Alion Science and Technology Corp. awarded $48.5M for operational planning and consulting to support USCENTAF mission performance

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $48,459,774 ($48.5M)

Contractor: Alion Science and Technology Corporation

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2004-12-30

End Date: 2010-03-01

Contract Duration: 1,887 days

Daily Burn Rate: $25.7K/day

Number of Offers Received: 3

Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS

Sector: Other

Official Description: THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ACQUIRE OPERATIONAL PLANNING, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL CONSULTING EXPERTISE TO SUPPORT USCENTAF S HEADQUARTERS ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES THAT ARE DESIGNED TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE ACTUAL MISSION PERFORMANCE WITHIN THE DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT OF USCENTAF S ASSIGNED AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AOR). SERVICES PROVIDED WILL IMPROVE EFFECTIVENESS IN THE PLANNING, TRAINING, EXERCISING, EXECUTING AND ASSESSMENT OF USCENTAF S MISSION RESPONSIBILITIES AND MAINTENANCE OF SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURES WITHIN A CONSTANTLY CHANGING POLITICAL AND MILITARY ENVIRONMENT.

Place of Performance

Location: SHAW AFB, SUMTER County, SOUTH CAROLINA, 29152

State: South Carolina Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $48.5 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION for work described as: THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ACQUIRE OPERATIONAL PLANNING, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL CONSULTING EXPERTISE TO SUPPORT USCENTAF S HEADQUARTERS ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES THAT ARE DESIGNED TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE ACTUAL MISSION PERFORMANCE WITHIN THE DYNAMIC ENVIRO… Key points: 1. Contract provides crucial operational planning, program management, and technical consulting expertise. 2. Services aim to enhance mission performance within USCENTAF's assigned area of responsibility. 3. Focus on improving effectiveness in planning, training, exercising, executing, and assessing mission responsibilities. 4. Supports maintenance of critical infrastructure in a dynamic political and military environment. 5. Contract duration of 1887 days indicates a long-term need for specialized support. 6. Awarded by General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service, highlighting inter-agency collaboration.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $48.5 million over approximately five years for specialized consulting services appears within a reasonable range for such support. Benchmarking against similar task orders for operational planning and program management within defense agencies would provide a clearer picture of value for money. The labor hours contract type suggests costs are tied to effort expended, which can be efficient if managed well, but also carries a risk of cost overruns if not closely monitored.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The provided data does not specify the competition level for this task order. Understanding whether it was competed fully and openly, or awarded under limited or sole-source conditions, is crucial for assessing price discovery and potential value. A limited competition could lead to higher prices compared to a broad solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: The level of competition directly impacts taxpayer value. Robust competition typically drives down costs, ensuring that taxpayer funds are used more efficiently. Without this information, it's difficult to definitively assess the cost-effectiveness for taxpayers.

Public Impact

US Central Command (USCENTAF) headquarters organizations and activities benefit from enhanced operational planning and consulting. Services directly contribute to improved mission performance and effectiveness in the USCENTAF area of responsibility. Supports the planning, training, and execution of military operations and maintenance of supporting infrastructure. Indirectly impacts military personnel and potentially the workforce involved in supporting these operations.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency regarding the competition method makes it difficult to assess if taxpayers received the best value.
The labor hours contract type can lead to cost overruns if not meticulously managed and overseen.
The broad scope of 'operational planning, program management and technical consulting expertise' could lead to scope creep if not clearly defined and monitored.

Positive Signals

Addresses a critical need for specialized expertise to enhance mission performance in a complex operational environment.
Long contract duration suggests a stable and ongoing requirement, potentially leading to efficiencies through sustained support.
Awarded by GSA FAS, indicating a structured procurement process likely adhering to federal acquisition regulations.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically supporting defense and national security operations. The market for such services is substantial, with numerous firms offering expertise in program management, operational planning, and technical consulting to government agencies. Spending in this area is often driven by the need for specialized knowledge and support that government personnel may not possess internally, particularly in complex and rapidly evolving geopolitical environments.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate whether this contract included small business set-asides or subcontracting requirements. Analysis of small business participation would require further investigation into the contract's specific terms and performance. Without this information, the impact on the small business ecosystem remains unknown.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer's representative (COR) within USCENTAF, responsible for monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with the contract terms. The General Services Administration (GSA) Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) would have overall procurement oversight. Transparency is dependent on the public availability of contract details and performance reports, which are not fully detailed here.

Related Government Programs

USCENTAF Operational Support Contracts
Defense Program Management Services
Technical Consulting for Military Operations
Government Planning and Strategy Support

Risk Flags

Potential for scope creep
Contractor's adaptability to dynamic environments
Adequacy of oversight mechanisms
Lack of competition details

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $48.5 million to ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS TASK ORDER IS TO ACQUIRE OPERATIONAL PLANNING, PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL CONSULTING EXPERTISE TO SUPPORT USCENTAF S HEADQUARTERS ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES THAT ARE DESIGNED TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE ACTUAL MISSION PERFORMANCE WITHIN THE DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT OF USCENTAF S ASSIGNED AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AOR). SERVICES PROVIDED WILL IMPROVE EFFECTIVENESS IN THE PLANNING, TRAINING, EXERCISING, EXECUTING AND ASSESSMENT OF USCENTAF S MISSION RESPONSIBILITIES AND MAINTENAN

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: General Services Administration (Federal Acquisition Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $48.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2004-12-30. End: 2010-03-01.

What is the specific nature of the 'operational planning, program management and technical consulting expertise' required by USCENTAF?

The task order aims to acquire expertise that enhances and improves actual mission performance for USCENTAF headquarters organizations and activities. This includes improving effectiveness in the planning, training, exercising, executing, and assessment of USCENTAF's mission responsibilities. It also involves maintaining supporting infrastructures within a dynamic political and military environment. The services are designed to address the complexities and constant changes within USCENTAF's assigned area of responsibility (AOR), suggesting a need for strategic advice, process improvement, and technical solutions to optimize military operations and readiness.

How does this contract compare to other similar contracts for operational support within the Department of Defense?

Without specific details on the scope and deliverables of comparable contracts, a direct comparison is challenging. However, the $48.5 million value over approximately five years for specialized consulting suggests a significant investment. Contracts of this nature often involve high-level strategic planning, program integration, and technical advisory services. The key differentiator here is the specific focus on USCENTAF's operational environment. Benchmarking would require examining contracts with similar objectives, duration, and agency focus, looking at total value, labor mix, and performance outcomes to assess if the pricing and scope are competitive within the defense sector.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risks include potential scope creep due to the broad nature of 'operational planning, program management and technical consulting expertise,' leading to cost overruns. Another risk is the contractor's ability to adapt to the constantly changing political and military environment within USCENTAF's AOR. Mitigation strategies would likely involve robust contract oversight by a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), clear definition and management of task orders, regular performance reviews, and potentially performance-based incentives. The contractor's track record in similar complex environments would also be a key factor in risk assessment.

What is Alion Science and Technology Corporation's track record with similar government contracts?

Alion Science and Technology Corporation has a history of performing various contracts for government agencies, including defense and intelligence sectors. Their experience often spans areas like systems engineering, technical support, program management, and operational analysis. To assess their suitability for this specific task order, a deeper dive into their past performance on contracts with similar scope, complexity, and geographic focus (particularly within military operational environments) would be necessary. Evaluating past performance reviews, any past performance issues, and their demonstrated ability to deliver on complex requirements is crucial.

How has federal spending in operational planning and program management support for combatant commands evolved over the past decade?

Federal spending on operational planning and program management support for combatant commands has generally seen a steady demand, often fluctuating based on geopolitical events and evolving military strategies. There's a continuous need for specialized expertise to manage complex operations, integrate new technologies, and adapt to changing threats. While specific figures for USCENTAF support would require detailed analysis, the overall trend indicates a consistent reliance on external contractors for high-level advisory and management services. This spending is influenced by budget allocations, strategic priorities, and the perceived need for external technical and programmatic insights to augment organic military capabilities.

Contractor Details

Address: 10 W 35TH ST, CHICAGO, IL, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $48,459,774

Exercised Options: $48,459,774

Current Obligation: $48,459,774

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0282M

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline