DOL's $23.5M Foreign Labor Certification contract awarded to TCE, Inc. for 729 days

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,468,102 ($23.5M)

Contractor: TCE, Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2008-09-25

End Date: 2010-09-24

Contract Duration: 729 days

Daily Burn Rate: $32.2K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: DOL FOREIGN LABOR CERTIFICATION NATIONAL PROCESSING CENTER STAFF

Place of Performance

Location: SUITLAND, PRINCE GEORGES County, MARYLAND, 20746

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $23.5 million to TCE, INCORPORATED for work described as: DOL FOREIGN LABOR CERTIFICATION NATIONAL PROCESSING CENTER STAFF Key points: 1. The contract value is substantial, indicating significant demand for these services. 2. Competition was full and open after exclusion of sources, suggesting a deliberate procurement strategy. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and ensuring continued cost-effectiveness over the contract duration. 4. The sector involves employment placement agencies, crucial for labor market functions.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $23.5M over 729 days averages approximately $32,253 per day. Without specific benchmarks for similar services, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing, but it appears moderate for a government-wide service.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The procurement utilized 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' indicating that while competition was sought, certain sources were initially excluded. This method can impact price discovery by narrowing the potential bidder pool.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayers, though the exclusion of sources warrants scrutiny to ensure no potential cost savings were foregone.

Public Impact

Impacts employers seeking foreign labor certifications. Affects the efficiency of the Department of Labor's processing capabilities. Ensures compliance with labor laws and regulations. Supports workforce needs in various industries. Contributes to the national employment landscape.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for limited competition due to source exclusion.
Contract duration may lead to price stagnation.
Reliance on a single awardee for critical processing.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition was utilized.
Clear contract award for essential government function.
Defined contract period and scope.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the administrative and support services sector, specifically employment placement agencies. Government spending in this area is often driven by regulatory requirements and the need for efficient processing of applications and certifications.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses in this contract award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses had an opportunity to participate or if the contract scope precluded their involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. Oversight would typically involve performance monitoring, quality assurance reviews, and financial audits to ensure compliance and effective service delivery.

Related Government Programs

Employment Placement Agencies
Department of Labor Contracting
Employment and Training Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for limited competition.
Lack of explicit small business participation.
Contract duration may impact long-term cost-effectiveness.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical function.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $23.5 million to TCE, INCORPORATED. DOL FOREIGN LABOR CERTIFICATION NATIONAL PROCESSING CENTER STAFF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TCE, INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2008-09-25. End: 2010-09-24.

What was the rationale for excluding specific sources in the 'full and open competition after exclusion of sources' method?

The rationale for excluding specific sources typically relates to prior performance issues, unmet technical requirements, or specific government needs that only certain types of vendors could fulfill. Understanding this exclusion is key to assessing if the competition was truly optimized for best value or if it inadvertently limited potential cost savings.

How does the daily cost of this contract compare to industry benchmarks for similar labor certification processing services?

Comparing the approximate daily cost of $32,253 to industry benchmarks is crucial for evaluating value. Without specific data on private sector processing costs for comparable services, it's challenging to definitively state if this represents a good or fair price. Further research into commercial service provider rates would be necessary.

What performance metrics are in place to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of TCE, Inc.'s services for the DOL?

Effective oversight requires clearly defined performance metrics, such as processing times, accuracy rates, and customer satisfaction scores for both employers and foreign workers. The contract should detail these metrics and the consequences for failing to meet them, ensuring the DOL receives efficient and effective support.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Employment Services › Employment Placement Agencies

Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › DEFENSE (OTHER) R&D

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: TWO STEP

Solicitation ID: DOL081RP20142

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS (Z)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 5801 ALLENTOWN RD STE 305, CAMP SPRINGS, MD, 20746

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $45,040,866

Exercised Options: $45,040,866

Current Obligation: $23,468,102

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Timeline