DoD's $960M Engineering Services Contract for Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait Lacked Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $960,059,651 ($960.1M)

Contractor: Mantech Advanced Systems International, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2011-01-28

End Date: 2015-08-01

Contract Duration: 1,646 days

Daily Burn Rate: $583.3K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: CLS SERVICES: IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, KUWAIT

Place of Performance

Location: HERNDON, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 20171

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $960.1 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. for work described as: CLS SERVICES: IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, KUWAIT Key points: 1. Significant spending of $960M on engineering services. 2. Sole-source award to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. 3. Contract duration of 1646 days raises questions about long-term planning. 4. Lack of competition likely impacted price discovery and value for taxpayers.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $960M for engineering services is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark pricing against similar contracts to determine if it represents good value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis, meaning there was no competition. This significantly limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition on a nearly $1 billion contract means taxpayers may have paid a premium for these engineering services.

Public Impact

Taxpayers funded extensive engineering services in conflict zones. The long contract duration suggests a sustained need for these services. Lack of transparency in the sole-source award process.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
High contract value
Lack of competition
Long contract duration

Positive Signals

Services provided in critical operational areas

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services, a broad category often supporting complex government operations. Benchmarks for such services vary widely based on scope and location, but a $960M sole-source award warrants scrutiny.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not awarded to small businesses, representing a missed opportunity for small business participation in a significant government contract.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source nature of this large contract raises questions about the oversight applied during the procurement process to ensure fair pricing and necessity.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Defense Contract Management Agency Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source award
Lack of competition
High contract value
Long contract duration
No small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $960.1 million to MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC.. CLS SERVICES: IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, KUWAIT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is MANTECH ADVANCED SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Defense Contract Management Agency).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $960.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2011-01-28. End: 2015-08-01.

What was the justification for awarding this nearly $1 billion engineering services contract on a sole-source basis?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of available competition. Without specific documentation, it's impossible to ascertain the precise rationale. However, such a large sole-source award necessitates a rigorous justification process to ensure it serves the government's best interest and taxpayers' funds are used efficiently.

What risks were associated with a sole-source award of this magnitude for services in active conflict zones?

The primary risks include inflated pricing due to lack of competition, potential for scope creep without competitive pressure to control costs, and reduced accountability for performance. In conflict zones, risks are amplified by logistical challenges and the critical nature of the services, making robust oversight even more crucial.

How effective were the engineering services provided under this contract in supporting military operations?

Effectiveness is difficult to gauge solely from contract data. While the services were delivered over a significant period, the lack of competitive benchmarking makes it challenging to assess if the outcomes achieved represented the best possible value for the investment. Independent performance reviews would be needed for a definitive assessment.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: W56HZV10R0433

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Mantech International Corporation

Address: 12015 LEE JACKSON MEMORIAL HWY, FAIRFAX, VA, 22033

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $960,059,651

Exercised Options: $960,059,651

Current Obligation: $960,059,651

Contract Characteristics

Consolidated Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL ITEM PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline