State Department awards $51.5M for training services to IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC under full and open competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $51,507,933 ($51.5M)

Contractor: IDS International, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of State

Start Date: 2017-09-20

End Date: 2026-09-26

Contract Duration: 3,293 days

Daily Burn Rate: $15.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: TRAINING SERVICES

Plain-Language Summary

Department of State obligated $51.5 million to IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC for work described as: TRAINING SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract value of $51.5M over a 9-year period suggests a significant, long-term need for training. 2. The contract was awarded using full and open competition, indicating a broad market search. 3. The fixed-price contract type aims to control costs by shifting risk to the contractor. 4. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 541690 points to specialized consulting services. 5. The duration of the contract (3293 days) is substantial, requiring sustained performance. 6. The award to a single contractor, IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC, warrants a review of performance history.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value of $51.5M over nearly 9 years averages to approximately $5.7M annually. Without specific benchmarks for similar large-scale, long-term training services contracts, a precise value-for-money assessment is challenging. However, the firm-fixed-price structure is a positive indicator for cost control. Further analysis would require comparing the scope and deliverables to other government training contracts.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting that multiple vendors had the opportunity to bid. With 6 bidders identified, this indicates a reasonably competitive environment. The level of competition is generally favorable for price discovery and ensuring the government receives competitive offers.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it typically leads to more competitive pricing and a wider range of innovative solutions being considered.

Public Impact

This contract likely benefits Department of State personnel by providing essential training services to support diplomatic and operational missions. The services delivered are categorized under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' implying specialized training. The geographic impact is likely global, given the nature of the Department of State's operations. Workforce implications include the potential for job creation within IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC and its subcontractors.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Long contract duration could lead to complacency or reduced urgency if not actively managed.
Reliance on a single contractor for a significant period may limit future flexibility or access to newer training methodologies.
The specific nature of 'training services' requires clear performance metrics to ensure effectiveness and prevent scope creep.

Positive Signals

Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process and potential for competitive pricing.
Firm-fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The substantial value indicates a critical and ongoing need for these services, suggesting strategic importance.

Sector Analysis

The training services sector within government contracting is diverse, encompassing everything from basic onboarding to highly specialized technical and leadership development. This contract, falling under 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services,' suggests a focus on specialized expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks are difficult to establish without knowing the precise nature of the training, but large, multi-year contracts are common for agencies with extensive personnel development needs.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded under full and open competition and does not specify any small business set-aside. There is no explicit information on subcontracting plans for small businesses. Further investigation into the contractor's subcontracting practices would be needed to assess the impact on the small business ecosystem.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically reside within the Department of State's contracting and program management offices. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract type, requiring the contractor to meet defined deliverables. Transparency is generally facilitated through contract award databases, though specific performance details may be less public.

Related Government Programs

Department of State Training Programs
Federal Employee Development
Government Consulting Services
Professional Services Contracts

Risk Flags

Long contract duration may lead to outdated services.
Potential for vendor lock-in over the contract term.
Need for clear performance metrics to ensure training effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of State awarded $51.5 million to IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC. TRAINING SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $51.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-09-20. End: 2026-09-26.

What is the specific nature of the training services provided under this contract?

The contract falls under NAICS code 541690, 'Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services.' While the data does not specify the exact training curriculum, this classification suggests highly specialized training, potentially related to technical skills, scientific methodologies, or complex operational procedures relevant to the Department of State's mission. Without access to the contract's statement of work, the precise content, target audience (e.g., diplomats, support staff, specific technical roles), and learning objectives remain undefined. Further details would likely be found in the contract's statement of work or related documentation.

How does the $51.5M contract value compare to similar training services contracts awarded by the Department of State or other agencies?

Benchmarking this $51.5M contract requires comparing it to training services contracts of similar scope, duration, and complexity. The Department of State, like other large federal agencies (e.g., DoD, DHS), procures extensive training. A contract of this magnitude over nearly nine years suggests a significant, ongoing requirement. However, without specific details on the training subject matter, delivery methods (online, in-person, blended), and number of personnel trained, direct comparisons are difficult. General government spending data indicates that large-scale professional and technical training contracts can range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the agency's needs and the specialized nature of the skills imparted.

What is IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC's track record with federal training contracts?

Information on IDS INTERNATIONAL, LLC's specific track record with federal training contracts is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations (e.g., Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System - CPARS), other federal contract awards, and any history of contract modifications, disputes, or terminations. Their ability to secure a nearly $51.5M contract over nine years suggests they have demonstrated capability and potentially a positive performance history on prior engagements, but a deeper dive into their portfolio and client feedback is necessary for a full evaluation.

What are the potential risks associated with a long-term (9-year) training services contract?

Long-term contracts, such as this 9-year award, carry several potential risks. Firstly, the rapid evolution of technology and training methodologies means that the services procured today might be outdated by the end of the contract term, potentially reducing effectiveness. Secondly, a prolonged relationship with a single provider could lead to complacency, reduced innovation, or a lack of competitive pressure to maintain high service quality. Thirdly, changes in agency needs or strategic priorities over nine years might not be easily accommodated within the existing contract structure. Finally, there's a risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch providers if performance issues arise or better alternatives emerge.

How does the firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type influence cost control and contractor performance for these training services?

The firm-fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally considered the most cost-effective for the government when requirements are well-defined and stable, as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. For training services, an FFP contract incentivizes the contractor to deliver the agreed-upon training efficiently and within budget. It provides budget certainty for the Department of State. However, it also means the contractor must carefully estimate all costs upfront. If the scope of training significantly changes or unforeseen challenges arise that increase the contractor's costs, they bear that burden, which could potentially impact their motivation or ability to deliver the highest quality if not managed carefully. Clear performance standards are crucial under FFP.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 6

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2500 WILSON BLVD STE 200, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $51,507,933

Exercised Options: $51,507,933

Current Obligation: $51,507,933

Actual Outlays: $15,706,208

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: SAQMMA17D0137

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline