State Department's $195M Visa Center Contract Awarded to Serco Services Inc. Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $194,872,653 ($194.9M)
Contractor: Serco Services Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of State
Start Date: 2007-06-22
End Date: 2011-01-31
Contract Duration: 1,319 days
Daily Burn Rate: $147.7K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Other
Official Description: OPERATION OF NATIONAL VISA CENTER AND KENTUCKY CONSULAR CENTER
Place of Performance
Location: PORTSMOUTH, ROCKINGHAM County, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 03801
Plain-Language Summary
Department of State obligated $194.9 million to SERCO SERVICES INC for work described as: OPERATION OF NATIONAL VISA CENTER AND KENTUCKY CONSULAR CENTER Key points: 1. Contract value of $194.9M over 4.5 years. 2. Serco Services Inc. secured the contract through full and open competition. 3. The contract type is Firm Fixed Price, indicating clear cost expectations. 4. This contract falls under 'All Other Business Support Services' (NAICS 561499).
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $194.9M over 1319 days suggests a significant operational scale. Benchmarking against similar large-scale business support services contracts would be necessary for a precise per-unit cost assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The award was made under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing and ensures the government receives the best value. The use of a definitive contract indicates a well-defined scope of work.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally beneficial for taxpayers as it drives down costs through market forces.
Public Impact
Ensures smooth operation of critical visa processing services. Impacts international travel and immigration processes. Supports national security by facilitating legitimate travel and screening.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope creeps.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical services.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type.
- Long-term contract provides stability for operations.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the broad Business Support Services sector. Spending in this sector is substantial across government agencies, supporting a wide range of administrative and operational functions.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, as the 'sb' field is false. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities were made available to small businesses.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of State is responsible for overseeing this contract. Robust oversight mechanisms are crucial to ensure Serco Services Inc. meets performance expectations and delivers value for taxpayer money.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Business Support Services
- Department of State Contracting
- Department of State Programs
Risk Flags
- Contract awarded to a single large business.
- Potential for vendor lock-in.
- Dependence on contractor for critical national function.
- Lack of small business participation noted.
Tags
all-other-business-support-services, department-of-state, nh, definitive-contract, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of State awarded $194.9 million to SERCO SERVICES INC. OPERATION OF NATIONAL VISA CENTER AND KENTUCKY CONSULAR CENTER
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is SERCO SERVICES INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of State (Department of State).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $194.9 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2007-06-22. End: 2011-01-31.
What is the historical performance of Serco Services Inc. on similar government contracts?
Assessing Serco's past performance on comparable contracts is crucial for evaluating their capability to manage this significant operation. Reviewing their track record on cost control, service delivery, and adherence to timelines will provide insights into their reliability and potential risks associated with this award. This historical data can inform future contract negotiations and oversight strategies.
How does the per-unit cost of processing visas under this contract compare to industry benchmarks?
A detailed per-unit cost analysis, comparing the cost per visa processed under this contract to industry averages and similar government contracts, is essential. This comparison will reveal whether the government is achieving cost-effective service delivery. Significant deviations from benchmarks could indicate potential inefficiencies or opportunities for cost savings through renegotiation or improved operational strategies.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) associated with this contract?
Understanding the specific KPIs and SLAs is vital for measuring the effectiveness of the National Visa Center and Kentucky Consular Center operations. These metrics define the expected standards for processing times, accuracy, and customer service. Without clear KPIs and SLAs, it is difficult to objectively assess contractor performance and ensure the contract is meeting its intended objectives efficiently.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Business Support Services › All Other Business Support Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 5
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Parent Company: Serco Limited
Address: 12012 SUNSET HILLS ROAD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $197,830,352
Exercised Options: $197,830,352
Current Obligation: $194,872,653
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Timeline
Start Date: 2007-06-22
Current End Date: 2011-01-31
Potential End Date: 2011-01-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2025-09-29
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