DHS awarded $27.3M for training support, with Apprio Inc. as contractor, over 5 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,328,129 ($27.3M)

Contractor: Apprio Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2014-03-15

End Date: 2019-04-14

Contract Duration: 1,856 days

Daily Burn Rate: $14.7K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF TRAINING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE CDP

Place of Performance

Location: ANNISTON, CALHOUN County, ALABAMA, 36205

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $27.3 million to APPRIO INC for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF TRAINING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE CDP Key points: 1. The contract value of $27.3M over five years suggests a moderate annual spend for specialized training support. 2. Full and open competition after exclusion of sources indicates a competitive process, though specific details on bidder participation are needed. 3. The firm-fixed-price contract type generally offers cost certainty for the government. 4. The contract duration of 1856 days (approx. 5 years) is typical for long-term support services. 5. The primary service area, Educational Support Services, is crucial for agency-wide professional development. 6. The geographic scope appears to be Alabama, based on the state code provided.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this $27.3M contract for training support services requires more granular data on the specific services rendered and the number of personnel trained. Without comparable contracts for similar scope and duration, it's difficult to definitively assess value for money. The firm-fixed-price structure provides some cost control, but the overall efficiency depends on the quality and impact of the training delivered.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources.' This suggests that while the competition was intended to be broad, there might have been specific reasons for excluding certain sources initially. The number of bids received (5) indicates a moderate level of interest, which is generally positive for price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: A competitive award process helps ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently by driving down prices through market forces.

Public Impact

Federal employees within the Department of Homeland Security, particularly those requiring specialized training, are the primary beneficiaries. The contract supports the delivery of educational and training services, enhancing workforce capabilities. The geographic impact is indicated as Alabama, suggesting a focus on training delivery or administration within that state. Workforce implications include the potential for skilled trainers and support staff, both directly employed by the contractor and potentially through subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it hard to gauge training effectiveness.
Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs despite fixed-price contract.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical training functions could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Firm-fixed-price contract provides budget certainty.
Competitive award process suggests potential for good value.
Long-term contract allows for consistent support and development of expertise.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically Educational Support Services. This sector is vital for government agencies to maintain and enhance the skills of their workforce. The market for training and educational support services is competitive, with numerous firms offering specialized expertise. The $27.3M award is a significant but not exceptionally large contract within this broad sector, indicating a focused need for specific training capabilities.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that small business participation was not a specific set-aside for this contract (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, the direct impact on small businesses is likely limited to potential subcontracting opportunities, which are not detailed here. The primary contractor, Apprio Inc., is not typically categorized as a small business.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contracting officers and program managers within the Department of Homeland Security. The firm-fixed-price nature of the contract provides a degree of accountability for deliverables. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, but detailed performance reviews and Inspector General audits would provide deeper insights into accountability.

Related Government Programs

Department of Homeland Security Training Programs
Federal Workforce Development Initiatives
Educational Support Services Contracts
Apprio Inc. Government Contracts

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Performance Measurement Clarity
Scope Definition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $27.3 million to APPRIO INC. IGF::OT::IGF TRAINING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE CDP

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is APPRIO INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.3 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2014-03-15. End: 2019-04-14.

What specific types of training were provided under this contract, and what was the scope of services delivered by Apprio Inc.?

The contract, identified as 'IGF::OT::IGF TRAINING SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE CDP,' was awarded to Apprio Inc. by the Department of Homeland Security (FEMA) for Educational Support Services. While the specific curriculum or training modules are not detailed in the provided data, the nature of 'Training Support Services' suggests a broad range of activities. This could include curriculum development, instructional design, training delivery (in-person or online), logistical support for training events, participant registration and tracking, and performance assessment. The contract's duration of approximately five years and its value of $27.3 million indicate a substantial and ongoing requirement for these services, likely supporting a significant portion of the agency's training needs or a specific program like the CDP (which may stand for Continuous Development Program or a similar initiative).

How does the awarded amount of $27.3 million compare to similar training support contracts within DHS or other federal agencies?

Comparing the $27.3 million contract value requires context regarding the scope and duration. For a five-year contract supporting educational services, this amount translates to an average annual value of approximately $5.46 million. This figure is moderate within the federal contracting landscape for specialized support services. Larger agencies like DHS often award multi-year contracts in the tens or even hundreds of millions for comprehensive training solutions. However, for a specific program or a defined set of services, $5.46 million annually can represent significant investment. Benchmarking would ideally involve looking at contracts with similar NAICS codes (611710 - Educational Support Services) and similar service descriptions, considering factors like the number of personnel supported and the complexity of the training.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to evaluate Apprio Inc.'s performance under this contract?

The provided data does not explicitly list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for this contract. However, for 'Training Support Services,' typical KPIs would likely focus on the effectiveness and efficiency of the training delivered. These could include metrics such as: participant satisfaction scores (post-training surveys), knowledge/skill acquisition rates (pre- and post-training assessments), completion rates for training programs, adherence to training schedules and deadlines, quality of instructional materials, and the contractor's responsiveness to agency feedback. For a firm-fixed-price contract, meeting these performance standards is crucial for successful contract completion and payment.

What is the historical spending pattern for training support services within FEMA or DHS, and how does this contract fit into that pattern?

Without access to historical spending data specifically for FEMA or DHS training support services, it's challenging to place this $27.3 million contract precisely within a pattern. However, federal agencies consistently invest in training and development to maintain workforce proficiency and adapt to evolving mission requirements. The trend across government has been towards professionalizing training functions and seeking specialized support from contractors. This contract, awarded in 2014 and ending in 2019, represents a specific investment during that period. Analyzing prior and subsequent contracts for similar services would reveal whether this award was typical, an increase, or a decrease in spending for such support within FEMA/DHS.

What are the potential risks associated with a five-year firm-fixed-price contract for training support services?

A significant risk with a five-year firm-fixed-price contract for training support is the potential for the contractor to become complacent or for the training content to become outdated if not actively managed and updated. For the government, the risk lies in the fixed price potentially becoming uncompetitive over time if market rates decrease or if the scope of work implicitly expands without a formal modification. Apprio Inc. bears the risk of cost overruns if their internal costs increase significantly over the five years. Additionally, if the training requirements evolve substantially, the fixed price might not adequately cover the necessary adjustments, potentially leading to disputes or a need for contract modifications, which can negate some of the initial price certainty.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Educational Support Services › Educational Support Services

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: HSFE20-14-R-0005

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 425 3RD ST. SW STE 890, WASHINGTON, DC, 20024

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $28,676,154

Exercised Options: $28,675,254

Current Obligation: $27,328,129

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline