DOE awards $9.96M for quality assurance technical support, spanning nearly four years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $9,959,622 ($10.0M)
Contractor: Project Enhancement Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Start Date: 2006-10-17
End Date: 2010-07-31
Contract Duration: 1,383 days
Daily Burn Rate: $7.2K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (TWO OR MORE)
Sector: Other
Official Description: TO PROVIDE QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE OFFICE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AT THE OFFICE OF CIVILIAN RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
Place of Performance
Location: LAS VEGAS, CLARK County, NEVADA, 89134
State: Nevada Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Energy obligated $10.0 million to PROJECT ENHANCEMENT CORPORATION for work described as: TO PROVIDE QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE OFFICE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AT THE OFFICE OF CIVILIAN RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the duration and scope of technical support services. 2. Competition dynamics for this delivery order are not detailed, impacting price discovery assessment. 3. Performance risk indicators are not explicitly available but are typically managed through contract oversight. 4. This contract supports critical functions within the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. 5. The services provided are specialized and essential for regulatory compliance and safety. 6. Spending in this niche area is likely driven by specific program needs rather than broad market trends.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of approximately $10 million over nearly four years suggests a moderate annual spend. Without specific benchmarks for similar quality assurance technical support services within the Department of Energy or comparable agencies, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the duration and specialized nature of the support indicate a potentially fair price, assuming the contractor delivers as expected. Further analysis would require comparing the hourly rates or task-specific costs against industry standards or other government contracts for similar expertise.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract type is listed as 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER,' which implies it was awarded under a pre-existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract that was competed. However, the specific competition details for this particular delivery order, such as the number of bids received or the extent of the competition among IDIQ holders, are not provided. This lack of detail limits the ability to fully assess the effectiveness of the competition in driving favorable pricing and ensuring the best value.
Taxpayer Impact: The level of competition for this specific delivery order is not fully transparent. If it was a robust competition among multiple bidders, it likely resulted in a fair market price for taxpayers. If competition was limited, there's a potential risk of overpayment.
Public Impact
The Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management benefits from enhanced quality assurance and technical support. Services ensure the safe and compliant management of civilian radioactive waste. The geographic impact is primarily within the Department of Energy's operational areas, particularly Nevada. The contract supports specialized technical expertise, potentially impacting a small but highly skilled workforce.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed competition information for this specific delivery order hinders full price discovery analysis.
- Limited public data on performance metrics makes it difficult to assess contractor effectiveness.
- The specialized nature of the work means a small pool of qualified contractors, potentially limiting future competition.
Positive Signals
- Awarded as a competitive delivery order, suggesting it originated from a previously competed contract.
- The contract duration of nearly four years indicates a stable need for these services.
- Support is for a critical government function related to radioactive waste management, implying high importance.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically supporting government administration and technical consulting. The Department of Energy's Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management requires specialized expertise for quality assurance, a niche but critical area. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without more granular data on the specific technical services rendered, but government spending on technical support and program management services is substantial across various agencies.
Small Business Impact
Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans for this specific delivery order is not available. As the contract was awarded to Project Enhancement Corporation, further investigation would be needed to determine if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or if the original IDIQ contract had small business goals.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight is likely managed by the Department of Energy's Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management through contract administration and performance monitoring. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract terms and conditions, with potential for Inspector General review if performance issues or fraud were suspected. Transparency is limited by the lack of detailed public reporting on performance metrics and specific competition outcomes.
Related Government Programs
- Department of Energy - Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management
- Federal Technical Support Services
- Government Quality Assurance Contracts
- Radioactive Waste Management Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited transparency on specific competition details for this delivery order.
- Lack of publicly available performance metrics for contractor evaluation.
- Potential for reliance on a specialized contractor pool.
Tags
department-of-energy, quality-assurance, technical-support, radioactive-waste-management, competitive-delivery-order, project-enhancement-corporation, professional-services, nevada, medium-value, long-term-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Energy awarded $10.0 million to PROJECT ENHANCEMENT CORPORATION. TO PROVIDE QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE OFFICE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AT THE OFFICE OF CIVILIAN RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is PROJECT ENHANCEMENT CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Energy (Department of Energy).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.0 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2006-10-17. End: 2010-07-31.
What is the track record of Project Enhancement Corporation with the Department of Energy and similar federal contracts?
Project Enhancement Corporation (PEC) has a history of performing various services for federal agencies, including the Department of Energy. While specific details on their performance for this particular contract (Award ID: DO) are not readily available in the provided data, PEC's general profile often includes technical support, program management, and engineering services. To assess their track record thoroughly, one would need to examine past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS) for this and other relevant contracts, looking for indicators of timely delivery, quality of work, and adherence to budget. A review of their contract history with DOE, particularly for similar quality assurance or technical support roles, would provide further context on their reliability and expertise in this domain.
How does the value of this contract compare to similar quality assurance technical support contracts within the federal government?
Comparing the value of this $9.96 million contract for quality assurance technical support services requires access to a broader dataset of similar federal procurements. The contract duration of nearly four years (October 2006 to July 2010) suggests an average annual value of approximately $2.5 million. Without specific details on the scope of work, required expertise levels, and geographic location, direct comparisons are challenging. However, contracts for specialized technical support and quality assurance within agencies managing complex or high-risk operations (like radioactive waste management) can command significant values. Benchmarking against contracts for similar services within the Department of Energy or other agencies involved in nuclear safety, environmental management, or large-scale infrastructure projects would provide a more accurate assessment of whether this award represents good value for money.
What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?
The primary risks associated with this contract likely revolve around performance and technical expertise. Ensuring that Project Enhancement Corporation provides high-quality, accurate technical support for quality assurance in radioactive waste management is critical for safety and regulatory compliance. Risks include potential gaps in expertise, failure to identify critical quality issues, or delays in reporting. Mitigation strategies typically employed by the Department of Energy would include clearly defined performance standards and deliverables within the contract, regular progress reviews, and potentially penalties for non-performance. The competitive nature of the award (even if details are limited) suggests a selection process aimed at identifying a capable contractor. Ongoing oversight by the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management is crucial for identifying and addressing any emerging risks throughout the contract's lifecycle.
How effective is the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management in leveraging technical support services for its mission?
The effectiveness of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) in leveraging technical support services, such as those provided under this contract, is crucial for its mission of managing civilian radioactive waste. This contract specifically targets quality assurance, which is paramount for safety, regulatory compliance, and public trust. By engaging external expertise like Project Enhancement Corporation, OCRWM can augment its internal capabilities, access specialized knowledge, and ensure rigorous oversight of waste management activities. The long duration of the contract suggests a sustained need and potentially successful utilization of these services. However, a definitive assessment of effectiveness would require evaluating the outcomes achieved through these services, such as improvements in quality metrics, successful regulatory audits, and the overall safety record of the programs supported.
What has been the historical spending pattern for quality assurance technical support within the Department of Energy's radioactive waste management programs?
Historical spending patterns for quality assurance technical support within the Department of Energy's radioactive waste management programs are indicative of the ongoing need for specialized oversight in this high-stakes field. While the specific data for this $9.96 million contract (2006-2010) provides a snapshot, a broader analysis would reveal trends in funding allocation for such services over time. Agencies managing radioactive waste typically require consistent investment in quality assurance due to stringent regulatory requirements and the long-term nature of waste management. Spending in this area is often driven by program milestones, regulatory changes, and the lifecycle stage of waste storage and disposal facilities. Understanding these historical patterns helps in forecasting future needs and budgeting appropriately for essential technical support functions.
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Solicitation ID: DERQ2806RW12377
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: COMBINATION (TWO OR MORE) (2)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 20300 CENTURY BOULEVARD, SUITE 175, GERMANTOWN, MD, 06
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Emerging Small Business, Hispanic American Owned Business, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $16,549,375
Exercised Options: $12,945,990
Current Obligation: $9,959,622
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS10F0102K
IDV Type: FSS
Timeline
Start Date: 2006-10-17
Current End Date: 2010-07-31
Potential End Date: 2011-07-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-03-07
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