DOE's $3.6M Engineering Services Contract with SIGMA SCIENCE INC for Correspondence Control Center
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $3,627,095 ($3.6M)
Contractor: Sigma Science Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2019-07-31
End Date: 2023-02-08
Contract Duration: 1,288 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES TO NA-MB-1.3,CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL CENTER (CCC)
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20585
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $3.6 million to SIGMA SCIENCE INC for work described as: BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES TO NA-MB-1.3,CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL CENTER (CCC) Key points: 1. Contract awarded to SIGMA SCIENCE INC for $3.6M. 2. Services provided to the Department of Energy (DOE). 3. Contract duration was 1288 days. 4. NAICS code 541330 indicates Engineering Services. 5. Awarded via Full and Open Competition.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's total value of $3.6M over nearly 3.5 years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific unit costs or detailed service breakdowns, a precise pricing assessment against similar contracts is difficult. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through Full and Open Competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. This method generally promotes price discovery and potentially better value for the government. However, the T&M contract type requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process likely resulted in a fair price for the services rendered. However, the T&M structure necessitates robust oversight to prevent excessive spending and ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Public Impact
Ensures efficient management of official correspondence for the Department of Energy. Supports critical administrative functions within a major federal agency. The contract's duration suggests a long-term need for these services. Awarded through a competitive process, implying potential value for taxpayers.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials pricing can lead to cost uncertainty.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment challenging.
- Contract duration is substantial, requiring ongoing justification.
Positive Signals
- Awarded via Full and Open Competition.
- Services support essential government operations.
- Contractor has a history of performance (implied by award).
Sector Analysis
The Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330) encompasses a wide range of professional services. Federal spending in this sector can vary significantly based on agency needs, project complexity, and contract types. This contract's value appears moderate within the broader federal engineering services landscape.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). This suggests that the scope or requirements of the Correspondence Control Center services were likely better suited for larger, established firms, or that small businesses did not bid or were not selected.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract was awarded by the Department of Energy, implying oversight from this agency. The use of a Delivery Order under a larger contract structure suggests a framework for accountability. However, the T&M pricing model necessitates vigilant monitoring and auditing to ensure cost control and prevent waste.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials pricing structure.
- Lack of detailed service description.
- No indication of performance metrics.
- Contract not awarded to small businesses.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-energy, dc, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $3.6 million to SIGMA SCIENCE INC. BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES TO NA-MB-1.3,CORRESPONDENCE CONTROL CENTER (CCC)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SIGMA SCIENCE INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $3.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2019-07-31. End: 2023-02-08.
What specific engineering services were provided under this contract, and how did they contribute to the Correspondence Control Center's function?
The provided data categorizes this as 'Engineering Services' under NAICS 541330, but lacks specifics on the actual services rendered for the Correspondence Control Center (CCC). These could range from system design and implementation to process optimization or technical support for the CCC's operations. Understanding the precise nature of these services is crucial for evaluating their necessity and effectiveness in managing DOE's correspondence.
How effectively was the Time and Materials pricing structure managed to control costs and ensure value for the $3.6M expenditure?
The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure inherently carries a risk of cost escalation if not rigorously managed. While awarded competitively, the government's ability to control costs depends heavily on detailed oversight, accurate labor hour tracking, and adherence to pre-negotiated rates. Without specific data on cost variances or audits, it's difficult to definitively assess the cost-effectiveness and value realized from this T&M contract.
Given the contract's duration and value, what was the long-term strategic impact of these engineering services on the Department of Energy's operational efficiency?
The nearly 3.5-year duration of this contract suggests a sustained need for the engineering services supporting the Correspondence Control Center. The strategic impact hinges on whether these services modernized or significantly improved the efficiency of DOE's correspondence management. A positive impact would involve streamlined workflows, enhanced security, or better accessibility of information, ultimately contributing to the agency's overall operational effectiveness and mission accomplishment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Solicitation ID: 89233119QNA000058
Offers Received: 4
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 6565 AMERICAS PKWY NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM, 87110
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $3,627,095
Exercised Options: $3,627,095
Current Obligation: $3,627,095
Actual Outlays: $2,512,376
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 47QRAA18D005Q
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2019-07-31
Current End Date: 2023-02-08
Potential End Date: 2026-02-18 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-02-19
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