Commerce Dept. awards $41M for Technical Support Services to Baldwin Group, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $41,156,345 ($41.2M)
Contractor: Baldwin Group, Inc., the
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2008-09-15
End Date: 2013-09-14
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $22.6K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $41.2 million to BALDWIN GROUP, INC., THE for work described as: TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded to The Baldwin Group, Inc. for $41.16 million. 2. Service category is 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'. 3. Contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, awarded via full and open competition. 4. Duration of the contract is 5 years. 5. The contract was awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical support services is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition after exclusion of sources, indicating a competitive process. This method aims to ensure fair pricing and access for eligible vendors.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are utilized for technical support services, with the final cost influenced by the competitive bidding process and the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure.
Public Impact
Ensures continued technical support for NOAA operations. Supports a private sector company, The Baldwin Group, Inc. The competitive award process aims for efficient use of taxpayer funds. The 5-year duration provides stability for service provision.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of specific performance metrics makes value assessment difficult.
- Long contract duration may not reflect evolving technical needs.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Clear contract duration of 5 years.
- Specific agency and service identified.
Sector Analysis
Technical support services are crucial for government agencies to maintain operations and implement technological advancements. Spending in this sector can vary widely based on agency needs and the complexity of the technical requirements.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved as subcontractors or prime contractors in this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically be managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration contracting officers to ensure performance and adherence to contract terms. The 'exclusion of sources' clause warrants scrutiny.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Ambiguity in 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services'.
- Long contract duration (5 years).
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-commerce, md, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $41.2 million to BALDWIN GROUP, INC., THE. TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is BALDWIN GROUP, INC., THE.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $41.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-09-15. End: 2013-09-14.
What specific technical support services were provided under this contract, and how did they align with NOAA's mission objectives?
The contract covered 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services.' Without a detailed statement of work, it's challenging to ascertain the precise services. However, these services likely supported NOAA's scientific research, data management, or operational systems, contributing to its mission of understanding and predicting changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts.
What were the key factors that led to the selection of The Baldwin Group, Inc. over other potential bidders?
The selection would have been based on the evaluation criteria outlined in the solicitation, which typically include technical approach, past performance, management capability, and price. As it was awarded via full and open competition, The Baldwin Group, Inc. likely presented the most advantageous offer meeting NOAA's requirements, potentially balancing technical merit with cost-effectiveness.
How effectively was the Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure managed to control costs and ensure value for the taxpayer?
The effectiveness of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) management is highly dependent on robust oversight and clear performance metrics. While CPFF allows for flexibility, it carries a risk of cost escalation. The government's contracting officers would have been responsible for monitoring expenditures, ensuring costs were reasonable and allocable, and verifying that the fixed fee was earned based on performance.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 6
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 611 PENNSYLVANIA AVE SE, WASHINGTON, DC, 20003
Business Categories: Asian Pacific American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $63,167,722
Exercised Options: $63,167,722
Current Obligation: $41,156,345
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-09-15
Current End Date: 2013-09-14
Potential End Date: 2013-09-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2019-09-19
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