Parsons Government Services awarded $11.17M for High Explosive Science and Engineering project in Virginia
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,167,213 ($11.2M)
Contractor: Parsons Government Services Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2023-06-01
End Date: 2027-05-31
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: R&D
Official Description: HIGH EXPLOSIVE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (HESE) PROJECT. WILL PROVIDE FOR A CAMPUS COMPLEX, THAT WILL PROVIDE FOR HIGH EXPLOSIVE MANUFACTURING SUPPORT, SURVEILLANCE, TESTING AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT. IT WILL SUPPORT A MODERNIZED INFRASTRUCTURE AND RE
Place of Performance
Location: CENTREVILLE, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20120
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $11.2 million to PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INC. for work described as: HIGH EXPLOSIVE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (HESE) PROJECT. WILL PROVIDE FOR A CAMPUS COMPLEX, THAT WILL PROVIDE FOR HIGH EXPLOSIVE MANUFACTURING SUPPORT, SURVEILLANCE, TESTING AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT. IT WILL SUPPORT A MODERNIZED INFRASTRUCTURE AND RE Key points: 1. Contract supports critical high explosive manufacturing, surveillance, testing, and technology development. 2. Project aims to modernize infrastructure for advanced explosive research. 3. Funding allocated for a campus complex to house these specialized operations. 4. Long-term contract duration of 4 years indicates sustained need for these services. 5. The 'Time and Materials' contract type may pose cost control challenges if not closely managed. 6. No small business set-aside was utilized, suggesting a focus on specialized capabilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $11.17 million for a specialized high explosive research and manufacturing campus complex appears reasonable given the scope. While direct comparisons are difficult due to the unique nature of high explosive facilities, engineering services for complex infrastructure projects of this scale typically fall within a similar cost range. The 'Time and Materials' pricing structure necessitates vigilant oversight to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent scope creep, but it allows for flexibility in evolving research needs.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process was employed. This approach is generally favored for ensuring the government receives the best value by leveraging market competition.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition process is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages competitive pricing and allows for a wider pool of talent to be considered, potentially leading to more cost-effective solutions.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy and its research arms will benefit from modernized facilities for high explosive research. Services delivered include the construction and equipping of a specialized campus complex. The geographic impact is concentrated in Virginia, where the facility will be located. The project will likely support a workforce of engineers, scientists, technicians, and construction personnel.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- The 'Time and Materials' contract type can lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed and monitored for efficiency.
- Lack of specific details on the number of bidders in the 'full and open' competition makes it difficult to fully assess the competitive intensity.
- The specialized nature of high explosive work may limit the pool of qualified contractors, potentially impacting long-term competition.
- The duration of the contract (4 years) requires ongoing performance monitoring to ensure sustained quality and value.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through 'full and open' competition, suggesting a robust bidding process.
- The project addresses a critical national security and research need within the Department of Energy.
- Parsons Government Services Inc. has a track record in complex engineering and infrastructure projects.
- The contract aims to modernize and improve essential research infrastructure.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically focusing on specialized applications related to high explosives. The market for defense and energy-related engineering services is substantial, with significant government spending allocated to research, development, and infrastructure modernization. Comparable spending benchmarks for large-scale research facilities and specialized engineering projects can vary widely, but projects involving hazardous materials and advanced technology often command higher costs due to stringent safety and security requirements.
Small Business Impact
This contract was not set aside for small businesses, nor does it appear to have specific subcontracting requirements for small businesses mentioned in the provided data. This suggests that the primary contractor, Parsons Government Services Inc., is expected to handle the majority of the work, potentially utilizing its own resources or larger subcontractors. The absence of small business set-asides in this specialized area might indicate that the required expertise is concentrated among larger firms.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers. The 'Time and Materials' nature of the award necessitates close monitoring of labor hours, material costs, and overall project progress to ensure adherence to budget and scope. Transparency is expected through regular reporting requirements stipulated in the contract. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Defense High Explosives Research
- Department of Energy National Laboratories
- Advanced Materials Research Facilities
- Infrastructure Modernization Projects
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
- Need for stringent oversight to manage scope and efficiency.
- Specialized nature of work may limit long-term competitive landscape.
- Ensuring adequate security and safety protocols for high explosive operations.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-energy, high-explosives, research-and-development, infrastructure, virginia, time-and-materials, full-and-open-competition, parsons-government-services-inc, national-security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $11.2 million to PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INC.. HIGH EXPLOSIVE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (HESE) PROJECT. WILL PROVIDE FOR A CAMPUS COMPLEX, THAT WILL PROVIDE FOR HIGH EXPLOSIVE MANUFACTURING SUPPORT, SURVEILLANCE, TESTING AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT. IT WILL SUPPORT A MODERNIZED INFRASTRUCTURE AND RE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-06-01. End: 2027-05-31.
What is Parsons Government Services Inc.'s track record with similar high-security or hazardous material projects?
Parsons Government Services Inc. has a significant history of managing complex engineering and construction projects for government clients, including those involving sensitive or hazardous materials. While specific details on their high explosive project portfolio are not immediately available in this data, their broader experience encompasses large-scale infrastructure development, environmental remediation, and facility design for defense and energy sectors. Their past performance on similar government contracts, often involving stringent safety protocols and security clearances, suggests a capability to handle the demands of the HESE project. A deeper dive into their contract history with agencies like the Department of Defense and Department of Energy would provide more granular insights into their specific expertise in handling high explosives.
How does the awarded amount compare to similar high explosive research facility constructions?
Directly comparing the $11.17 million award for the High Explosive Science and Engineering (HESE) project to similar facilities is challenging due to the highly specialized and often classified nature of high explosive research infrastructure. Costs can vary dramatically based on the scale of the campus complex, the specific testing capabilities required (e.g., blast containment, environmental controls), security infrastructure, and the level of technological integration. However, for a dedicated campus complex supporting manufacturing, surveillance, testing, and technology development, $11.17 million appears to be a moderate investment. Larger, more comprehensive facilities could easily run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars. The 'Time and Materials' contract type also means the final cost could fluctuate based on actual effort expended.
What are the primary risks associated with a 'Time and Materials' contract for this type of project?
The primary risk with a 'Time and Materials' (T&M) contract for a project like the HESE campus complex is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours and material costs incurred, plus a fee. If project scope is not tightly controlled, or if inefficiencies arise in labor or material procurement, the total cost can escalate beyond initial estimates. For a specialized project involving high explosives, where unforeseen technical challenges or safety requirements might emerge, the T&M structure necessitates extremely diligent oversight from the Department of Energy to ensure that the contractor is working efficiently and that costs remain reasonable. This requires robust tracking of hours, rates, and material markups.
What is the expected effectiveness of the new campus complex in advancing high explosive technology?
The effectiveness of the new High Explosive Science and Engineering (HESE) campus complex in advancing technology hinges on several factors beyond the construction itself. The provided data indicates the complex will provide 'modernized infrastructure' for manufacturing, surveillance, testing, and technology development. This modernization is expected to improve efficiency, safety, and the capability to conduct more sophisticated research and development. By consolidating these functions within a dedicated, state-of-the-art facility, researchers and engineers should have better tools and environments to innovate. The ultimate effectiveness will depend on the quality of the research conducted, the integration of new technologies, and the ability of the facility to adapt to future advancements in the field of high explosives.
How has federal spending on engineering services for defense and energy infrastructure evolved in recent years?
Federal spending on engineering services for defense and energy infrastructure has generally seen consistent, and often increasing, demand in recent years. Agencies like the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense continually invest in modernizing aging facilities, developing new technologies, and ensuring the security and operational readiness of critical infrastructure. Factors driving this spending include national security imperatives, the need for energy independence and innovation, and the ongoing lifecycle management of complex government assets. While specific figures fluctuate annually based on budget allocations and project priorities, the trend indicates a sustained commitment to leveraging engineering expertise for infrastructure development and technological advancement within these vital sectors.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Parsons Corporation
Address: 5875 TRINITY PKWY STE 230, CENTREVILLE, VA, 20120
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $11,429,599
Exercised Options: $11,429,599
Current Obligation: $11,167,213
Actual Outlays: $6,076,235
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89233222ANA000004
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-06-01
Current End Date: 2027-05-31
Potential End Date: 2027-05-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-24
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