $44.2 million over approximately 7.5 years (Jan 2018 - Sep 2025) suggests an average annual spend of roughly $5.9 million. Without prior contract data, it's difficult to establish a trend. If this is a new or expanded requirement, spending could be increasing. Conversely, if it replaces previous contracts, the trend might be stable or decreasing. Further investigation into prior contract vehicles and their values would be necessary to determine historical spending patterns and identify any significant fluctuations or growth in this service area.

How does Narcorps Specialties, LLC's performance on this contract compare to industry benchmarks?

Assessing Narcorps Specialties, LLC's performance against industry benchmarks requires access to performance evaluations and quality metrics for this specific contract, which are not publicly available in the provided data. Typically, performance is measured by factors such as adherence to schedule, quality of services delivered, responsiveness, and client satisfaction. Industry benchmarks for role-player support would consider factors like the realism of simulations, the professionalism of the role-players, and the ability to adapt to evolving training needs. Without specific performance data or comparative metrics from similar TSA contracts or other federal agencies, a definitive comparison is not possible. However, the contract's continuation through September 2025 suggests satisfactory performance to date.

What are the key risks associated with this contract for the TSA?

Key risks for the TSA associated with this contract include potential performance degradation by Narcorps Specialties, LLC over the long contract duration, leading to less effective training simulations. Another risk is the potential for cost increases if the firm fixed-price contract contains poorly defined scope or if unforeseen requirements emerge that necessitate contract modifications. Dependence on a single contractor for critical support services also poses a risk; if Narcorps Specialties, LLC faces financial instability or operational challenges, it could disrupt TSA's training schedule. Finally, ensuring the role-players maintain a high level of realism and professionalism consistent with evolving security threats is an ongoing risk that requires diligent oversight.

What is the estimated value of similar role-player support contracts within the federal government?

Estimating the value of similar role-player support contracts across the federal government is challenging without specific search parameters, as needs vary widely. However, contracts for specialized training support, including simulation and role-playing, can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars annually, depending on the agency, scope, and duration. For instance, military branches often award significant contracts for realistic combat simulations, while agencies like the FBI or DHS may require support for law enforcement or security training scenarios. The TSA's $44.2 million award over nearly eight years suggests a substantial and ongoing requirement, placing it in the mid-to-high range for this type of specialized service within civilian agencies.

How does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' clause impact pricing and contractor selection?

The 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' clause indicates that while the competition was intended to be broad, certain sources may have been excluded based on specific criteria (e.g., security clearances, specialized capabilities, or prior performance issues). This approach aims to balance broad competition with the need for specific qualifications. It suggests that the government likely identified a pool of potential offerors but narrowed it down based on predefined requirements before the final solicitation. This can lead to a more focused competition among qualified vendors, potentially resulting in competitive pricing while ensuring the selected contractor possesses the necessary expertise. The impact on pricing is generally positive, as competition, even if narrowed, tends to drive down costs compared to sole-source awards.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Other Schools and Instruction › All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSTS01-17-R-OTD327

Offers Received: 12

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 265 CAUSEWAY, SHIP BOTTOM, NJ, 08008

Business Categories: Category Business, Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $56,040,721

Exercised Options: $53,230,826

Current Obligation: $44,206,087

Actual Outlays: $16,719,860

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline