National Archives awards $40.2M facilities support contract to Blackfish Federal, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $40,205,626 ($40.2M)

Contractor: Blackfish Federal, LLC

Awarding Agency: National Archives and Records Administration

Start Date: 2020-02-28

End Date: 2026-04-15

Contract Duration: 2,238 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: FRC NATIONWIDE LABOR SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: COLLEGE PARK, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20740

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

National Archives and Records Administration obligated $40.2 million to BLACKFISH FEDERAL, LLC for work described as: FRC NATIONWIDE LABOR SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $40.2M over its period of performance. 2. Facilities support services are critical for maintaining government infrastructure. 3. The contract type is a definitive contract, indicating a longer-term commitment. 4. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 561210 for Facilities Support Services. 6. The contract has a duration of 2238 days. 7. The place of performance is Maryland.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $40.2 million for facilities support services over approximately six years appears reasonable given the scope of services typically involved in maintaining federal facilities. Benchmarking against similar contracts for facilities support across federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the absence of specific performance metrics or detailed service breakdowns makes a definitive value judgment challenging without further information.

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 offers. This competitive process is generally expected to yield fair market prices and encourage innovation. The number of bidders (14) suggests a healthy level of interest and competition for this type of service.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition typically benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best value for its investment.

Public Impact

The National Archives and Records Administration benefits from the provision of essential facilities support services. These services likely include maintenance, repair, and operational support for federal buildings. The geographic impact is primarily within Maryland, where the place of performance is located. The contract supports jobs within the facilities management and support services sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if not clearly defined in task orders.
Reliance on contractor performance for critical facility operations.
Ensuring consistent service quality across the contract duration.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
Definitive contract structure provides stability for service delivery.
Multiple bidders indicate a robust market for these services.

Sector Analysis

The facilities support services sector is a significant component of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. Federal agencies rely heavily on these services to maintain their physical infrastructure, ensuring operational continuity and safety. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for routine maintenance, specialized repairs, and operational management of government buildings and assets. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale facilities management contracts awarded by agencies like GSA or DoD.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have a small business subcontracting requirement explicitly stated. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem may be limited unless Blackfish Federal, LLC voluntarily engages small businesses as subcontractors. Further analysis of subcontracting plans would be needed to assess the broader impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and contract specialists within the National Archives and Records Administration. Performance monitoring, quality assurance surveillance plans, and regular reviews are standard oversight mechanisms. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though detailed performance reports may not always be publicly accessible. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

Federal Facilities Maintenance Contracts
Government Building Operations Support
National Archives Facilities Management
General Services Administration (GSA) Contracts
Department of Defense Facilities Support

Risk Flags

Long-term contract duration may limit flexibility.
Performance monitoring is crucial for sustained value.
Potential for price increases if not managed contractually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

National Archives and Records Administration awarded $40.2 million to BLACKFISH FEDERAL, LLC. FRC NATIONWIDE LABOR SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BLACKFISH FEDERAL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: National Archives and Records Administration (National Archives and Records Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $40.2 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-02-28. End: 2026-04-15.

What is the historical spending pattern for facilities support services at the National Archives and Records Administration?

Analyzing historical spending for facilities support at the National Archives requires accessing historical contract data. Typically, agencies like NARA would have recurring needs for these services, leading to a pattern of similar contract awards over time. Fluctuations in spending could be attributed to major renovation projects, changes in facility footprint, or shifts in budget allocations. Without specific historical data, it's presumed that NARA has consistently allocated funds for facility maintenance and operations, with contract values varying based on scope and duration. Comparing current spending to previous periods would reveal trends in investment in facility upkeep and identify any significant deviations.

How does the per-unit cost of services under this contract compare to industry benchmarks?

Determining the per-unit cost requires detailed service breakdowns (e.g., cost per square foot for janitorial services, cost per hour for HVAC maintenance) which are not provided in the summary data. If such data were available, it could be benchmarked against industry reports from organizations like IFMA (International Facility Management Association) or BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association). These benchmarks often provide average costs based on building type, location, and service level. A comparison would assess if Blackfish Federal's pricing is competitive relative to market rates for similar services in Maryland or nationally. Without specific unit costs, a direct comparison is not feasible.

What is the track record of Blackfish Federal, LLC in performing similar government contracts?

Assessing Blackfish Federal, LLC's track record involves reviewing their past performance on federal contracts, particularly those for facilities support services. Databases like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) or the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) would contain information on their past awards, performance ratings, and any past performance issues. A positive track record would include consistent 'satisfactory' or 'exceptional' ratings on previous contracts, timely delivery, and adherence to contract terms. Conversely, a history of performance issues, disputes, or contract terminations would raise concerns about their capability to fulfill this current $40.2 million award effectively.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of this contract?

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a facilities support services contract typically focus on service delivery, responsiveness, and operational efficiency. Examples include response times for service requests (e.g., maintenance issues), completion rates for scheduled preventive maintenance, customer satisfaction scores from NARA facility users, energy efficiency metrics, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations. The contract's Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) would detail these KPIs, the targets, and the methods for measuring performance. Effective KPIs ensure that the contractor meets the government's needs and provides value for money.

What is the potential risk associated with the long duration of this definitive contract?

The long duration of this definitive contract (ending April 2026, approximately 6 years from award) presents several potential risks. Firstly, it locks the government into a specific service provider and pricing structure for an extended period, potentially missing out on more competitive pricing that could emerge in the market. Secondly, technological advancements or changes in NARA's facility needs might occur, making the contracted services less optimal or requiring costly modifications. Thirdly, contractor performance can degrade over time, and managing a long-term contract requires sustained oversight to ensure quality and value are maintained. Finally, economic shifts could impact the contractor's ability to maintain service levels if their cost assumptions prove inaccurate.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: UTILITIES AND HOUSEKEEPING › HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 88310320R00001

Offers Received: 14

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1750 TYSONS BLVD STE 1500, TYSONS, VA, 22102

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Sole Proprietorship, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $40,205,626

Exercised Options: $40,205,626

Current Obligation: $40,205,626

Actual Outlays: $36,198,316

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline