DHS CBP Spends $33.8M on Grant Thornton Management Consulting Over 6 Years
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $33,883,715 ($33.9M)
Contractor: Grant Thornton LLP
Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security
Start Date: 2008-09-30
End Date: 2014-09-29
Contract Duration: 2,190 days
Daily Burn Rate: $15.5K/day
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: LABOR HOURS
Sector: Other
Official Description: INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT OFFICE SUPPORT SERVICES
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20004
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Homeland Security obligated $33.9 million to GRANT THORNTON LLP for work described as: INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT OFFICE SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value of $33.8 million over six years. 2. Grant Thornton LLP, a large professional services firm, was the contractor. 3. The contract falls under Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services. 4. Potential for cost savings through competitive bidding on future contracts.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract was awarded on a delivery order basis, suggesting task-specific needs. Without detailed pricing breakdowns or benchmarks for similar administrative management consulting services, a precise value assessment is difficult. The total award value of $33.8 million over six years indicates a substantial investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: unknown
The contract type is a delivery order, but the specific competition method used for its award is not detailed. If awarded through a limited or sole-source process, it may have limited price discovery. Further information on the original solicitation and award process is needed.
Taxpayer Impact: The total taxpayer impact is $33.8 million, spread over six years. The effectiveness of this spending in achieving its intended management consulting objectives will determine the ultimate value for taxpayers.
Public Impact
Citizens rely on U.S. Customs and Border Protection for border security and trade facilitation, services potentially enhanced by effective management consulting. The use of external consultants for administrative management raises questions about internal capacity and potential for knowledge transfer. Transparency in consulting contracts is crucial for public trust and ensuring taxpayer funds are used efficiently.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of detailed competition information
- Long contract duration without clear performance metrics
- Potential for cost overruns in consulting services
Positive Signals
- Contract supports a critical agency (DHS CBP)
- Grant Thornton is a reputable firm
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically administrative and management consulting. Spending in this area can vary widely depending on agency needs and the complexity of the challenges addressed. Benchmarks are difficult without specific service details.
Small Business Impact
The contractor, Grant Thornton LLP, is a large firm, not a small business. There is no indication that small businesses were subcontracted or involved in this specific contract, suggesting a missed opportunity for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and delivery order nature warrant oversight to ensure continued relevance and cost-effectiveness. Regular performance reviews and justification for continued use of consulting services are essential for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
- Department of Homeland Security Contracting
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of transparency regarding competition method.
- Absence of specific performance metrics and outcomes.
- Significant contract value over an extended period.
- Potential for scope creep in consulting services.
- Limited information on small business subcontracting.
Tags
administrative-management-and-general-ma, department-of-homeland-security, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Homeland Security awarded $33.9 million to GRANT THORNTON LLP. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT OFFICE SUPPORT SERVICES
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is GRANT THORNTON LLP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Customs and Border Protection).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $33.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2008-09-30. End: 2014-09-29.
What specific administrative management and general management consulting services were provided, and how did they directly contribute to the mission objectives of U.S. Customs and Border Protection?
The provided data lacks specifics on the exact services rendered. To assess value, a detailed breakdown of tasks, deliverables, and their alignment with CBP's strategic goals is necessary. Understanding the impact on operational efficiency, cost reduction, or policy implementation would clarify the contribution to the agency's mission.
What was the competitive landscape for this contract, and were alternative solutions or providers considered to ensure the best value for taxpayer dollars?
The data does not specify the award method (e.g., full and open competition, sole source). If competition was limited, it could impact price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs. A review of the solicitation process and justification for the chosen award method is needed to assess competitive fairness and value.
How was the effectiveness and impact of Grant Thornton's consulting services measured throughout the contract period, and were there mechanisms for performance-based adjustments?
Performance metrics and evaluation methods are not detailed in the provided data. Assessing effectiveness requires clear, measurable outcomes tied to the consulting engagement. Without this information, it's challenging to determine if the $33.8 million investment yielded tangible benefits or met predefined objectives for CBP.
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
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Grant Thornton International Ltd (UEI: 347201258)
Address: 333 JOHN CARLYLE ST STE 500, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $33,883,774
Exercised Options: $33,883,715
Current Obligation: $33,883,715
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: GS10F06LPA0006
IDV Type: BPA
Timeline
Start Date: 2008-09-30
Current End Date: 2014-09-29
Potential End Date: 2014-09-29 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2021-12-06
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