DOE's $17M contract for Estonian core services awarded to Northstar Federal Services, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $17,086,974 ($17.1M)
Contractor: Northstar Federal Services, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2008-04-16
End Date: 2015-12-31
Contract Duration: 2,815 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.1K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY)
Sector: Construction
Official Description: CORE SERVICES IN ESTONIA FOR NA-25
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $17.1 million to NORTHSTAR FEDERAL SERVICES, INC. for work described as: CORE SERVICES IN ESTONIA FOR NA-25 Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable given the duration and scope of services. 2. Competition dynamics for this delivery order need further examination to assess price discovery. 3. Risk indicators are moderate, with performance context suggesting a need for close monitoring. 4. Sector positioning places this within heavy and civil engineering construction, supporting national interests. 5. Performance context indicates a long-term engagement for essential services.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $17 million over a period of roughly 7 years (2815 days) suggests a moderate annual spend. Benchmarking against similar international service contracts would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. However, the duration implies a stable, ongoing need for these services, which can sometimes lead to more favorable pricing through long-term commitments.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract type is listed as 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER', which implies that the initial award was competed. However, the specific details of the competition, such as the number of bids received for this particular delivery order, are not provided. A competitive delivery order suggests that multiple vendors were considered, potentially leading to better pricing and service options compared to a sole-source award.
Taxpayer Impact: The competitive nature of the award, even if details are limited, suggests that taxpayer dollars were likely used more efficiently by leveraging market forces to secure the best possible terms.
Public Impact
The Department of Energy benefits from the provision of essential core services in Estonia. These services likely support U.S. national security interests and diplomatic operations abroad. The geographic impact is concentrated in Estonia, facilitating U.S. government functions in the region. Workforce implications are not explicitly detailed but would involve personnel to deliver the contracted services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed competition metrics for this specific delivery order.
- Potential for scope creep over the long contract duration.
- Geopolitical risks associated with operating in an international environment.
Positive Signals
- Awarded to a known entity, Northstar Federal Services, Inc.
- Long contract duration suggests stability and potential for relationship-based efficiencies.
- Competitive award mechanism implies some level of market vetting.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under the Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (NAICS 237990) sector. This sector encompasses a wide range of construction activities, including the building of infrastructure projects. The market for such services internationally can be competitive, with various firms capable of undertaking complex projects. The spending benchmark for similar international support contracts varies significantly based on location, scope, and duration.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not available for this award. As the contract was awarded to Northstar Federal Services, Inc., further investigation would be needed to determine if they have a subcontracting plan that includes small businesses. Without this data, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem remains unclear.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight mechanisms for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Department of Energy. Accountability measures would be tied to the performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases, though detailed performance reports are often internal.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Energy Overseas Operations Support
- International Facilities Management Contracts
- Defense Support Services Contracts
- Government Services Administration (GSA) Schedules
Risk Flags
- Contract Duration
- International Operations
- Service Delivery Complexity
Tags
construction, department-of-energy, estonia, competitive-delivery-order, large-contract, international-services, heavy-and-civil-engineering, northstar-federal-services-inc
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $17.1 million to NORTHSTAR FEDERAL SERVICES, INC.. CORE SERVICES IN ESTONIA FOR NA-25
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is NORTHSTAR FEDERAL 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 $17.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-04-16. End: 2015-12-31.
What is the specific nature of the 'CORE SERVICES IN ESTONIA' provided under this contract?
The provided data indicates the contract is for 'CORE SERVICES IN ESTONIA' and falls under NAICS code 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction). While the exact services are not detailed, this classification suggests the contract likely involves construction, maintenance, repair, or related support activities for facilities or infrastructure essential to U.S. government operations in Estonia. This could encompass a range of activities from base operations support to specialized engineering and construction projects critical for national interests or diplomatic missions abroad. Further details would be required from the contract's statement of work to fully understand the scope.
How does the $17 million contract value compare to similar international service contracts awarded by the Department of Energy?
Benchmarking the $17 million contract value requires comparing it to similar international service contracts, particularly those managed by the Department of Energy or other agencies with overseas operations. The contract duration of approximately 7 years (2815 days) translates to an average annual spend of roughly $2.4 million. This figure needs to be assessed against the complexity and criticality of the services provided. Without specific data on comparable contracts for similar services in comparable geographic locations, it's challenging to definitively state whether this represents excellent, fair, or questionable value. However, for long-term, essential support services in a foreign country, this annual spend is within a plausible range.
What are the primary risks associated with a long-term contract for services in a foreign country like Estonia?
Long-term contracts for services in foreign countries present several inherent risks. Geopolitical instability or changes in international relations can impact operational feasibility and security. Currency fluctuations can affect the actual cost in U.S. dollars. Local regulatory changes, labor laws, and availability of skilled local workforce can pose challenges. Furthermore, logistical complexities in managing resources and personnel across borders, along with potential cultural and language barriers, add layers of risk. For this specific contract, ensuring consistent service delivery and maintaining compliance with both U.S. federal regulations and Estonian laws would be critical risk mitigation areas.
What does the contract type 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' imply about the procurement process and potential value for taxpayers?
A 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' signifies that this specific order was placed under a pre-existing contract that was itself awarded through a competitive process. This implies that multiple vendors likely competed for the original contract, and for this particular delivery order, Northstar Federal Services, Inc. was selected based on competitive factors. While the exact number of bidders for this specific order isn't detailed, the competitive nature generally suggests that the government sought to obtain the best value, price, and performance. This process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by leveraging market competition.
What is Northstar Federal Services, Inc.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly those involving international operations?
Northstar Federal Services, Inc. has a history of receiving federal contracts. While the provided data focuses on this specific $17 million award for core services in Estonia, a comprehensive assessment of their track record would involve reviewing their entire contract portfolio. This includes examining past performance on similar international contracts, their history of on-time delivery, quality of service, and any past performance issues or disputes. Understanding their experience with complex overseas operations, security protocols, and navigating foreign legal and logistical environments is crucial for evaluating their capability to successfully execute this contract.
How does this contract fit within the Department of Energy's broader mission and spending in international affairs?
This contract likely supports the Department of Energy's (DOE) mission related to international cooperation, energy security, non-proliferation, or environmental initiatives that require a U.S. presence and operational support in Estonia. DOE's international engagement often involves technical assistance, research collaborations, and maintaining facilities or programs abroad. Contracts for 'core services' in foreign locations are essential for enabling these broader programmatic objectives by providing the necessary infrastructure and operational backbone. The $17 million expenditure represents a component of DOE's overall budget allocated to supporting its global mission and diplomatic objectives.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction › Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Product/Service Code: CONSTRUCT OF STRUCTURES/FACILITIES › CONSTRUCT NONBUILDING FACILITIES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (APPLIES TO AWARDS WHERE TWO OR MORE OF THE ABOVE APPLY) (2)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Dynamic Management Solutions LLC (UEI: 079595753)
Address: 116 W BONNEVILLE ST, PASCO, WA, 99301
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $17,086,974
Exercised Options: $17,086,974
Current Obligation: $17,086,974
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: DEAM5208NA28443
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-04-16
Current End Date: 2015-12-31
Potential End Date: 2015-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-02-17
More Contracts from Northstar Federal Services, Inc.
- TAS::89 0309::TAS Ukraine Work - NEW Delivery Order Under Master Contract Na28443-Rcs-Group 8& 9, Phase I Labor & Travel for Site Survey of Construction and Integration of Rpms for Office of Business Services - Sc-Obs — $81.7M (Department of Energy)
- Design, Integration, Communications, Construction and Engineering Services in Romania for NA-25 — $28.3M (Department of Energy)
- Dicce-Second Line of Defense - Kyrgyzstan Sites for NA-25 — $22.6M (Department of Energy)
- TAS::89 0309::TAS Design, Construct, and Integrate Fully Functional Radiation Portal Monitor and Communications Systems AT Designated Sites in Poland. in Support of Second Line of Defense (SLD) Program for Office of International Material Protection & Coop - NA-25 — $19.7M (Department of Energy)
- Competitive - Moldova - Group 1 - 2 Sites Giurgiulesti VC, Leuseni VC - Installation Dicce Construction for International Material Protection&cooperation - NA-25 — $18.8M (Department of Energy)
View all Northstar Federal Services, Inc. federal contracts →
Other Department of Energy Contracts
- Federal Contract — $48.1B (Lockheed Martin Corp)
- ,Ct::igf Contract Award De-Na0003525 to the National Technology&engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (ntess) for the Management and Operation of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration's Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) — $41.7B (National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC)
- Management and Operation of the OAK Ridge National Laboratory — $40.8B (Ut-Battelle LLC)
- TAS::89 0240::TAS This Performance-Based Management Contract (pbmc) IS for the Management and Operation of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (llnl). the Contractor Shall, in Accordance With the Provisions of This Contract, Accomplish the Missions and Programs Assigned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Manage and Operate the Laboratory. the Laboratory IS ONE of Does Office of Defense Program Multi-Program Laboratories. the Laboratory IS a Federally Funded Research and Development Institution (established in Accordance With the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 35 and Operated Under This Management and Operating (M&O) Contract, AS Defined in FAR 17.6 and Dear 917.6 — $40.8B (Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC)
- M&O of Lanl BR of U of CA — $35.3B (Regents of the University of California, the)