DoD's $31.4M JMAA Critical Assets Assessment Support contract awarded to Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,406,497 ($31.4M)

Contractor: Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2019-09-30

End Date: 2023-09-29

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: JMAA CRITICAL ASSETS ASSESSMENT SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: FORT BELVOIR, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22060

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $31.4 million to CHEROKEE NATION STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, L.L.C. for work described as: JMAA CRITICAL ASSETS ASSESSMENT SUPPORT Key points: 1. The contract value of $31.4 million over four years suggests a significant investment in critical asset assessment. 2. The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' category indicates a need for specialized expertise. 3. The 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' award status raises questions about the procurement process and potential lack of competitive pressure. 4. The firm-fixed-price contract type aims to control costs, but the absence of competition may limit price optimization. 5. The contract duration of 1460 days (4 years) points to a long-term need for these services. 6. The award to Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C. highlights a specific contractor's role in supporting defense initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more specific details on the scope of 'JMAA Critical Assets Assessment Support'. However, a $31.4 million spend over four years for specialized consulting services in the defense sector is substantial. The lack of competition means there's no direct market comparison to assess if the pricing is optimal. Without knowing the specific deliverables and the complexity of the assets being assessed, it's difficult to definitively state if this represents excellent value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control, but the absence of competition limits the ability to verify competitive pricing.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded using a 'NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION' (sole-source) justification. This means that the Defense Threat Reduction Agency did not solicit bids from multiple potential contractors. The specific reasons for this sole-source award are not detailed in the provided data, but typically such justifications are made when only one contractor possesses the unique capabilities, security clearances, or specialized knowledge required for the service. The lack of competition means that taxpayers did not benefit from the price discovery that occurs in a competitive bidding process, potentially leading to higher costs than if multiple firms had vied for the contract.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may have paid a premium, as there was no competitive pressure to drive down costs. This limits the government's ability to ensure it received the best possible price for these critical asset assessment services.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of Defense and its agencies, which receive support in assessing and safeguarding critical assets. The services delivered involve specialized scientific and technical consulting, likely focusing on risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, and strategic planning for defense infrastructure. The geographic impact is likely national, given the nature of defense assets, with potential specific impacts in areas where critical military installations or infrastructure are located. The contract supports a specialized workforce within Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C., contributing to employment in the defense consulting sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition may lead to inflated costs for taxpayers.
Sole-source awards can limit innovation by excluding potential new entrants.
Transparency regarding the justification for sole-source procurement could be improved.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract type helps manage cost certainty.
Award to a company with strategic program capabilities suggests alignment with specific defense needs.
Long-term contract duration indicates a sustained requirement for these critical services.

Sector Analysis

The 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' sector is broad, encompassing a wide range of specialized advisory and analytical support. Within the defense industry, such services are crucial for maintaining technological superiority, assessing threats, and managing complex acquisition programs. The market for these services is competitive, with many firms offering expertise in areas like systems engineering, threat analysis, and strategic planning. This contract, valued at $31.4 million, represents a significant, albeit specific, allocation of resources within this sector, likely focused on niche capabilities related to critical asset assessment for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation (ss: false, sb: false) was not a primary focus or requirement for this specific contract. The award was made to Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C., which may or may not be classified as a small business itself, but the contract was not set aside for small businesses. This means that opportunities for small business subcontractors may be limited unless they are directly engaged by the prime contractor. The absence of small business set-asides in this particular award does not reflect the overall small business utilization within the Department of Defense, but it does mean this specific procurement did not directly aim to boost the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Department of Defense's contracting and program management structures, specifically within the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Accountability measures are typically embedded in the contract terms, including performance metrics, reporting requirements, and payment schedules tied to deliverables. Transparency is often limited for sole-source contracts, with justifications for the award being the primary public-facing documentation. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse arise during the contract's performance.

Related Government Programs

Defense Threat Reduction Agency Operations
Critical Infrastructure Protection Programs
Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Department of Defense Asset Management
National Security Consulting

Risk Flags

Sole-source award raises concerns about competition and potential cost overruns.
Lack of detailed scope of work makes value assessment difficult.
Limited public information on contractor's specific past performance for this type of service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $31.4 million to CHEROKEE NATION STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, L.L.C.. JMAA CRITICAL ASSETS ASSESSMENT SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHEROKEE NATION STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Threat Reduction Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31.4 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2019-09-30. End: 2023-09-29.

What specific types of critical assets are being assessed under this contract?

The provided data does not specify the exact types of critical assets being assessed. However, given the awarding agency is the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), it is highly probable that the assets relate to national security, including but not limited to, weapons systems, sensitive technologies, critical infrastructure supporting military operations, or facilities housing hazardous materials. The 'JMAA Critical Assets Assessment Support' designation suggests a focus on identifying and evaluating assets deemed vital to national security and requiring protection from various threats, including WMD proliferation, terrorism, or accidental release.

What is the typical cost range for similar 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' contracts within the Department of Defense?

The cost range for 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' contracts within the Department of Defense can vary dramatically based on the scope, duration, complexity, and specialized nature of the services. Contracts can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. For a four-year contract valued at $31.4 million, this contract falls within a moderate to significant spending bracket for specialized consulting. Benchmarking requires comparing contracts with similar service descriptions, security requirements, and contractor expertise. Without more granular data on the specific deliverables and the level of expertise required, a precise cost comparison is difficult, but the value suggests a substantial and critical support function.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a contract of this magnitude on a sole-source basis?

The primary risk associated with awarding a contract of this magnitude on a sole-source basis is the potential for inflated costs due to the lack of competitive bidding. Without competing offers, the government may not achieve the most favorable pricing. Additionally, sole-source awards can limit the introduction of innovative solutions or new technologies that might be offered by other qualified contractors. There's also a risk of contractor complacency, as the absence of competition reduces the pressure to continuously improve performance and efficiency. Transparency concerns can also arise, as the justification for the sole-source award needs to be robust and clearly communicated to ensure public trust.

How does the firm-fixed-price contract type mitigate risks for the government in this context?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally advantageous for the government as it shifts the majority of the cost risk to the contractor. Under an FFP contract, the contractor agrees to a set price for the defined scope of work, regardless of their actual costs incurred. This provides budget certainty for the government, as the total cost is known upfront. While this contract is sole-source, the FFP structure still helps in managing cost predictability. However, the benefit of competitive pricing, which FFP contracts are often paired with, is diminished due to the lack of competition in the award process.

What is the track record of Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C. in performing similar defense consulting services?

Information regarding the specific track record of Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, L.L.C. in performing 'JMAA Critical Assets Assessment Support' or similar defense consulting services is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their track record, one would typically review past performance evaluations, contract history with government agencies, and any publicly available information on their project successes and challenges. As a sole-source awardee, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency likely had internal data or prior knowledge of the contractor's capabilities and past performance that justified their selection. Further investigation into federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems would be necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.

What are the implications of the 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services' NAICS code (541690) for this contract?

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' indicates that the primary business activity for this contract falls under a broad category of specialized consulting. This code encompasses firms that provide advice and assistance on scientific and technical matters to businesses and other organizations. For this Department of Defense contract, it suggests that the services procured involve expert analysis, research, development, and advisory support that require specialized scientific or technical knowledge, but do not fit into more specific consulting categories like engineering, environmental, or management consulting. This broad classification allows for flexibility in procuring a wide range of technical expertise.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 10838 E MARSHALL ST STE 200 E, TULSA, OK, 74116

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, American Indian Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Tribally Owned Firm, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,312,916

Exercised Options: $33,312,916

Current Obligation: $31,406,497

Actual Outlays: $18,857,428

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 2

Total Subaward Amount: $2,029,469

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline