Department of Energy awards $214M contract for technical and administrative support to Office of Enterprise Assessment
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $214,422,540 ($214.4M)
Contractor: Unwin CO
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2020-02-21
End Date: 2026-02-28
Contract Duration: 2,199 days
Daily Burn Rate: $97.5K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE ASSESSMENT IN SUPPORT OF ITS MISSION TO PROVIDE THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND SENIOR DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY MANAGERS WITH AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFEC
Place of Performance
Location: COLUMBUS, FRANKLIN County, OHIO, 43212
State: Ohio Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $214.4 million to UNWIN CO for work described as: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE ASSESSMENT IN SUPPORT OF ITS MISSION TO PROVIDE THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND SENIOR DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY MANAGERS WITH AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFEC Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for independent assessments of Department of Energy operations. 2. Focus on technical and administrative functions indicates a need for specialized expertise. 3. Long-term duration suggests a sustained requirement for these services. 4. Contract type (Time and Materials) allows for flexibility but requires careful monitoring of hours and rates. 5. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code points to a broad range of potential activities. 6. Geographic location in Ohio may indicate a concentration of relevant personnel or facilities.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The total contract value of $214.4 million over approximately six years represents a significant investment. Benchmarking this against similar contracts for technical and administrative support within government agencies is challenging without more specific service details. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure, while flexible, can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. The value proposition hinges on the quality and impact of the assessments provided by the contractor.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources,' indicating that multiple bidders were likely considered. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but this procurement method generally fosters competitive pricing. The exclusion of sources suggests a specific reason, possibly related to unique capabilities or prior performance, which warrants further investigation to ensure it did not unduly limit competition.
Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it aims to secure the best value through a competitive process, potentially driving down costs and improving service quality.
Public Impact
The Office of Enterprise Assessment benefits directly, enabling more robust independent evaluations of DOE programs. Senior Department of Energy managers receive critical insights for decision-making. The Secretary of Energy is supported in their oversight responsibilities. The contract supports a workforce skilled in technical analysis and administrative management. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of Energy's operational sphere, with potential implications for its Ohio-based facilities.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost creep due to Time and Materials pricing structure if not closely monitored.
- The 'exclusion of sources' clause requires scrutiny to ensure it did not unnecessarily limit the competitive landscape.
- Defining 'technical and administrative support' broadly could lead to scope creep or misaligned service delivery.
Positive Signals
- Awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
- Long contract duration indicates a stable, ongoing need for these critical assessment services.
- The contractor, UNWIN CO, is tasked with supporting a vital oversight function within the DOE.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically consulting. The NAICS code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' encompasses a wide array of specialized advisory and analytical services. Government spending in this area is substantial, supporting functions ranging from policy analysis to operational efficiency improvements across various agencies. This contract's focus on independent assessment aligns with broader government efforts to ensure accountability and effectiveness in program management.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary set-aside consideration for this specific contract. This suggests the primary focus was on securing specialized expertise through full and open competition. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans, which could be an area for further inquiry to understand potential opportunities for small businesses within the larger contract scope.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight of this contract will likely be managed by the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Office of Enterprise Assessment. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance work statement, requiring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), which publishes contract awards. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Energy Program Management Support
- Government Consulting Services
- Office of Inspector General Audits and Assessments
- Federal Management Consulting Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
- Need for clear definition and management of 'technical and administrative support' scope.
- Justification for 'exclusion of sources' requires verification to ensure fair competition.
- Risk of performance degradation over the long contract duration.
- Potential for obsolescence of services due to technological or priority shifts.
Tags
department-of-energy, consulting-services, technical-support, administrative-support, office-of-enterprise-assessment, time-and-materials, full-and-open-competition, scientific-and-technical-services, federal-contract, ohio, long-term-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $214.4 million to UNWIN CO. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE ASSESSMENT IN SUPPORT OF ITS MISSION TO PROVIDE THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND SENIOR DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY MANAGERS WITH AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFEC
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is UNWIN CO.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $214.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2020-02-21. End: 2026-02-28.
What is the specific nature of the 'technical and administrative support' required by the Office of Enterprise Assessment?
The contract description indicates the support is 'in support of its mission to provide the Secretary of Energy and senior Department of Energy managers with an independent assessment of the effec[tiveness]'. This suggests the support likely involves data collection, analysis, report generation, logistical coordination, and potentially specialized technical reviews related to DOE's diverse operations. Without a detailed Statement of Work (SOW), the precise technical tasks remain broad. However, given the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code, it could encompass areas like environmental assessments, energy policy analysis, cybersecurity evaluations, or financial audits, all requiring both technical expertise and robust administrative management.
How does the Time and Materials (T&M) contract type compare to other potential contract vehicles for this type of service?
Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to change. They reimburse the contractor for direct labor hours at specified fixed hourly rates and for the actual cost of materials. While offering flexibility, T&M contracts carry a higher risk of cost overruns for the government compared to fixed-price contracts. For consulting services like these, a firm-fixed-price contract might be suitable if the scope is well-defined, offering greater cost certainty. Alternatively, a cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract could balance flexibility with cost control by adding a fixed fee to allowable costs. The choice of T&M suggests the DOE anticipated evolving needs or uncertainties in the exact requirements for assessment support.
What does the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' designation imply about the bidding process?
This designation means that the solicitation was made available to all responsible sources (full and open competition), but certain sources were excluded from consideration. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) allows for exclusion of sources under specific circumstances, such as when a particular source is deemed not responsible or when national security concerns exist. If the exclusion was based on technical qualifications or unique capabilities, it implies the agency identified specific needs that only a subset of potential contractors could meet. However, it's crucial that such exclusions are justified and documented to prevent anti-competitive practices and ensure the government is not foregoing potentially better value from unexcluded sources.
What is the historical spending trend for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' at the Department of Energy?
Analyzing historical spending trends for NAICS code 541690 at the Department of Energy requires access to comprehensive federal procurement data. Generally, agencies like the DOE, with complex scientific, environmental, and energy-related missions, consistently utilize consulting services. Spending in this category can fluctuate based on specific program initiatives, regulatory changes, and the need for specialized expertise not available in-house. A review of past FPDS data would reveal if this $214 million award represents a significant increase or is in line with previous investments in similar consulting support, providing context for the current contract's scale.
What are the potential risks associated with a six-year contract for technical and administrative support?
A six-year contract duration, while providing stability, introduces several risks. Firstly, the risk of contractor performance degradation over time increases; initial high performance may wane without continuous oversight. Secondly, technological advancements or changes in agency priorities could render the contracted services less relevant or efficient, leading to potential scope adjustments or disputes. Thirdly, the long-term nature of Time and Materials contracts amplifies the risk of escalating costs if inflation, labor rates, or material expenses rise significantly and are passed through. Finally, institutional knowledge might become overly concentrated within the contractor, potentially reducing the government's internal capacity over the long term.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS, NOT R&D › SPECIAL STUDIES - NOT R and D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: 89303018REA000001
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1920 NORTHWEST BLVD STE 202, COLUMBUS, OH, 43212
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $216,126,649
Exercised Options: $216,126,649
Current Obligation: $214,422,540
Actual Outlays: $178,630,900
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2020-02-21
Current End Date: 2026-02-28
Potential End Date: 2026-04-13 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-13
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