DOE awards $234M for radiation sensor construction to Ahtna Government Services Corp
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $234,399,726 ($234.4M)
Contractor: Ahtna Government Services Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2004-09-23
End Date: 2010-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,198 days
Daily Burn Rate: $106.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Construction
Official Description: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND INTEGRATION SERVICES FOR RADIATION SENSORS & COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
Place of Performance
Location: WEST SACRAMENTO, YOLO County, CALIFORNIA, 95691
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $234.4 million to AHTNA GOVERNMENT SERVICES CORPORATION for work described as: DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND INTEGRATION SERVICES FOR RADIATION SENSORS & COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT Key points: 1. Contract awarded for design, construction, and integration of radiation sensors and communication equipment. 2. Ahtna Government Services Corporation is the sole awardee. 3. The contract spans over 6 years, indicating a significant project duration. 4. The sector is Commercial and Institutional Building Construction.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The total award value is substantial, but without specific performance metrics or benchmarks, assessing its value is difficult.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not available for competition, indicating a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and potentially reduces the government's ability to secure the best possible price.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition for a $234 million contract raises concerns about potential overspending of taxpayer funds.
Public Impact
Ensures critical infrastructure for radiation monitoring and communication. Supports national security and environmental safety through advanced sensor technology. Potential for job creation within the construction and technology sectors.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition and price negotiation.
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type carries inherent cost overrun risks.
- Long contract duration (6 years) may not adapt well to technological changes.
Positive Signals
- Addresses a critical need for radiation sensor technology.
- Award to a specific entity suggests specialized capabilities.
- Long-term contract provides stability for the awarded company.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, specifically related to specialized equipment integration. The $234 million award is significant for this niche within the broader construction sector.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the awardee is Ahtna Government Services Corporation, a larger entity. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses within this award.
Oversight & Accountability
The sole-source nature of this contract warrants close oversight to ensure cost control and adherence to project scope. The Department of Energy's contracting office is responsible for monitoring performance and expenditures.
Related Government Programs
- Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
- Department of Energy Contracting
- Department of Energy Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competition
- Cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type
- Potential for cost overruns
- Long contract duration
- Limited transparency on justification for sole-source award
Tags
commercial-and-institutional-building-co, department-of-energy, ca, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $234.4 million to AHTNA GOVERNMENT SERVICES CORPORATION. DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND INTEGRATION SERVICES FOR RADIATION SENSORS & COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AHTNA GOVERNMENT SERVICES CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $234.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2004-09-23. End: 2010-09-30.
What specific capabilities does Ahtna Government Services Corporation possess that justified a sole-source award for radiation sensor integration?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or specific expertise that no other vendor can provide. Further investigation into the contract's justification documentation would be needed to detail Ahtna's specific qualifications and why competition was deemed impractical or not in the government's best interest for this particular requirement.
How will the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure be managed to mitigate potential cost overruns over the 6-year duration?
Effective management of a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract requires robust government oversight, detailed cost tracking, and regular performance reviews. The Department of Energy must implement stringent financial controls, monitor all incurred costs against the fixed fee, and ensure that any deviations from the baseline are thoroughly justified and approved. Clear communication channels and performance metrics are crucial.
What are the long-term implications of integrating radiation sensors and communication equipment for the Department of Energy's operational effectiveness?
The successful integration of advanced radiation sensors and communication equipment is vital for the Department of Energy's mission, enhancing its ability to monitor nuclear materials, ensure facility safety, and respond to potential radiological incidents. This investment is expected to improve situational awareness, data accuracy, and response times, ultimately bolstering national security and public safety.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Nonresidential Building Construction › Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Ahtna, Incorporated (UEI: 069586055)
Address: 406 FIREWEED LANE, SUITE 103, ANCHORAGE, AK, 99503
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $257,134,195
Exercised Options: $257,134,195
Current Obligation: $234,399,726
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2004-09-23
Current End Date: 2010-09-30
Potential End Date: 2010-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2020-08-05
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