GSA's $166.7M Human Terrain System contract awarded to BAE Systems for management consulting services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $166,710,765 ($166.7M)

Contractor: BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: General Services Administration

Start Date: 2009-09-24

End Date: 2012-03-27

Contract Duration: 915 days

Daily Burn Rate: $182.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: HUMAN TERRAIN SYSTEM

Place of Performance

Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20850, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

General Services Administration obligated $166.7 million to BAE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SERVICES INC. for work described as: HUMAN TERRAIN SYSTEM Key points: 1. The contract value of $166.7 million over its period of performance suggests a significant investment in specialized support services. 2. Competition dynamics for this delivery order are not fully detailed, but the award indicates BAE Systems was selected from available options. 3. Risk indicators are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, but the duration and value warrant close performance monitoring. 4. The contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, a broad category often supporting complex government initiatives. 5. This contract represents a portion of broader federal spending on consulting and support services, requiring benchmarking against similar engagements.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award of $166.7 million for a period of approximately 3 years (915 days) indicates a substantial financial commitment. Without specific details on the services rendered or comparable contracts for similar 'Human Terrain System' support, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price contract type suggests that costs were determined upfront, which can offer predictability. Benchmarking against other large-scale management consulting contracts within the federal government would be necessary for a more robust evaluation of its pricing and value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The data indicates this was a 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' (CT: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER, AW: DO), which implies it was competed among pre-qualified vendors or within a larger contract vehicle. However, the specific number of bidders or the nature of the competition (e.g., full and open, limited competition within a GSA schedule) is not detailed. The selection of BAE Systems suggests they met the requirements and offered competitive terms.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award, even if within a specific vehicle, generally aims to secure better pricing and services for taxpayers compared to sole-source procurements. The level of competition directly impacts price discovery and ensures that taxpayer funds are used efficiently.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely government agencies requiring specialized analytical and support services for complex operational environments, potentially related to intelligence or strategic planning. The services delivered fall under administrative management and general management consulting, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness and decision-making. The geographic impact is not specified but could be global or domestic depending on the nature of the 'Human Terrain System' initiative. Workforce implications could include the employment of consultants, analysts, and support staff by BAE Systems and potentially its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed competition specifics makes it hard to confirm optimal value.
The broad nature of 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' requires careful scope management to ensure focused delivery.
Performance metrics and specific outcomes are not provided, making it difficult to assess effectiveness.
The duration and value of the contract necessitate ongoing oversight to mitigate potential cost overruns or performance issues.

Positive Signals

Awarded as a competitive delivery order, suggesting some level of vetting and comparison.
Firm-fixed-price contract type can provide cost certainty.
BAE Systems is a large, established defense and technology contractor with significant experience.
The contract falls under a recognized NAICS code for management consulting, indicating a standard service category.

Sector Analysis

This contract operates within the broader federal IT and professional services sector, specifically focusing on management and administrative consulting. The market for these services is substantial, with numerous large and small businesses vying for government contracts. The 'Human Terrain System' likely represents a niche within this sector, requiring specialized analytical and operational support capabilities. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large-scale consulting contracts awarded by agencies like the Department of Defense or intelligence community for similar strategic support functions.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (SB: false) was not a primary set-aside criterion for this specific contract. As a large prime contract awarded to BAE Systems, there may be subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, but this is not detailed. The absence of a small business set-aside suggests the focus was on acquiring specialized capabilities from a large, established provider rather than specifically fostering small business growth through this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the General Services Administration (GSA), specifically the Federal Acquisition Service. As a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle, the terms and performance are subject to GSA's contract administration and oversight protocols. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, which provide award details. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's performance standards and reporting requirements, with potential involvement from agency program managers and contracting officers. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected.

Related Government Programs

Human Terrain System (HTS)
Management and Consulting Services
General Services Administration Contracts
Defense Support Services
Intelligence Support Services

Risk Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics.
Ambiguity in specific service delivery.
Limited transparency on competition specifics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

General Services Administration awarded $166.7 million to BAE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SERVICES INC.. HUMAN TERRAIN SYSTEM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is BAE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS & SERVICES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $166.7 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2009-09-24. End: 2012-03-27.

What specific functions did BAE Systems perform under the Human Terrain System contract?

The Human Terrain System (HTS) contract, awarded to BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., falls under the NAICS code 541611 for Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. While the specific functions are not detailed in the provided data, HTS programs typically involve providing cultural, social, and political expertise to military commanders and their staff. This often includes analysis of human terrain (the characteristics, behaviors, and patterns of populations in a given operational environment), advising on cultural understanding, and supporting counterinsurgency or stability operations. BAE Systems' role likely involved deploying personnel with relevant expertise to conduct research, analysis, and provide recommendations to enhance mission effectiveness by understanding and engaging with local populations.

How does the $166.7 million award compare to other federal spending on management consulting services?

The $166.7 million awarded to BAE Systems for the Human Terrain System contract represents a significant, but not extraordinary, sum within the broader federal spending on management and consulting services. Agencies like the Department of Defense, GSA, and others regularly award contracts in the hundreds of millions, and sometimes billions, for various consulting needs, including strategic planning, IT modernization, and operational support. This particular contract's value should be benchmarked against similar large-scale, specialized support services, particularly those involving complex operational environments or intelligence analysis. While substantial, it is likely within the typical range for major consulting engagements supporting critical government functions over a multi-year period.

What are the primary risks associated with a contract of this size and duration?

Contracts of this magnitude ($166.7 million) and duration (915 days, approximately 2.5 years) carry several inherent risks. Firstly, scope creep is a significant concern; the broad nature of 'Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services' can lead to expanding requirements beyond the original intent, potentially increasing costs or delaying delivery if not managed tightly. Secondly, performance risk exists, where the contractor may fail to deliver the expected quality or effectiveness of services, impacting the government's operational objectives. Thirdly, there's a risk of vendor lock-in or over-reliance on a single provider, especially if the services are highly specialized. Finally, cost control can be challenging even with a firm-fixed-price contract if unforeseen issues arise or if the initial cost estimation was inaccurate. Robust oversight and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks.

What does the 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' designation imply about the procurement process?

A 'COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER' implies that this specific task order was competed among multiple potential offerors. This typically occurs under an existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a GSA schedule. Instead of awarding the entire contract on a sole-source basis, the issuing agency (in this case, GSA) solicited proposals for this particular delivery order and evaluated them based on predefined criteria. The fact that it was competitive suggests that BAE Systems was selected because its proposal offered the best value (considering factors like price, technical approach, and past performance) compared to other bidders. This process is generally favored as it promotes price discovery and ensures the government receives competitive pricing and optimal solutions for specific needs.

What is the historical spending context for the Human Terrain System or similar programs?

The Human Terrain System (HTS) itself has a history, particularly within military operations, aimed at understanding the human environment to improve mission success. While specific historical spending data for this exact GSA contract isn't provided, similar programs supporting cultural analysis, intelligence support, and operational advisory services have seen significant federal investment, especially during periods of active conflict or complex geopolitical engagement. Federal spending on management and consulting services, in general, is a multi-billion dollar category annually, encompassing a wide array of support functions across all agencies. Contracts like this one represent a slice of that larger spending pie, often driven by specific mission requirements that necessitate specialized external expertise.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › ADP AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETITIVE DELIVERY ORDER

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: BAE Systems PLC (UEI: 217304393)

Address: 520 GAITHER ROAD, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20850

Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $174,972,115

Exercised Options: $166,710,765

Current Obligation: $166,710,765

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS10F0047J

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline