Department of Defense awards $18.6M for Base Defense Operations Centers in Iraq to Protection Strategies Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $18,571,284 ($18.6M)

Contractor: Protection Strategies Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-08-23

End Date: 2013-12-15

Contract Duration: 845 days

Daily Burn Rate: $22.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: BASE DEFENSE OPERATIONS CENTERS- IRAQ

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $18.6 million to PROTECTION STRATEGIES INC for work described as: BASE DEFENSE OPERATIONS CENTERS- IRAQ Key points: 1. Contract value appears reasonable for the duration and scope of services. 2. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 3. Contract duration of 845 days indicates a medium-term commitment. 4. Services provided fall under Facilities Support, a common government need. 5. The contract was awarded as a Firm Fixed Price, offering cost certainty. 6. No small business set-aside was applied, indicating a focus on larger prime contractors.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of approximately $18.6 million over 845 days averages to roughly $22,000 per day. This daily rate seems within a reasonable range for comprehensive base defense operations support, considering personnel, equipment, and logistical requirements. Benchmarking against similar contracts for base support services in contingency environments would provide a more precise value assessment, but initial indicators suggest fair pricing given the operational context.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, meaning all responsible sources were permitted to submit bids. The presence of 11 bids indicates a healthy level of competition for this requirement. A competitive process like this generally leads to better price discovery and encourages contractors to offer their best value propositions to secure the award.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from the competitive nature of this award, as it likely drove down the final price compared to a sole-source or limited competition scenario. The multiple bids suggest that the government received a range of offers, increasing the likelihood of securing services at a cost-effective rate.

Public Impact

Provides essential base defense operations support, ensuring the security and functionality of military installations in Iraq. Supports the Department of Defense's mission in a critical operational theater. Indirectly benefits military personnel by maintaining a secure and operational environment. The contract likely involves the employment of security personnel and support staff, contributing to local economies where feasible.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for contractor over-reliance in a critical security function.
Geopolitical instability in Iraq could impact contract performance and costs.
Ensuring consistent quality of services across the contract duration.

Positive Signals

Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost predictability.
Full and open competition suggests a robust selection process.
Contract awarded to a single entity (Protection Strategies Inc.) for clear accountability.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Facilities Support Services sector, which encompasses a broad range of services necessary for the operation and maintenance of physical infrastructure. In the context of defense operations, these services are critical for maintaining readiness and security. The market for such services, especially in deployed environments, is substantial, driven by government needs for operational support, logistics, and security. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically be found within broader defense support contracts and facilities management agreements.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses in the provided data. This suggests that the prime contractor, Protection Strategies Inc., is expected to perform the majority of the work. The absence of small business participation in this specific award may limit opportunities for smaller firms to contribute to this particular defense operation.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the purview of the contracting agency, the Department of the Army, and potentially the Department of Defense's Inspector General. Mechanisms would include regular performance reviews, site inspections, and adherence to reporting requirements outlined in the contract. Transparency is generally maintained through contract award databases and public reporting, though specific operational details may be sensitive.

Related Government Programs

Base Operations Support (BOS)
Security Services Contracts
Facilities Maintenance and Management
Defense Support Contracts
Contingency Operations Support

Risk Flags

Geopolitical Risk
Operational Environment Risk
Contractor Performance Risk
Security Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $18.6 million to PROTECTION STRATEGIES INC. BASE DEFENSE OPERATIONS CENTERS- IRAQ

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PROTECTION STRATEGIES INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $18.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-08-23. End: 2013-12-15.

What is the track record of Protection Strategies Inc. in performing similar defense support contracts, particularly in overseas or contingency environments?

A thorough review of Protection Strategies Inc.'s contract history would be necessary to assess their track record. This would involve examining past performance evaluations, any documented disputes or contract terminations, and the scale and complexity of previous contracts. Experience in similar geographic regions or with comparable security and facility support requirements would be particularly relevant. Without specific past performance data, it is difficult to definitively assess their capability for this particular contract, though the award itself implies they met initial qualification criteria.

How does the awarded value of $18.6 million compare to similar base defense operations contracts awarded by the Department of Defense in the past five years?

Benchmarking this $18.6 million contract against similar Department of Defense contracts for base defense operations requires access to a comprehensive database of federal contract awards. Key comparison points would include the contract duration (845 days), the geographic location (Iraq), the specific services rendered (Facilities Support Services), and the contract type (Firm Fixed Price). Contracts of similar scope and duration in comparable operational theaters often range from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the scale of the base, threat level, and specific support requirements. The $18.6 million appears to be on the lower to mid-range for a multi-year, overseas defense support contract, suggesting potentially efficient pricing or a more limited scope than some larger contracts.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, considering its location in Iraq and the nature of defense operations support?

The primary risks associated with this contract are multifaceted. Geopolitical instability in Iraq presents significant security risks to personnel and assets, potentially leading to disruptions, increased security costs, and personnel safety concerns. Operational risks include the potential for unforeseen logistical challenges, equipment failures, and the need for rapid adaptation to changing mission requirements. Furthermore, there's a risk of contractor performance issues, such as failure to meet service level agreements or maintain adequate staffing, which could impact base security and functionality. Compliance with evolving local regulations and maintaining positive relationships with host nation authorities also pose risks.

How effective are Facilities Support Services contracts like this in contributing to the overall mission success of deployed military forces?

Contracts for Facilities Support Services are crucial for the overall mission success of deployed military forces. They ensure that essential infrastructure is maintained, secure, and operational, allowing military personnel to focus on core combat and operational duties. Reliable support services, including security, maintenance, and logistical functions, directly contribute to troop welfare, operational readiness, and the ability to sustain operations in challenging environments. The effectiveness is highly dependent on the contractor's performance, the clarity of contract requirements, and robust government oversight to ensure services meet the demanding standards of military operations.

What has been the historical spending trend for Facilities Support Services (NAICS 561210) by the Department of Defense over the last decade?

Historical spending trends for Facilities Support Services (NAICS 561210) by the Department of Defense over the last decade have generally shown a significant and consistent demand. The DoD is a major consumer of these services, both domestically and in overseas contingency operations. Spending in this category often fluctuates based on global security postures, troop deployments, and infrastructure needs. While specific figures require detailed analysis of federal procurement data, it is understood that the DoD allocates billions annually to facilities support, encompassing a wide array of services from base operations to specialized maintenance, reflecting the critical nature of these functions to military readiness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Facilities Support Services › Facilities Support Services

Product/Service Code: OPERATION OF GOVT OWNED FACILITY › OPERATE GOVT OWNED BUILDINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: W560MY11R0001

Offers Received: 11

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2300 9TH ST S STE 503, ARLINGTON, VA, 22204

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,571,284

Exercised Options: $18,571,284

Current Obligation: $18,571,284

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NOT OBTAINED - WAIVED

Timeline