FEMA's $25M REPP Exercise Support Contract Awarded to ICF Incorporated for Engineering Services

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $25,142,144 ($25.1M)

Contractor: ICF Incorporated, L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2017-06-07

End Date: 2022-12-06

Contract Duration: 2,008 days

Daily Burn Rate: $12.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF REPP EXERCISE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22031

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $25.1 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF REPP EXERCISE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT Key points: 1. Contract provides essential support for FEMA's REPP exercises, crucial for national preparedness. 2. Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust market for these services. 3. The contract duration of over 5 years indicates a long-term need for specialized support. 4. ICF Incorporated, a known entity in government contracting, brings established expertise. 5. The Time and Materials pricing structure warrants scrutiny for cost control and efficiency. 6. Performance context is tied to national emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $25.1 million over five years for exercise support services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work and the duration. Benchmarking against similar large-scale exercise support contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the award to a single contractor for this duration suggests a need for consistent, integrated support. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing model, while common for evolving requirements, necessitates careful monitoring to ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent scope creep.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple qualified vendors had the opportunity to bid. The presence of two bids suggests a competitive environment, though the exact number of bidders can influence price discovery. A higher number of bids typically leads to more competitive pricing for the government. The specific details of the bidding process and evaluation criteria would provide further insight into the effectiveness of the competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and encourage innovation. It ensures that the government is not limited to a single provider, potentially leading to better value for the funds expended.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are federal agencies involved in emergency preparedness and response, particularly FEMA. Services delivered include support for the REPP (Ready Exercise Program Planning) exercises, enhancing national readiness. The geographic impact is national, as FEMA's preparedness efforts cover the entire United States. Workforce implications include employment for specialized personnel in exercise design, planning, and execution, likely concentrated in areas with significant government contracting presence.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
The long duration of the contract may reduce flexibility to adapt to changing requirements or incorporate new technologies.
Limited public information on specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the contractor's effectiveness independently.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process.
The contractor, ICF Incorporated, has a demonstrated history of working with government agencies.
The contract supports critical national preparedness functions, aligning with a vital government mission.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), which is a significant part of the federal contracting landscape. The market for specialized support services in emergency preparedness and exercise management is driven by government mandates and the need for expert planning and execution. Comparable spending benchmarks would involve analyzing other large federal contracts for exercise planning, simulation, and support across various agencies, often involving significant dollar values due to the complexity and criticality of these services.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not specifically set aside for small businesses, nor does it explicitly mention subcontracting requirements for small businesses. As a large contract awarded to a prime contractor, there may be opportunities for small businesses to participate as subcontractors, depending on ICF Incorporated's subcontracting plan. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Specific oversight mechanisms would include contract administration, performance reviews, and potentially audits by the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG). Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, but detailed performance reports are often internal.

Related Government Programs

FEMA Preparedness Grants
National Exercise Program
Emergency Management Support Services
Homeland Security Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to T&M pricing
Risk of vendor lock-in with a long-term, single-award contract
Need for robust oversight to ensure performance and value

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $25.1 million to ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.. IGF::OT::IGF REPP EXERCISE SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C..

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 $25.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-06-07. End: 2022-12-06.

What is the track record of ICF Incorporated in supporting similar federal exercise programs?

ICF Incorporated has a substantial track record in supporting federal agencies, including FEMA and DHS, with a wide range of services, often including program management, technical assistance, and strategic planning. Their experience likely encompasses support for various types of exercises, from tabletop simulations to large-scale, multi-agency drills. While specific details on their involvement in the REPP program prior to this award are not detailed here, their general profile suggests they possess the necessary expertise. A deeper dive into their past performance reports and contract history with FEMA would provide a more precise understanding of their capabilities and success rates in similar engagements.

How does the awarded amount compare to the estimated value or budget for this type of service?

The provided data shows an award amount of $25,142,143.77. Without access to the original contract solicitation or budget documents, it is difficult to definitively compare this to the estimated value. However, the contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition' with two bids received. This suggests that the awarded amount is likely within a competitive range that the bidders found acceptable. To provide a more precise comparison, one would need to examine the government's initial cost estimates or the range of bids submitted during the procurement process. The duration of over 2000 days (approximately 5.5 years) also indicates a significant, long-term requirement.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude and duration?

The primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract of this magnitude and duration revolve around cost control and potential for overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts pay the contractor for the actual time and materials used. This can lead to increased costs if the scope of work is not well-defined, if inefficiencies arise, or if the contractor does not manage resources effectively. For a contract supporting exercises, requirements can evolve, potentially leading to scope creep. Robust oversight, clear task orders, and diligent monitoring of labor hours and material costs are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value for its investment.

How effective are FEMA's REPP exercises in improving national preparedness, and how does this contract contribute?

FEMA's Ready Exercise Program Planning (REPP) exercises are designed to test and improve the nation's preparedness capabilities across various scenarios, from natural disasters to man-made threats. Their effectiveness is measured by identifying gaps in plans, procedures, and resources, and subsequently driving improvements. This contract, supporting the planning and execution of these exercises, is critical. By providing specialized expertise, the contractor helps ensure that exercises are realistic, comprehensive, and achieve their intended objectives. The insights gained from these exercises directly inform policy, training, and resource allocation, thereby contributing to enhanced national preparedness.

What is the historical spending trend for FEMA's exercise support services?

Analyzing historical spending trends for FEMA's exercise support services requires access to historical contract databases and budget allocations. This specific contract, awarded in 2017 with an end date in 2022, represents a significant investment over its five-year period. Without broader data, it's challenging to establish a trend. However, federal spending on emergency preparedness and response, including exercise support, has generally seen fluctuations influenced by national security priorities, major events (like hurricanes or pandemics), and legislative changes. It is reasonable to assume that FEMA consistently requires such support services, and spending in this category likely reflects ongoing needs for readiness testing and improvement.

What are the implications of awarding this contract to a single entity for over five years?

Awarding this contract to a single entity, ICF Incorporated, for a duration of over five years implies a strategic decision by FEMA to ensure continuity and deep integration of support for its REPP exercises. This approach can foster a strong working relationship, institutional knowledge, and streamlined processes. However, it also carries potential risks, such as reduced incentive for innovation if competition is limited post-award, and a potential over-reliance on one contractor. It also means that the government may have less flexibility to switch providers or adopt new approaches if circumstances change significantly during the contract period. Careful performance management is key to maximizing the benefits of this long-term relationship.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering 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: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: ICF International, Inc.

Address: 1902 RESTON METRO PLAZA, RESTON, VA, 20190

Business Categories: Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $25,142,144

Exercised Options: $25,142,144

Current Obligation: $25,142,144

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00Q14OADU119

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline