Education Dept. Awards $12.4M for Grant Application Support to Synergy Enterprises
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $12,437,969 ($12.4M)
Contractor: Synergy Enterprises, Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Education
Start Date: 2005-09-30
End Date: 2010-12-31
Contract Duration: 1,918 days
Daily Burn Rate: $6.5K/day
Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: LOGISTICAL SUPPORT&TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAMS
Place of Performance
Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Education obligated $12.4 million to SYNERGY ENTERPRISES, INC for work described as: LOGISTICAL SUPPORT&TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAMS Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Synergy Enterprises, Inc. for logistical and technical assistance. 2. Services include review of applications for discretionary grant programs. 3. The contract spans over 5 years, from 2005 to 2010. 4. This falls under 'Other Management Consulting Services' (NAICS 541618).
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract type is Cost Plus Fixed Fee, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. The award amount of $12.4M over 5 years suggests a moderate level of spending for the services provided.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract was a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' (CT: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER), indicating some level of competition. However, the specific details of the competition and how price was discovered are not provided.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to support the review of grant applications, aiming for efficient and effective program distribution.
Public Impact
Ensures efficient processing of grant applications, potentially benefiting numerous organizations seeking federal funding. Supports the Department of Education's mission to administer discretionary grant programs effectively. The use of external contractors for application review can streamline processes and provide specialized expertise.
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 hinders full assessment.
- Potential for scope creep in logistical and technical assistance.
Positive Signals
- Competitive delivery order suggests some market vetting.
- Supports critical grant program functions.
- Long-term contract provides stability for service delivery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under management consulting services, a broad sector supporting government operations. Benchmarks for similar contracts are difficult to ascertain without more specific service details, but the duration and award amount are substantial.
Small Business Impact
The data does not indicate if small businesses were involved in this contract, either as prime contractors or subcontractors.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Education is the contracting agency. Oversight would typically involve contract officers and program managers ensuring performance and adherence to terms.
Related Government Programs
- Other Management Consulting Services
- Department of Education Contracting
- Department of Education Programs
Risk Flags
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract type.
- Limited transparency on competition details.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Contract duration of 5 years.
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 $12.4 million to SYNERGY ENTERPRISES, INC. LOGISTICAL SUPPORT&TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR DISCRETIONARY GRANT PROGRAMS
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 $12.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2005-09-30. End: 2010-12-31.
What was the competitive landscape for this delivery order, and how did it influence the final price?
The contract was designated as a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER,' suggesting that multiple vendors were invited to bid. However, without access to the specific solicitation and award documents, it's impossible to determine the number of competitors or the extent to which competition drove down the price. This lack of transparency limits a full assessment of value for money.
What are the primary risks associated with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract for grant application review services?
The main risk with a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contract is that the contractor may have less incentive to control costs, as their fee is fixed regardless of the actual expenses incurred. This could lead to inflated costs if not rigorously monitored by the government. Additionally, defining the 'cost' and 'fixed fee' components requires precise contract language to avoid disputes.
How effectively does this contract support the Department of Education's core mission of grant program administration?
This contract directly supports the Department of Education's mission by providing essential logistical and technical assistance for reviewing discretionary grant applications. By outsourcing these functions, the Department can potentially increase efficiency, leverage specialized expertise, and ensure a more thorough evaluation process, ultimately contributing to the effective allocation of federal education funds.
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: $31,175,885
Exercised Options: $31,171,105
Current Obligation: $12,437,969
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: EDED04CO0076
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2005-09-30
Current End Date: 2010-12-31
Potential End Date: 2010-12-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2014-03-09
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