DHS Awards $1.26M Contract to Akima Systems Engineering for Coast Guard Support Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $1,256,899 ($1.3M)

Contractor: Akima Systems Engineering LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-04-15

End Date: 2027-04-14

Contract Duration: 1,094 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.1K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AWARD CONTRACT FOR ANALYTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

Place of Performance

Location: NORFOLK, NORFOLK CITY County, VIRGINIA, 23510

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $1.3 million to AKIMA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LLC for work described as: AWARD CONTRACT FOR ANALYTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded for analytical and technical support services. 2. Akima Systems Engineering LLC is the recipient of the award. 3. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard is the contracting agency. 4. The contract has a firm fixed price structure. 5. This is a definitive contract with a duration of 1094 days.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value is $1.26 million. Without specific benchmarks for 'Analytical and Technical Support Services' within the Coast Guard, a direct pricing assessment is difficult. However, the duration of nearly three years suggests a moderate annual spend.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection process. This approach may limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competitive environment.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential support services. The lack of competition raises concerns about whether the best possible price was achieved.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operational support for the U.S. Coast Guard. Supports administrative and analytical functions critical to agency missions. Provides employment opportunities through Akima Systems Engineering LLC. Funds allocated for essential government services.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Limited transparency on pricing justification

Positive Signals

Definitive contract structure
Firm fixed price award
Long-term support agreement

Sector Analysis

The contract falls under Office Administrative Services (NAICS 561110). Spending in this sector is generally consistent across government agencies for operational efficiency. The value of $1.26M over three years is moderate for specialized support services.

Small Business Impact

The awardee, Akima Systems Engineering LLC, is not identified as a small business. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses is not provided in the data.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a definitive contract, suggesting it has undergone standard procurement processes. However, the limited competition aspect warrants further oversight to ensure fair pricing and value for taxpayer money.

Related Government Programs

Office Administrative Services
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Coast Guard Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may result in inflated costs.
Lack of transparency regarding the justification for non-competition.
Potential for contractor to underperform due to reduced market pressure.
No clear indication of small business subcontracting goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $1.3 million to AKIMA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LLC. AWARD CONTRACT FOR ANALYTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AKIMA SYSTEMS ENGINEERING 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 $1.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-15. End: 2027-04-14.

What specific analytical and technical support services are being provided, and how do they directly contribute to the U.S. Coast Guard's mission effectiveness?

The contract data indicates 'Analytical and Technical Support Services' under Office Administrative Services. While crucial for operational continuity, the exact nature of these services (e.g., data analysis, system maintenance, strategic planning support) and their direct impact on Coast Guard mission success (e.g., maritime security, search and rescue, port security) would require a deeper dive into the contract's statement of work.

Given the 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' status, what was the justification for limiting the bidding process, and were alternative competitive strategies considered?

The justification for a 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' award typically involves specific circumstances like urgent needs, sole-source capabilities, or existing contract vehicles. Without the official justification document, it's impossible to assess the validity of this decision or whether other competitive avenues were explored. This lack of transparency is a potential risk to achieving optimal value.

How does the firm fixed price of this contract ensure cost control and value for money, especially in the absence of open competition?

A firm fixed price (FFP) contract shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor, which can incentivize efficiency. However, in a non-competitive scenario, the baseline price itself might be higher than in a competitive bid. Therefore, while FFP offers cost certainty, its effectiveness in ensuring value for money hinges on the initial price negotiation and the contractor's ability to perform within that fixed price.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Office Administrative Services › Office Administrative Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: 70Z02324RFFCA0001

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Nana Regional Corporation, Inc.

Address: 2553 DULLES VIEW DR, HERNDON, VA, 20171

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: $2,955,206

Exercised Options: $1,806,528

Current Obligation: $1,256,899

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline