DoD's $5.26M STALSS Bridge Contract Awarded to SNA International LLC for Biotech R&D
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $5,260,871 ($5.3M)
Contractor: SNA International LLC
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Start Date: 2025-11-01
End Date: 2026-01-31
Contract Duration: 91 days
Daily Burn Rate: $57.8K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: R&D
Official Description: SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES (STALSS) BRIDGE CONTRACT
Place of Performance
Location: DOVER AFB, KENT County, DELAWARE, 19902
State: Delaware Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Defense obligated $5.3 million to SNA INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES (STALSS) BRIDGE CONTRACT Key points: 1. The contract is a bridge to ensure continuity of services, indicating a potential gap in ongoing research and development. 2. Awarded to SNA International LLC, the contract's value is $5.26 million over a 91-day period. 3. The 'NOT COMPETED' status raises questions about the procurement process and potential missed opportunities for competitive pricing. 4. Focuses on Research and Development in Biotechnology, a critical but complex sector for the Defense Health Agency.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $5.26 million for a 91-day period suggests a high daily burn rate. Without comparable contract data for similar specialized R&D services, it's difficult to definitively assess pricing against benchmarks.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, suggesting a sole-source award. This limits price discovery and may result in higher costs compared to a competitive process. The 'bridge' nature implies urgency, potentially justifying the lack of competition.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these critical R&D services.
Public Impact
Ensures continuity of vital scientific, technical, administrative, and logistical support for the Defense Health Agency. Supports ongoing research and development in biotechnology, potentially impacting military health and readiness. The short duration (91 days) suggests this is a temporary measure, with a more permanent solution likely to follow.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition
- High per-day cost
- Short contract duration
Positive Signals
- Ensures service continuity
- Supports critical R&D
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Research and Development in Biotechnology, a highly specialized sector. Spending in this area is crucial for advancing medical countermeasures and health solutions for service members. Benchmarks are difficult due to the niche nature of the services.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to SNA International LLC, and there is no indication of small business subcontracting requirements or participation. Further analysis is needed to determine if small businesses were excluded or had opportunities to participate.
Oversight & Accountability
The 'NOT COMPETED' status warrants scrutiny. Oversight should focus on the justification for the sole-source award and the process for transitioning to a potentially competed contract in the future.
Related Government Programs
- Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Department of Defense Contracting
- Defense Health Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding
- Potential for overpayment due to sole-source award
- Urgency may mask underlying procurement issues
- Limited transparency on specific services provided
Tags
research-and-development-in-biotechnolog, department-of-defense, de, definitive-contract, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Defense awarded $5.3 million to SNA INTERNATIONAL LLC. SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT SERVICES (STALSS) BRIDGE CONTRACT
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SNA INTERNATIONAL LLC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Health Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $5.3 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2025-11-01. End: 2026-01-31.
What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a sole-source basis, especially given the urgency implied by a 'bridge' contract?
The justification for a sole-source award typically stems from unique capabilities, urgent and compelling needs, or specific government requirements that only one source can meet. For a bridge contract, the urgency to maintain continuity of essential services often drives this decision, preventing a lengthy competitive process that could disrupt critical operations.
How does the $5.26 million cost for 91 days compare to industry benchmarks for similar biotechnology R&D support services?
Without specific details on the services rendered, a precise benchmark is challenging. However, a daily cost exceeding $57,000 ($5.26M / 91 days) is substantial. This rate would need to be justified by highly specialized expertise, extensive resources, or unique operational requirements inherent to the DHA's biotechnology R&D mission.
What measures are in place to ensure the effectiveness and value of the services provided by SNA International LLC during this bridge contract period?
Effectiveness is typically ensured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, regular progress reports, and government oversight. The DHA will likely monitor deliverables, adherence to timelines, and the quality of scientific and technical support to ensure the services meet the defined objectives and provide value, despite the short-term nature of the contract.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Scientific Research and Development Services › Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › N – Health R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Solicitation ID: HT942525NOI01
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 500 MONTGOMERY ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314
Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Limited Liability Corporation, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $10,521,742
Exercised Options: $5,260,871
Current Obligation: $5,260,871
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2025-11-01
Current End Date: 2026-01-31
Potential End Date: 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-12-04
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