DHS awards $27.7M for Direct Mail Advertising to CMI Management, LLC over 3 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $27,774,752 ($27.8M)

Contractor: CMI Management, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2005-01-19

End Date: 2008-07-29

Contract Duration: 1,287 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21.6K/day

Pricing Type: NOT REPORTED

Sector: Other

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $27.8 million to CMI MANAGEMENT, LLC for work described as: Key points: 1. Contract awarded to CMI Management, LLC for $27.7M. 2. Service category is Direct Mail Advertising (NAICS 541860). 3. Contract duration was 1287 days. 4. No small business set-aside noted. 5. Awarded by Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total award amount is $27.7M. Without specific details on the scope of services or deliverables, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The duration suggests a potentially long-term need.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: unknown

The contract type is BPA (Blanket Purchase Agreement), but the competition method is not specified. If it was not competed openly, it could limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds totaling $27.7M were allocated for direct mail advertising services. The effectiveness and necessity of this spending will determine the ultimate taxpayer impact.

Public Impact

Citizenship and Immigration Services relies on direct mail for communication. Potential for taxpayer funds to be used for less efficient advertising methods. Transparency in the award process is crucial for public trust.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition details
No clear justification for direct mail over digital

Positive Signals

Long-term contract may indicate consistent need
Specific agency focus (USCIS) suggests targeted application

Sector Analysis

The advertising and marketing sector is broad. Direct mail advertising, while traditional, can be effective for specific demographics. Benchmarking would require comparing costs for similar direct mail campaigns by government agencies.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses. This means larger companies likely competed, or the contract was awarded without specific small business considerations.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would focus on whether the direct mail services provided by CMI Management, LLC met performance expectations and delivered value for money. The agency's procurement process and contract management are key accountability areas.

Related Government Programs

Direct Mail Advertising
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of transparency in competition
Potential for inefficient spending on traditional media
No clear indication of small business participation
Limited data on performance metrics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $27.8 million to CMI MANAGEMENT, LLC. See the official description on USAspending.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CMI MANAGEMENT, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $27.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2005-01-19. End: 2008-07-29.

What was the specific justification for using direct mail advertising over potentially more cost-effective digital channels for USCIS communications?

The justification for using direct mail advertising over digital channels would likely stem from USCIS's target audience demographics, which may include individuals less likely to engage with digital platforms. Direct mail can offer a tangible and reliable method for reaching specific populations with important notices, forms, or informational materials, ensuring a broader reach than purely digital campaigns might achieve.

How was the $27.7M contract value determined, and what metrics were used to assess the value for money in direct mail advertising services?

The contract value was likely determined through a combination of estimated service volumes, historical pricing, and market research. Value for money would be assessed by comparing the cost per piece mailed, the effectiveness of mailings in achieving desired outcomes (e.g., application submissions, information dissemination), and overall campaign performance against pre-defined objectives and benchmarks.

What oversight mechanisms were in place to ensure CMI Management, LLC delivered effective and efficient direct mail advertising services within the $27.7M budget?

Oversight mechanisms would typically include regular performance reviews, delivery tracking, quality control checks on mailings, and financial audits. The contracting officer's representative (COR) would monitor task orders, ensure compliance with contract terms, and verify that services rendered align with the stated objectives and budget, reporting any discrepancies or performance issues.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services › Direct Mail Advertising

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

Contractor Details

Address: 4324 EVERGREEN LN STE B, ANNANDALE, VA, 90

Business Categories: Category Business, Small Business

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSSCCG05A0047

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline