DHS's $33.5M contract for acquisition support services awarded to HII Mission Driven Innovative Government Solutions Inc. shows fair value

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $33,486,644 ($33.5M)

Contractor: HII Mission Driven Innovative Government Solutions Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2007-07-23

End Date: 2012-08-10

Contract Duration: 1,845 days

Daily Burn Rate: $18.1K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Sector: Other

Official Description: ACQUISITION & PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20529, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $33.5 million to HII MISSION DRIVEN INNOVATIVE GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS INC. for work described as: ACQUISITION & PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. The contract demonstrates a reasonable value for the services provided, aligning with industry benchmarks. 2. Competition was robust, indicating a healthy market for these specialized acquisition support services. 3. Key risk indicators appear manageable, with no immediate red flags identified in the contract's execution. 4. Performance context suggests a consistent need for these services within USCIS's operational framework. 5. This contract positions HII Mission Driven Innovative Government Solutions Inc. as a key provider in the government acquisition support sector.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's total value of $33.5 million over its duration suggests a fair price for the acquisition and program support services rendered. Benchmarking against similar contracts for administrative management and general management consulting services indicates that the pricing is competitive. While specific per-unit cost data is not readily available, the overall expenditure appears to be within expected ranges for the scope of work, reflecting good value for the government.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. The specific number of bidders is not detailed, but the 'full and open' designation implies a competitive process that likely drove pricing towards market rates. This approach is generally favorable for ensuring the government receives competitive offers and avoids overpayment.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive bidding process that helps ensure funds are used efficiently and that the government secures services at a reasonable cost.

Public Impact

USCIS benefits from enhanced acquisition and program support, enabling more efficient operations. The services provided contribute to the effective management of government programs. The contract supports administrative functions within the Department of Homeland Security. Workforce implications are primarily related to the specialized skills required for acquisition support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if not managed closely, given the nature of consulting services.
Dependence on a single contractor for critical support functions could pose a risk if performance falters.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a competitive market.
Contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need for these services.
Contractor has a history of performing government contracts, implying experience.

Sector Analysis

The government acquisition support services sector is a significant market, encompassing a wide range of consulting and administrative functions. This contract falls under the broader category of professional services, specifically focusing on management consulting. Comparable spending in this area across federal agencies is substantial, reflecting the ongoing need for expertise in program management and acquisition processes. HII Mission Driven Innovative Government Solutions Inc. operates within this competitive landscape, providing specialized support to government entities.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to have a specific small business set-aside. However, the prime contractor, HII Mission Driven Innovative Government Solutions Inc., may engage small businesses as subcontractors. Analysis of subcontracting plans would be necessary to determine the extent of small business participation and its impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be sensitive. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Acquisition Management Support
Program Management Services
Administrative Consulting
Government Contracting Support

Risk Flags

Contract Duration
Potential for Scope Creep
Contractor Performance Monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $33.5 million to HII MISSION DRIVEN INNOVATIVE GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS INC.. ACQUISITION & PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is HII MISSION DRIVEN INNOVATIVE GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS INC..

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 $33.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2007-07-23. End: 2012-08-10.

What is the track record of HII Mission Driven Innovative Government Solutions Inc. in performing similar government contracts?

HII Mission Driven Innovative Government Solutions Inc. has a substantial track record with the federal government, having been awarded numerous contracts across various agencies and service areas. Their experience spans IT services, engineering, logistics, and professional support. For contracts similar to this one, focusing on acquisition and program support, the company has demonstrated capabilities in managing complex projects and delivering according to specified requirements. Performance reviews and past performance information, often available through federal procurement data systems, would provide a more granular view of their success rates, adherence to timelines, and client satisfaction on comparable engagements. This history suggests a level of reliability and expertise relevant to the current contract's needs.

How does the total contract value of $33.5 million compare to similar acquisition support contracts awarded by DHS or other agencies?

The total contract value of $33.5 million for acquisition and program support services, awarded over its duration, appears to be within a reasonable range when compared to similar contracts. Federal agencies frequently procure these types of services, and contract values can vary significantly based on scope, duration, and complexity. Contracts for administrative management and general management consulting services, which this falls under, often range from a few million to tens of millions of dollars. Given that this contract was awarded through full and open competition, it suggests that the pricing was competitive. Benchmarking against publicly available data for contracts of similar size and scope within the Department of Homeland Security or other large federal agencies would confirm that $33.5 million represents a fair market value for the services rendered over the contract's lifecycle.

What are the primary risk indicators associated with this type of service contract, and how are they mitigated?

Primary risk indicators for acquisition and program support service contracts often include potential for scope creep, contractor performance issues, and over-reliance on a single vendor. Scope creep can occur if the requirements are not clearly defined or if there's a tendency to expand the work beyond the initial agreement without proper modification. Contractor performance risks involve the possibility of delays, subpar quality of work, or failure to meet key performance indicators. Over-reliance risk arises if the contractor becomes indispensable, making it difficult to transition or replace them if necessary. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust contract management, including detailed statements of work, regular performance reviews, clear communication channels, and contingency planning. The use of performance-based metrics and incentives can also help align contractor efforts with government objectives and reduce performance risks.

What is the historical spending pattern for acquisition and program support services within USCIS or DHS?

Historical spending patterns for acquisition and program support services within USCIS and the broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicate a consistent and significant investment in these areas. Agencies like USCIS rely heavily on specialized support to manage their complex operational needs, including procurement, program oversight, and administrative functions. Annual spending on such services can fluctuate based on agency priorities, budget allocations, and specific program requirements. Examining past fiscal years would reveal trends in the volume and value of contracts awarded for similar services. This contract, valued at $33.5 million, fits within the established pattern of substantial federal spending on professional and administrative support services, reflecting the ongoing demand for external expertise to augment internal capabilities.

How does the 'full and open competition' award method impact the overall cost-effectiveness for taxpayers?

The 'full and open competition' award method is designed to maximize cost-effectiveness for taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment. When all responsible sources are permitted to submit bids, it encourages multiple vendors to offer their best pricing and innovative solutions to win the contract. This competitive pressure typically drives down prices compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios. Furthermore, it allows the government to select the offer that provides the best overall value, considering not just price but also technical merit, past performance, and other factors. For taxpayers, this means their money is more likely to be spent efficiently, securing high-quality services at a fair market price, and reducing the risk of inflated costs associated with less competitive procurement methods.

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: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Avaya Holdings Corp. (UEI: 808284181)

Address: 12730 FAIR LAKES CIR, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $33,486,644

Exercised Options: $33,486,644

Current Obligation: $33,486,644

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: HSCEOP06AAQ007

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline