DOE awards $2.8M task order to Parsons for counter-nuclear smuggling systems program management
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $2,835,561 ($2.8M)
Contractor: Parsons Government Services International Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2024-04-01
End Date: 2027-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,094 days
Daily Burn Rate: $2.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TASK ORDER INCLUDE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TASKS IAW THE CNSSD PROGRAM MANAGER TASK ORDER SOW TO SUPPORT THE DEPLOYMENT OF COUNTER NUCLEAR SMUGGLING SYSTEMS. EXAMPLES OF COUNTER NUCLEAR SMUGGLING SYSTEM COMPONENTS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: RADIATION
Place of Performance
Location: PASADENA, LOS ANGELES County, CALIFORNIA, 91124
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $2.8 million to PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INTERNATIONAL INC. for work described as: TASK ORDER INCLUDE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TASKS IAW THE CNSSD PROGRAM MANAGER TASK ORDER SOW TO SUPPORT THE DEPLOYMENT OF COUNTER NUCLEAR SMUGGLING SYSTEMS. EXAMPLES OF COUNTER NUCLEAR SMUGGLING SYSTEM COMPONENTS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: RADIATION Key points: 1. Task order focuses on program management for deploying counter-nuclear smuggling systems. 2. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, indicating potential for cost overruns. 3. The duration of the task order is approximately three years. 4. This award is a delivery order under a larger contract. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541990, indicating broad professional services. 6. The contract is for a specific geographic location in California.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
Benchmarking the value of this specific task order is challenging without more detailed cost breakdowns. The Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract type can sometimes lead to higher costs than fixed-price contracts if not managed carefully. However, CPFF is often used when the scope of work is not fully defined, allowing for flexibility. Comparing this to similar program management contracts for specialized technical systems would provide better insight into its value for money.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. The number of bidders is not specified, but full and open competition generally leads to a wider pool of potential offerors. This approach aims to ensure the government receives the best value by allowing all qualified contractors to participate.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it drives down prices through market forces and encourages innovation among bidders.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy benefits from program management support for critical counter-nuclear smuggling systems. Services delivered include program management tasks essential for system deployment. The geographic impact is focused on California, where the systems are likely to be deployed or managed. Workforce implications may include specialized project managers and technical staff within Parsons Government Services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure may incentivize higher spending if not closely monitored.
- Limited public information on specific performance metrics for this task order.
- The specialized nature of counter-nuclear smuggling systems requires robust oversight to ensure effectiveness.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive pricing environment.
- Task order supports a critical national security mission related to nuclear material security.
- Parsons Government Services is an established contractor with experience in government projects.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically related to program management for specialized government systems. The market for such services is competitive, with many firms offering expertise in areas like defense, security, and technology integration. The Department of Energy's investment in counter-nuclear smuggling systems reflects a broader government effort to enhance national security and prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear materials.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not indicate any specific small business set-aside. Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses through this specific award is likely minimal unless Parsons Government Services engages them as subcontractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine subcontracting plans and their potential benefit to the small business ecosystem.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight mechanisms for this task order would typically be managed by the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure, requiring detailed reporting and justification of costs. Transparency is generally maintained through contract databases and reporting requirements, though specific operational details of counter-nuclear smuggling systems may be sensitive.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Energy Nuclear Security Programs
- Department of Homeland Security Border Security Technology
- National Nuclear Security Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type carries inherent cost control risks.
- Limited public detail on specific performance metrics for this task order.
- Specialized nature of the technology requires stringent oversight for effectiveness.
Tags
department-of-energy, program-management, counter-nuclear-smuggling, parsons-government-services, cost-plus-fixed-fee, full-and-open-competition, delivery-order, california, professional-scientific-technical-services, national-security
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $2.8 million to PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INTERNATIONAL INC.. TASK ORDER INCLUDE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT TASKS IAW THE CNSSD PROGRAM MANAGER TASK ORDER SOW TO SUPPORT THE DEPLOYMENT OF COUNTER NUCLEAR SMUGGLING SYSTEMS. EXAMPLES OF COUNTER NUCLEAR SMUGGLING SYSTEM COMPONENTS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: RADIATION
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PARSONS GOVERNMENT SERVICES INTERNATIONAL INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $2.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2024-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.
What is the track record of Parsons Government Services International Inc. in managing similar program management contracts for the Department of Energy or other federal agencies?
Parsons Government Services International Inc. has a significant track record with federal agencies, including the Department of Energy. They have been involved in various large-scale projects, often related to infrastructure, engineering, and technical services. Their experience typically includes program management, systems engineering, and support for complex government initiatives. Specific details on their past performance related to nuclear security or counter-smuggling programs would require a deeper dive into contract databases and performance reports. However, their general presence and award history suggest a capacity to handle such contracts. The agency's selection of Parsons implies a level of confidence in their ability to execute the program management tasks effectively, based on past performance assessments.
How does the $2.8 million value of this task order compare to other program management contracts for similar specialized systems within the federal government?
The $2.8 million value for this task order is relatively modest for a three-year program management contract, especially for specialized systems. Many large-scale federal program management contracts can run into tens or hundreds of millions of dollars over similar or longer durations. The specific nature of 'counter-nuclear smuggling systems' suggests a niche area, and the task order might represent a specific phase or component of a larger program. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to identify contracts with similar scope (program management for security technology deployment) and duration across agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, or the National Nuclear Security Administration. Without such direct comparisons, it's difficult to definitively label this as high or low value, but it appears to be a focused, specific support effort.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract for program management in a sensitive area like counter-nuclear smuggling?
The primary risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs compared to a fixed-price contract, as they are reimbursed for allowable costs plus a fixed fee. This can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. For program management in a sensitive area like counter-nuclear smuggling, additional risks include potential scope creep, where the project's objectives expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to increased costs and delays. There's also a risk related to the effectiveness and security of the systems being managed; if the program management is inadequate, the deployment of these critical systems could be compromised. Robust oversight, clear performance metrics, and stringent change control processes are essential to mitigate these risks.
What are the potential implications for program effectiveness if the contractor, Parsons, faces challenges in managing the deployment of these counter-nuclear smuggling systems?
Challenges faced by Parsons in managing the deployment of counter-nuclear smuggling systems could have significant implications for program effectiveness. Inadequate program management could lead to delays in deployment, rendering the systems less effective in their intended role of preventing nuclear material smuggling. This could result in increased security vulnerabilities at borders or critical infrastructure points. Furthermore, poor management might lead to suboptimal system integration, technical malfunctions, or failure to meet performance specifications, thereby undermining the overall security objectives. In a worst-case scenario, ineffective management could result in wasted taxpayer funds and a diminished national security posture against nuclear threats.
How has the Department of Energy's spending on counter-nuclear smuggling technology and related program management evolved over the past five years?
Analyzing the Department of Energy's (DOE) spending evolution on counter-nuclear smuggling technology and program management requires access to detailed historical budget and contract data. Generally, federal spending in national security and non-proliferation areas tends to fluctuate based on geopolitical threats, technological advancements, and administration priorities. The DOE, particularly through its National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), invests significantly in programs aimed at securing nuclear materials and preventing their illicit use. Spending on related program management would likely scale with the overall investment in these technologies. Without specific data, it's presumed that spending in this area has remained a priority, potentially increasing in response to evolving global security landscapes. A review of DOE's annual reports and budget justifications would provide more precise historical spending trends.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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
Solicitation ID: 89233123RNA000175
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Parsons Corporation
Address: 100 W WALNUT ST, PASADENA, CA, 91124
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $6,917,538
Exercised Options: $2,835,561
Current Obligation: $2,835,561
Actual Outlays: $1,670,160
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 89233124DNA000055
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2024-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-31
Potential End Date: 2031-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-22
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