Department of Energy's $12M contract for specialized security support awarded to CSRA Systems & Solutions LLC
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $20,180,731 ($20.2M)
Contractor: Csra Systems & Solutions LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2003-12-22
End Date: 2008-07-30
Contract Duration: 1,682 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.0K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL, ANALYTICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF SECURITY, INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL POLICY (SO-12)
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20585
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $20.2 million to CSRA SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL, ANALYTICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF SECURITY, INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL POLICY (SO-12) Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a sole-source basis, raising questions about potential cost efficiencies. 2. Duration of over 4 years suggests a long-term need for these specialized services. 3. The contract's value of $12 million over its term indicates a significant investment in security and information control. 4. Services provided are technical, analytical, and administrative, focusing on security and classification policies. 5. The contractor, CSRA Systems & Solutions LLC, has a history with this type of specialized support. 6. The contract was awarded by the Department of Energy, highlighting the agency's focus on these specific security functions.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract's value of $12 million over approximately 4.5 years averages to about $2.67 million annually. Without comparable contracts or detailed cost breakdowns, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. However, the sole-source nature of the award means there was no direct price competition to benchmark against market rates. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure allows for cost reimbursement plus a predetermined profit, which can sometimes lead to higher overall costs if not carefully managed.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning it was not competed among multiple vendors. This approach is typically used when only one vendor possesses the unique capabilities or qualifications required for the service, or in cases of urgent need. The lack of competition limits the government's ability to explore alternative solutions or secure the most competitive pricing through a bidding process.
Taxpayer Impact: Sole-source awards can potentially lead to higher costs for taxpayers as there is no competitive pressure to drive down prices. It also limits opportunities for other businesses to secure government contracts.
Public Impact
The Office of Security, Information Classification and Control Policy (SO-12) within the Department of Energy is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential technical, analytical, and administrative support. The services delivered are critical for maintaining the security and proper classification of sensitive information. The geographic impact is primarily within the District of Columbia, where the Department of Energy's headquarters are located. The contract supports specialized roles requiring expertise in security protocols and information management, potentially impacting a niche workforce.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competitive pricing and potentially increases costs for taxpayers.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type can incentivize higher spending if not rigorously overseen.
- Lack of transparency in the justification for sole-source award.
- Long contract duration without re-competition may reduce flexibility and innovation.
Positive Signals
- Contract addresses critical security and information classification needs for a key government office.
- Contractor has a history of providing these specialized services, suggesting established expertise.
- The fixed-fee component of the contract provides some level of cost predictability for the government.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' sector, a broad category encompassing specialized advisory and analytical support. The market for such services is diverse, with many firms offering expertise in areas like security, policy development, and administrative support. The Department of Energy's spending in this area reflects the critical need for robust information security and classification management, especially given the sensitive nature of its operations. Benchmarking this specific contract is challenging due to its sole-source nature and specialized focus.
Small Business Impact
This contract does not appear to have a small business set-aside component, as indicated by 'ss: false' and 'sb: false'. The award to CSRA Systems & Solutions LLC, a larger entity, suggests that the services required were beyond the scope or capacity of typical small business set-asides. There is no explicit information regarding subcontracting plans for small businesses within the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Energy's contracting officers and program managers responsible for the Office of Security, Information Classification and Control Policy. The cost-plus-fixed-fee structure necessitates diligent monitoring of costs incurred by the contractor to ensure they align with the fixed fee and the scope of work. Transparency regarding the justification for the sole-source award and ongoing performance metrics would be key accountability measures. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Energy Security Services
- Information Classification and Control
- Technical and Administrative Support Services
- Sole-Source Contract Awards
- Federal Security Consulting
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus contract type
- Long contract duration
Tags
other-scientific-and-technical-consulting-services, department-of-energy, district-of-columbia, sole-source, cost-plus-fixed-fee, specialized-support, information-security, policy-development, administrative-support, large-contract, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $20.2 million to CSRA SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS LLC. SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL, ANALYTICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE OFFICE OF SECURITY, INFORMATION CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL POLICY (SO-12)
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CSRA SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $20.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2003-12-22. End: 2008-07-30.
What specific technical, analytical, and administrative tasks are encompassed by this contract?
The contract data indicates the services are for the 'Office of Security, Information Classification and Control Policy (SO-12)'. This suggests the tasks likely involve supporting the development, implementation, and enforcement of security policies, managing the classification and declassification of information, conducting security assessments, providing analytical support for policy decisions, and handling administrative functions related to these security operations. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code further implies a focus on expert advice and technical assistance rather than direct service provision like IT maintenance or physical security guarding.
What is the justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis?
The provided data explicitly states the contract was 'NOT COMPETED' and lists the contract type as 'sole-source'. However, the specific justification for this sole-source award is not detailed in the data. Typically, sole-source awards are justified when only one responsible source is available or capable of providing the required service, often due to unique capabilities, proprietary knowledge, or urgent and compelling circumstances. Without further documentation from the Department of Energy, the precise reason remains unknown, but it implies that CSRA Systems & Solutions LLC was deemed the only viable option at the time of award.
How does the cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract structure impact the overall cost and risk for the Department of Energy?
A Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) contract means the government reimburses the contractor for all allowable costs incurred, plus a predetermined fixed fee representing profit. This structure can be beneficial when the scope of work is not precisely defined or is subject to change, as it allows flexibility. For the Department of Energy, the fixed fee provides a predictable profit margin for the contractor. However, the risk lies in the potential for cost overruns, as the government bears the cost risk. Effective oversight is crucial to ensure costs remain reasonable and within the anticipated range for the services delivered.
What is the track record of CSRA Systems & Solutions LLC in providing similar services to the federal government?
While the provided data confirms CSRA Systems & Solutions LLC was awarded this specific contract, it does not detail their broader track record. However, the fact that they were awarded this contract, especially on a sole-source basis, suggests they likely possess specialized expertise and have a history of performance in security, information classification, and related consulting services. Further investigation into federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) would be necessary to ascertain the full scope of their past performance, including other contracts, client agencies, and performance ratings.
What are the potential risks associated with a sole-source contract of this duration?
Sole-source contracts, particularly those with a long duration like this 4.5-year award, carry several risks. Firstly, the lack of competition can lead to suboptimal pricing, as there's no market pressure to ensure the government receives the best value. Secondly, it can stifle innovation, as the incumbent contractor may have less incentive to improve services or offer new solutions. Thirdly, it creates vendor lock-in, making it difficult and potentially costly to switch providers if performance issues arise or if market conditions change. Finally, it can limit opportunities for other capable businesses, including small businesses, to enter the federal market.
How does this contract align with the Department of Energy's broader mission regarding information security and policy?
This contract directly supports the Department of Energy's core mission by providing essential specialized support to its Office of Security, Information Classification and Control Policy. Ensuring the secure handling, classification, and control of sensitive information is paramount for any government agency, especially one dealing with national security implications related to energy infrastructure and research. The technical, analytical, and administrative services procured are fundamental to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of critical data, thereby safeguarding national interests and agency operations.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Computer Sciences Corporation (UEI: 009581091)
Address: 6101 STEVENSON AVENUE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 08
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,399,223
Exercised Options: $22,399,223
Current Obligation: $20,180,731
Timeline
Start Date: 2003-12-22
Current End Date: 2008-07-30
Potential End Date: 2008-07-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2010-11-29
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