Department of Education awards $10.26M for logistical support, raising questions on value and competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $10,256,812 ($10.3M)
Contractor: Synergy Enterprises, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2005-03-04
End Date: 2010-09-30
Contract Duration: 2,036 days
Daily Burn Rate: $5.0K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: LOGISTICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PEER REVIEWS FOR THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES PROGRAM
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $10.3 million to SYNERGY ENTERPRISES, INC for work described as: LOGISTICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PEER REVIEWS FOR THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES PROGRAM Key points: 1. Spending on logistical and administrative support for peer reviews totals $10.26M. 2. Synergy Enterprises, Inc. secured the contract. 3. The contract duration of 2036 days (over 5 years) suggests a long-term need. 4. The 'Other Management Consulting Services' NAICS code indicates a broad service category.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Benchmarking against similar logistical support contracts is difficult without more detailed service breakdowns.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract was awarded as a 'Competitive Delivery Order,' but the specifics of the competition are not detailed. The impact on price discovery is unclear without knowing the number of bidders and the bidding process.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for administrative support services. The efficiency and necessity of these services directly impact the value for money.
Public Impact
Supports the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services program. Ensures logistical and administrative functions for peer reviews are managed. Potential impact on the efficiency of special education program oversight.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type can incentivize higher costs.
- Lack of detailed competition information.
- Long contract duration without clear performance metrics.
Positive Signals
- Provides essential support for a critical government program.
- Contract awarded through a competitive process (stated).
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under management consulting services, often used by government agencies to support program operations and reviews. Benchmarks for such services vary widely based on scope and duration.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate whether small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would focus on ensuring Synergy Enterprises, Inc. delivers services within the fixed fee and meets performance expectations, particularly given the CPFF structure.
Related Government Programs
- Other Management Consulting Services
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract.
- Limited transparency on competition details.
- Long contract duration.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Unclear small business participation.
Tags
other-management-consulting-services, department-of-education, md, do, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Education awarded $10.3 million to SYNERGY ENTERPRISES, INC. LOGISTICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PEER REVIEWS FOR THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES PROGRAM
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SYNERGY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Education (Department of Education).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $10.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-03-04. End: 2010-09-30.
What specific logistical and administrative tasks are included in this contract, and how do they directly support the peer review process?
The contract details are limited, but typically such services involve scheduling, documentation management, travel arrangements, and communication coordination for peer reviewers. Understanding the granular tasks is crucial to assess if the $10.26M expenditure is justified and if these services are essential for the effective functioning of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services' peer review activities.
What was the competitive landscape for this delivery order, and were there opportunities for small businesses to participate?
The award states 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER,' implying multiple bids were considered. However, the number of bidders and the specific competitive strategy are not provided. Without this information, it's difficult to assess the effectiveness of the competition in driving down costs or ensuring the best value. Small business participation is also not specified, which is a common concern in federal contracting.
How is the effectiveness of Synergy Enterprises, Inc.'s performance being measured, and what are the key performance indicators for this contract?
Effectiveness measurement is critical, especially with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure. Key performance indicators should focus on timeliness of support, accuracy of administrative tasks, reviewer satisfaction, and overall contribution to the efficiency of the peer review process. Without defined KPIs and regular performance reviews, it's challenging to ascertain if the government is receiving optimal value for the $10.26M invested.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Management Consulting Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8757 GEORGIA AVENUE, SILVER SPRING, MD, 08
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Minority Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Indian (Subcontinent) American Owned Business, Woman Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,521,007
Exercised Options: $10,521,007
Current Obligation: $10,256,812
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: EDED04CO0076
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-03-04
Current End Date: 2010-09-30
Potential End Date: 2010-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-03-10
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