Army Oil Analysis Program contract awarded to Martinfederal Consulting, LLC for over $23.6 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $23,649,231 ($23.6M)

Contractor: Martinfederal Consulting, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2015-12-17

End Date: 2021-08-19

Contract Duration: 2,072 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Number of Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::CT::IGF ARMY OIL ANALYSIS PROGRAM

Place of Performance

Location: HUNTSVILLE, MADISON County, ALABAMA, 35801

State: Alabama Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $23.6 million to MARTINFEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC for work described as: IGF::CT::IGF ARMY OIL ANALYSIS PROGRAM Key points: 1. The contract value represents a significant investment in specialized testing services for the Army. 2. Competition dynamics for this contract are not fully detailed, requiring further investigation into the 'exclusion of sources' aspect. 3. The duration of the contract (2072 days) suggests a long-term need for these analytical services. 4. Performance context is limited without specific metrics on the quality or impact of the oil analysis. 5. The contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically testing laboratories. 6. The fixed-price contract type suggests a defined scope and cost structure, potentially mitigating cost overrun risks.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

Benchmarking the value of this contract is challenging without comparable data on similar oil analysis programs. The total award of over $23.6 million over approximately five years indicates a substantial expenditure. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract provides some cost certainty, but the overall value for money depends heavily on the effectiveness and necessity of the services provided. Further analysis would require understanding the specific testing protocols and their impact on equipment maintenance and readiness.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' which indicates that while competition was sought, certain sources were excluded. The specific reasons for exclusion are not provided, making it difficult to assess the breadth of competition. The number of bids received (5) suggests some level of interest, but the exclusion clause raises questions about whether the most competitive pricing and innovative solutions were fully explored.

Taxpayer Impact: The exclusion of sources, even if justified, may limit the potential for taxpayers to benefit from the most competitive pricing available in the market. A broader competition could have potentially driven down costs.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are the Department of the Army, receiving critical oil analysis services to maintain equipment. Services delivered include laboratory testing and analysis of oil samples to detect wear, contamination, and other issues. The geographic impact is primarily within the operational areas of the Army units utilizing the analyzed equipment, with the contractor located in Alabama. Workforce implications include employment for specialized technicians and analysts at Martinfederal Consulting, LLC.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of transparency regarding the 'exclusion of sources' in the competition process.
Limited public information on the specific performance metrics and outcomes of the oil analysis.
The substantial contract value warrants closer scrutiny of cost-effectiveness and necessity.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract type offers cost predictability.
The contract addresses a critical operational need for equipment maintenance and readiness.
Award to a specific LLC suggests a focused provider for specialized services.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector, specifically under NAICS code 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services). This sector is crucial for government operations, providing essential analytical and testing capabilities across various agencies. The market for specialized testing services can be competitive, but contracts for specific military applications often require unique expertise and certifications, potentially limiting the pool of qualified bidders.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary contractor, Martinfederal Consulting, LLC, is likely a larger entity or that the specific nature of the services did not lend itself to small business participation or set-asides.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight mechanisms for this contract would typically involve the Department of the Army's contracting officers and potentially the Inspector General's office. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm fixed-price contract, requiring delivery of specified services. Transparency is limited by the public availability of detailed performance reports and the rationale behind the 'exclusion of sources.'

Related Government Programs

Army Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Services
Department of Defense Laboratory Services
Federal Scientific and Technical Services Contracts
Oil Analysis and Lubricant Testing Programs

Risk Flags

Limited transparency on competition exclusion
Lack of detailed performance metrics
Potential for unassessed value for money

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $23.6 million to MARTINFEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC. IGF::CT::IGF ARMY OIL ANALYSIS PROGRAM

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MARTINFEDERAL CONSULTING, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Army).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $23.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2015-12-17. End: 2021-08-19.

What specific types of oil analysis are performed under this contract, and what are the key performance indicators for the services provided?

The contract details are limited in publicly available information regarding the specific types of oil analysis performed. However, typical oil analysis for military equipment includes testing for wear metals, contaminants (like dirt, water, or fuel), viscosity, and additive depletion. Key performance indicators would likely revolve around turnaround time for sample analysis, accuracy of results, and the actionable insights provided to maintenance personnel to predict equipment failures or schedule proactive maintenance. Without access to the contract's statement of work or performance reports, a precise list of KPIs and analysis types remains speculative.

What was the justification for excluding certain sources during the competition process for this contract?

The contract states 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' implying that a competitive process was initiated, but specific vendors were deemed ineligible or excluded. Justifications for such exclusions typically include factors like proprietary technology, unique capabilities, national security concerns, or prior performance issues with certain contractors. Without specific documentation from the Department of the Army detailing the exclusion rationale, it is impossible to ascertain the precise reasons. This lack of transparency limits the ability to assess whether the exclusion unduly restricted competition or was a necessary measure.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar oil analysis services procured by other branches of the military or federal agencies?

Direct cost comparisons are difficult without detailed knowledge of the scope of work, testing methodologies, and volume of samples analyzed for other contracts. However, the total award of over $23.6 million over approximately five years suggests a significant investment. To benchmark effectively, one would need to identify contracts with similar service levels, equipment types analyzed, and geographic coverage. Factors like specialized certifications, security clearances required for personnel, and the criticality of the equipment being monitored can all influence pricing, making direct apples-to-apples comparisons challenging.

What is the track record of Martinfederal Consulting, LLC in performing similar government contracts, particularly within the Department of Defense?

Information on Martinfederal Consulting, LLC's specific track record with this type of contract is not readily available in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing their past performance evaluations, any contract awards for similar services, and their history of compliance with government contracting regulations. Without this data, it's difficult to gauge their experience and reliability in executing complex analytical programs for the Department of Defense. Further research into federal procurement databases and contractor performance systems would be necessary.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Potential risks include the possibility of inaccurate analysis leading to equipment failures, cost overruns if the fixed-price model is not strictly adhered to due to unforeseen complexities, or contractor performance issues. Mitigation strategies typically involve robust quality assurance processes by the government, clear performance standards in the contract, regular performance reviews, and potentially contingency planning for contractor default. The 'exclusion of sources' might also indicate a perceived risk with certain potential bidders. The long duration of the contract also presents a risk of technological obsolescence if not managed proactively.

How has spending on Army oil analysis programs evolved over time, and does this contract represent a significant shift?

Historical spending data on Army oil analysis programs is not provided. To assess if this contract represents a significant shift, one would need to examine past budgets and contract awards for similar services. Factors such as changes in equipment fleets, new maintenance philosophies, or advancements in analytical technology could influence spending levels. This $23.6 million contract over five years indicates a sustained commitment to oil analysis, but without historical context, it's hard to determine if it's an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › INSPECTION SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W31P4Q15R0013

Offers Received: 5

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 513 MADISON STREET SUITE 100, HUNTSVILLE, AL, 35801

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Black American Owned Business, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Minority Owned Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $36,407,746

Exercised Options: $23,649,231

Current Obligation: $23,649,231

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline