DHS awards $5.7M contract for Coast Guard COR program support, focusing on training and oversight

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,702,644 ($5.7M)

Contractor: Eagle Harbor, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2023-09-28

End Date: 2026-09-27

Contract Duration: 1,095 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONTRACTOR SUPPORT FOR USCG OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT POLICY & OVERSIGHT (CG-913) TO PROVIDE TRAINING, GUIDANCE, AND OVERSIGHT OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR) PROGRAM.

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20593

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $5.7 million to EAGLE HARBOR, LLC for work described as: CONTRACTOR SUPPORT FOR USCG OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT POLICY & OVERSIGHT (CG-913) TO PROVIDE TRAINING, GUIDANCE, AND OVERSIGHT OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR) PROGRAM. Key points: 1. Contract aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Coast Guard's Contracting Officer Representative (COR) program through specialized training and guidance. 2. The focus on oversight suggests a proactive approach to managing contract performance and ensuring compliance. 3. The firm-fixed-price structure indicates that the contractor bears the risk of cost overruns, potentially benefiting the government. 4. The contract's duration of three years allows for sustained support and program development. 5. The award to Eagle Harbor, LLC, signifies a specific expertise sought for this critical function. 6. This contract supports the broader mission of the U.S. Coast Guard by ensuring efficient and compliant procurement processes.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $5.7 million over three years for specialized support to a critical program like the COR initiative appears reasonable. Benchmarking against similar contracts for program management and training services within federal agencies suggests this is within expected cost ranges. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award helps control costs for the government, as the contractor is responsible for managing expenses to deliver the agreed-upon services. Without specific per-unit cost data for training modules or oversight hours, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging, but the overall scope and duration appear to align with the allocated funds.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded using 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This indicates that while the competition was intended to be open, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders. The exact reasons for this exclusion are not detailed in the provided data. A limited competition, even if initially open, may result in fewer proposals and potentially less aggressive pricing compared to a truly unrestricted full and open competition. The number of bidders is not specified, making it difficult to fully assess the competitive landscape.

Taxpayer Impact: A limited competition may mean taxpayers do not benefit from the most competitive pricing achievable through a broader bidding process. However, if the exclusion was based on specific, necessary qualifications, it could ensure the best-suited contractor is selected, ultimately leading to better program outcomes and potentially avoiding higher costs associated with less specialized support.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the U.S. Coast Guard's procurement and program management offices, which will receive enhanced support. The services delivered include training, guidance, and oversight for the COR program, aiming to improve contract administration. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the supporting offices are likely located. Workforce implications include the potential for improved skills and efficiency among CORs and procurement staff within the Coast Guard.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

The 'limited' competition aspect raises questions about whether the government secured the best possible pricing and a full range of innovative solutions.
Lack of detailed justification for the 'exclusion of sources' makes it difficult to assess if the competition was appropriately restricted.
The firm-fixed-price contract, while beneficial for cost control, could incentivize the contractor to minimize effort if oversight is not robust.

Positive Signals

The contract directly addresses a critical function (COR program oversight) vital for effective federal procurement.
The three-year duration allows for sustained improvement and embedding of best practices within the Coast Guard.
The focus on training and guidance suggests a commitment to building internal capacity and expertise.
The firm-fixed-price contract shifts cost-overrun risk to the contractor.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), specifically focusing on professional services related to government program support and oversight. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in federal contracting, training, and program management. The U.S. Coast Guard, as part of the Department of Homeland Security, represents a significant client base for these types of specialized support services. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve contracts for program management support, acquisition training, and policy development within other large federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a specific set-aside requirement for this contract. Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications mandated by a small business set-aside. The prime contractor, Eagle Harbor, LLC, is not explicitly identified as a small business. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would depend on Eagle Harbor's own procurement practices and whether they choose to engage small businesses for any portion of the work.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the U.S. Coast Guard's contracting office and program managers responsible for the COR program. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS, where contract awards are reported. Specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction would typically fall under the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, which can investigate allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse related to federal contracts.

Related Government Programs

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Training Programs
Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Training and Certification
Department of Homeland Security Procurement Policy
U.S. Coast Guard Acquisition Management
Government Program Management Support Services

Risk Flags

Limited Competition Justification
Contractor Performance Risk
Value for Money Assessment
Scope Creep Potential

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $5.7 million to EAGLE HARBOR, LLC. CONTRACTOR SUPPORT FOR USCG OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT POLICY & OVERSIGHT (CG-913) TO PROVIDE TRAINING, GUIDANCE, AND OVERSIGHT OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR) PROGRAM.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is EAGLE HARBOR, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $5.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-09-28. End: 2026-09-27.

What is the track record of Eagle Harbor, LLC in supporting federal contracting and program oversight initiatives?

Eagle Harbor, LLC has a history of providing professional services to government agencies. While specific details on their past performance related to COR program support are not provided in this data snippet, their selection suggests they possess relevant experience or capabilities. A deeper dive into their contract history, client feedback, and past performance evaluations (available through sources like the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) would be necessary to fully assess their track record. This would include examining their success in delivering training, implementing oversight mechanisms, and managing similar programs for other federal entities. Their ability to meet deadlines, manage budgets, and satisfy client requirements on previous contracts would be key indicators of their reliability for this current U.S. Coast Guard initiative.

How does the $5.7 million contract value compare to similar federal contracts for COR program support or acquisition training?

The $5.7 million contract value over three years for specialized support to the U.S. Coast Guard's COR program appears to be within a reasonable range for federal contracts of this nature. Contracts focused on acquisition training, policy development, and program oversight for large agencies can vary significantly but often fall into the multi-million dollar range for multi-year efforts. For instance, similar contracts supporting the training and management of CORs or other acquisition workforce roles within agencies like the Department of Defense or GSA have seen values ranging from a few million to tens of millions of dollars, depending on the scope, duration, and specific services required. The firm-fixed-price nature of this award also suggests a defined scope, which helps in cost predictability. Without direct comparisons of identical services, this value seems proportionate to the stated objectives of enhancing training, guidance, and oversight for a critical procurement function.

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

Key risks include the potential for the contractor, Eagle Harbor, LLC, to not fully meet the performance expectations for training, guidance, or oversight, potentially impacting the effectiveness of the COR program. Another risk stems from the 'limited' competition, which might mean the government did not achieve the most cost-effective solution or access the broadest range of innovative approaches. Mitigation strategies are likely embedded within the contract's firm-fixed-price structure, which places cost-overrun risk on the contractor. Robust government oversight by the U.S. Coast Guard, including performance monitoring, regular reviews, and clear deliverable requirements, is crucial. The contract's defined duration also allows for reassessment if performance issues arise. Furthermore, the specific exclusion of sources, if well-justified and documented, could mitigate risks by ensuring a contractor with highly specialized, necessary qualifications is selected.

How effective is the COR program likely to be after receiving this specialized support?

The effectiveness of the COR program is expected to improve significantly due to this contract. By providing dedicated training, clear guidance, and structured oversight, the U.S. Coast Guard aims to ensure its CORs are better equipped to manage contracts effectively. Well-trained and supported CORs are crucial for ensuring that contract requirements are met, performance standards are upheld, and taxpayer funds are used efficiently. Improved COR performance can lead to fewer contract disputes, better quality of goods and services received, and more timely project completion. The focus on oversight suggests a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability within the contracting process, which should translate into a more robust and reliable COR program overall.

What are the historical spending patterns for COR program support or similar acquisition workforce development within the U.S. Coast Guard or DHS?

Historical spending data for COR program support specifically within the U.S. Coast Guard or the broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not detailed in the provided information. However, federal agencies consistently invest in acquisition workforce development, including COR training and program management support, as it is essential for efficient procurement. Spending in this area typically fluctuates based on agency priorities, budget allocations, and the number of active contracts requiring COR oversight. Agencies often use a mix of internal training resources, commercial off-the-shelf training programs, and specialized support contracts similar to this one. Analyzing past contracts for acquisition support, training services, or program management within the Coast Guard or DHS over the last 5-10 years would reveal trends in spending levels and the types of services procured for workforce development.

What does the 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' designation imply for the bidding process and potential outcomes?

This designation implies a nuanced approach to competition. Initially, the procurement was intended to be open to all responsible sources. However, specific circumstances or requirements led to the exclusion of certain potential bidders before the final solicitation or evaluation phase. The reasons for exclusion could range from specific technical capabilities, security clearances, or unique qualifications deemed essential for the contract's success. While it's not a sole-source award, it limits the pool of potential offerors compared to unrestricted full and open competition. This could mean fewer proposals were received, potentially impacting the range of pricing and innovative solutions presented. The government must have justified the exclusion based on specific criteria, aiming to balance competitive breadth with the need for specialized expertise to ensure program success.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: 70Z02323R91300001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2702 DENALI ST, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,806,715

Exercised Options: $5,702,644

Current Obligation: $5,702,644

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 47QRAD20D8111

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline