DHS awards $15.2M task order to Battelle for TSA program management and support services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $15,203,765 ($15.2M)

Contractor: Battelle Memorial Institute

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2021-09-17

End Date: 2026-09-16

Contract Duration: 1,825 days

Daily Burn Rate: $8.3K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TASK ORDER UNDER THE DEVELOPMENT TEST & EVALUATION SUPPORT SERVICES BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE TO PROVIDE ACQUISITION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT WITH PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND CORE SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43201

State: Ohio Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $15.2 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE for work described as: TASK ORDER UNDER THE DEVELOPMENT TEST & EVALUATION SUPPORT SERVICES BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE TO PROVIDE ACQUISITION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT WITH PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND CORE SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for program management and core support services. 2. Task order issued under an existing Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA). 3. Services to be provided over a 5-year period. 4. Contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating defined costs. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541690 for Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services. 6. The awardee, Battelle Memorial Institute, is a well-established research and development organization.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $15.2 million over five years for program management and support services appears reasonable given the scope. Benchmarking against similar contracts for acquisition program management and technical consulting services suggests this pricing is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government, although it may limit flexibility if requirements change significantly. Further analysis would require detailed comparison of specific deliverables and labor categories against market rates.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

This task order was competed under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), which implies a pre-negotiated framework. The specific competition details for this task order are not fully detailed, but BPA calls are typically competed among pre-qualified vendors. The limited competition aspect suggests that while multiple vendors may have been eligible under the BPA, the specific nature of the requirement might have narrowed the field, potentially impacting price discovery compared to a full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under a BPA may result in less aggressive pricing than a full and open competition, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers if not carefully managed.

Public Impact

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will benefit from enhanced program management and support services. Services are critical for the effective execution of TSA's acquisition programs. The contract supports operations within Ohio, where Battelle Memorial Institute is headquartered. The contract likely supports a team of professionals contributing to program execution.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if requirements are not clearly defined within the BPA call.
Reliance on a single awardee under the BPA for this specific task order could limit future competitive opportunities if not managed strategically.
The 'limited' competition designation warrants scrutiny to ensure fair pricing and optimal value.

Positive Signals

Award to a reputable organization (Battelle Memorial Institute) with a track record in R&D and technical services.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost predictability.
Task order issued under an existing BPA streamlines the acquisition process.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically focusing on management consulting and technical support for government programs. The market for these services is large and competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. This contract represents a portion of the broader federal spending on acquisition support and program management, which is essential for the efficient operation of agencies like the TSA. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically look at other task orders for similar services under large IDIQs or BPAs.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (sb) is false, and there is no indication of a small business set-aside. This suggests that the primary awardee is not a small business, and there is no explicit requirement for subcontracting to small businesses within this specific task order. The impact on the small business ecosystem is therefore minimal for this particular award, though the overall BPA might have broader small business subcontracting goals.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) contracting officers and program managers. As a task order under a BPA, the initial BPA likely had its own oversight mechanisms. Transparency is facilitated by federal contract databases, but detailed performance metrics and specific oversight activities are typically internal to the agency. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Management
Transportation Security Administration Program Support
Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs)
Federal Program Management Support

Risk Flags

Limited competition may impact price competitiveness.
Task order performance needs close monitoring to ensure alignment with acquisition program goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $15.2 million to BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE. TASK ORDER UNDER THE DEVELOPMENT TEST & EVALUATION SUPPORT SERVICES BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT TO BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE TO PROVIDE ACQUISITION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT WITH PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND CORE SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $15.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-17. End: 2026-09-16.

What is Battelle Memorial Institute's track record with the federal government, particularly DHS and TSA?

Battelle Memorial Institute has a significant history of contracting with the U.S. federal government across various agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its components like the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Their work often involves research and development, scientific and technical consulting, and program management. While specific performance details for this task order are not publicly available, Battelle's general reputation is that of a large, established research institution capable of handling complex technical and programmatic requirements. Past performance is a key factor in federal contracting, and agencies typically review a contractor's history when awarding task orders, especially under existing agreements like BPAs.

How does the $15.2 million value compare to similar program management support contracts?

The $15.2 million value for five years of program management and core support services for the TSA is within a reasonable range for federal contracts of this nature. Contracts for specialized consulting and program management can vary widely based on the specific services, labor mix, and duration. For a task order under a BPA, the pricing is often pre-negotiated or benchmarked against the parent agreement. Without knowing the exact deliverables and the level of effort required, a precise comparison is difficult. However, considering the duration and the nature of supporting acquisition programs, this figure suggests a moderate-sized engagement rather than a large-scale program.

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

Primary risks include potential scope creep, where the requirements may expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or schedule delays. Another risk is the potential for the contractor to not meet performance expectations, impacting the TSA's acquisition program timelines. Mitigation strategies typically involve clear definition of work requirements in the task order, robust performance monitoring by the government, regular progress reviews, and adherence to the firm fixed-price contract terms which incentivize the contractor to manage costs. The limited competition aspect also presents a risk of suboptimal pricing if not managed carefully.

How effective is the BPA mechanism for awarding task orders like this one?

Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) are an effective tool for streamlining the procurement of recurring or anticipated needs for supplies or services. They allow agencies to establish charge accounts with qualified vendors, reducing administrative burden and lead times for individual orders. For task orders like this one, the BPA mechanism can expedite the process, as much of the foundational work (e.g., vetting vendors, establishing general terms) has already been completed. However, the effectiveness in terms of competition and price can depend on how the BPA was initially established and how task orders are competed among the BPA holders.

What is the historical spending trend for similar 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' at TSA or DHS?

Historical spending on 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 541690) by the TSA and DHS is substantial, reflecting the agencies' need for specialized expertise in areas ranging from security technology development to program management and operational analysis. While specific year-over-year trends for this exact category at TSA are not detailed here, federal agencies consistently utilize such services to supplement internal capabilities, manage complex projects, and gain objective insights. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on agency priorities, budget allocations, and the initiation of new programs or initiatives requiring external technical support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 505 KING AVE, COLUMBUS, OH, 43201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $15,228,885

Exercised Options: $15,203,765

Current Obligation: $15,203,765

Actual Outlays: $9,249,146

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 9

Total Subaward Amount: $616,916

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70T04021A7672N002

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline