DoD's $13M Communications and Cyber Workforce Management Contract Awarded to Analytic Services Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $12,967,450 ($13.0M)

Contractor: Analytic Services Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2018-03-09

End Date: 2023-07-11

Contract Duration: 1,950 days

Daily Burn Rate: $6.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: COMMUNICATIONS AND CYBER WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT IGF::OT::IGF

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20301

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $13.0 million to ANALYTIC SERVICES INC. for work described as: COMMUNICATIONS AND CYBER WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT IGF::OT::IGF Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 1950 days (over 5 years) indicates a long-term need for these services. 3. The fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty for the government, but could limit flexibility. 4. The award was a delivery order, implying it was part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541611 points to management consulting services. 6. The contract was awarded to a single vendor, Analytic Services Inc.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without more detailed service descriptions and comparable contract data. The total award amount of approximately $13 million over nearly five years suggests a moderate annual spend. The firm-fixed-price structure is generally favorable for cost control, but the ultimate value depends on the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided by Analytic Services Inc. Further analysis would require comparing the specific deliverables and pricing against similar contracts for workforce management consulting within the Department of Defense.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'full and open competition,' indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The data shows two bids were received ('no': 2). While this suggests some level of competition, the low number of bidders could warrant further investigation into potential barriers to entry or market concentration for these specialized services. A higher number of bidders typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive bidding process, even with a limited number of bidders, is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages vendors to offer their best pricing and services to secure the contract.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiary is the Department of Defense, which receives support for its communications and cyber workforce management. Services delivered likely include strategic planning, policy development, and operational support related to personnel in critical cyber and communications roles. The geographic impact is centered in Washington D.C., where the contract was administered. Workforce implications include potential improvements in recruitment, retention, training, and overall management of specialized DoD personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition (2 bidders) may indicate potential market limitations or high barriers to entry for specialized workforce management services.
The long contract duration could lead to vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the true value and effectiveness of the services rendered.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition, ensuring a broad initial opportunity for vendors.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The contract addresses critical areas of communications and cyber workforce management, vital for national security.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management consulting. The federal government is a significant consumer of these services to support complex operations and strategic initiatives. The market for such services is competitive, with numerous firms offering expertise in areas like human capital management, organizational development, and IT workforce planning. The Department of Defense, in particular, spends billions annually on consulting services to address its vast and intricate operational needs, including specialized areas like cyber and communications.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses ('ss': false, 'sb': false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a set-aside requirement. However, the prime contractor, Analytic Services Inc., may choose to subcontract portions of the work to small businesses as part of their overall business strategy, though this is not mandated by the contract terms provided.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the relevant program office within the Washington Headquarters Services of the Department of Defense. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract structure, requiring the contractor to deliver specified services within the agreed-upon price. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases like FPDS, which provide basic information on contract value, duration, and competition. Specific Inspector General (IG) jurisdiction would depend on whether the contract falls under any specific audit or investigation mandates related to DoD spending.

Related Government Programs

DoD Human Capital Management Programs
Federal IT Workforce Development Initiatives
Cybersecurity Workforce Support Contracts
Defense Communications Infrastructure Management

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Potential for Vendor Lock-in
Difficulty in Benchmarking Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $13.0 million to ANALYTIC SERVICES INC.. COMMUNICATIONS AND CYBER WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT IGF::OT::IGF

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ANALYTIC SERVICES INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Washington Headquarters Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $13.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2018-03-09. End: 2023-07-11.

What is the track record of Analytic Services Inc. in performing similar federal contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Analytic Services Inc. (ANSER) has a long history of supporting government agencies, including the Department of Defense, with research, analysis, and management consulting services. Their work often involves complex strategic issues, policy analysis, and program support. While specific details on past performance for contracts identical to this one require deeper database dives, ANSER is generally recognized for its expertise in areas relevant to defense planning and operations. Their ability to secure this contract suggests a positive track record, but a comprehensive review would involve examining past performance evaluations, any past disputes or contract terminations, and their success in delivering on previous DoD engagements. Their focus on "mission-oriented research and development" aligns with the nature of supporting critical workforce functions within the DoD.

How does the per-unit cost or annual cost of this contract compare to similar workforce management consulting contracts within the federal government?

Directly comparing the per-unit cost is difficult without knowing the specific units of service delivered (e.g., hours of consulting, number of employees managed, specific reports generated). The total award of approximately $13 million over roughly 5 years equates to an average annual spend of about $2.6 million. To benchmark this effectively, one would need to identify comparable contracts for "Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services" (NAICS 541611) awarded by agencies of similar size and complexity to the DoD. Factors such as the level of expertise required, the scope of services, and the geographic location of service delivery significantly influence pricing. Without access to detailed service breakdowns and comparable contract data, a precise value-for-money assessment relative to market rates is not feasible from the provided summary data.

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

Key risks include potential underperformance by the contractor, scope creep leading to cost overruns (though mitigated by the fixed-price structure), and the risk of the services not fully meeting the evolving needs of the DoD's cyber and communications workforce. Mitigation strategies often involve robust contract oversight, clearly defined performance metrics and deliverables, regular progress reviews, and mechanisms for contract modification or termination if performance is unsatisfactory. The firm-fixed-price nature helps mitigate financial risk for the government, but the risk of suboptimal service quality remains. Ensuring the contractor maintains highly skilled personnel throughout the contract duration is also critical.

How effective has Analytic Services Inc. been in managing federal contracts of this nature in the past?

Assessing the past effectiveness of Analytic Services Inc. (ANSER) requires access to detailed performance records, which are not publicly available in this summary. However, ANSER's longevity and continued success in securing government contracts, including those with the DoD, suggest a generally positive history of performance. Their specialization in research, analysis, and management consulting for defense and national security clients indicates a capability to handle complex requirements. To definitively gauge effectiveness, one would need to review past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), look for any significant contract disputes or terminations, and analyze the outcomes of their previous engagements in workforce management or related fields.

What are the historical spending patterns for communications and cyber workforce management within the Department of Defense, and how does this contract fit?

The Department of Defense consistently invests heavily in managing its vast and critical workforce, particularly in specialized areas like communications and cybersecurity. Historical spending patterns show a significant and often increasing allocation towards personnel management, training, and support services to maintain readiness and technological superiority. This $13 million contract represents a specific investment within that broader spending category. It addresses a focused need for expert support in managing these vital personnel pools. Understanding the historical context reveals that such contracts are not isolated events but part of a sustained effort by the DoD to ensure its human capital in critical domains is effectively managed, developed, and retained.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 4040 WILSON BLVD STE 500, ARLINGTON, VA, 22203

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $12,967,450

Exercised Options: $12,967,450

Current Obligation: $12,967,450

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F095CA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline