Department of Homeland Security Awarded a Contract to DIANE SKIPWORTH for $1,427,500.00

Summary of Award

The JSON data outlines a definitive contract awarded by the U.S. federal government, specifically the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), for environmental health and safety expertise. The contract, identified with a PIID of "70RDAD21C00000015," involves services provided to the DHS's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL). It's a comprehensive arrangement aimed at supporting these offices in environmental consulting roles, specifically around regulatory special studies and analysis.

Overall, the contract, signed on September 28, 2021, holds a total obligation of $849,500, with the possibility of reaching $1,427,500 if all options are exercised. The funding and awarding agencies are both branches of DHS, ensuring a streamlined integration of resources and objectives within the department. The "Immediate Office of the Secretary" along with the "Office of Procurement Operations" demonstrate a cohesive internal administrative process.

The recipient of this contract is Diane Skipworth, a unique entity indicated by several identifiable features. The recipient is classified under various business categories such as a sole proprietorship and a woman-owned small business, which aligns with the standards provided by the Small Business Administration for competitive processes like this total small business set-aside. Diane Skipworth operates from DeSoto, Texas, which reflects a commitment to bolstering small businesses from diverse geographical locations. The services offered are under NAICS code 541620, which highlights environmental consulting services—a critical field given the current global emphasis on sustainability and regulatory compliance in health and safety. The contract’s period of performance extends from September 30, 2021, to April 10, 2025. This timeline allows substantial scope for executing essential regulatory studies within extended periods, denoting an ongoing commitment to comprehensive consultancy support. The operations are centered in Washington, D.C., which is strategic for facilitating direct interaction with federal departments headquartered there. From an analysis of transactions, the contract has undergone several modifications, indicating dynamic adjustments and financial engagements. The initial contract action occurred on September 28, 2021, with a funding allocation of $199,900. Subsequent financial transactions reveal a systematic disbursement sequence that supports a growing project scale. One of the notable modifications, "P00005," dated September 13, 2024, saw an additional transaction amount of $32,000. Another significant transaction ("P00003") on August 21, 2023, amounted to $286,250, indicating scaling project requirements or expanded study parameters. The financial outlay over these years showcases fluctuating needs and commitments, with each modification reflecting an evolving contractual relationship as project needs and requirements adjust. The funding associated with this contract is linked to DEF code "Q," representing a specialized focus within federal budgetary allocations. Notably, there's a consistent reference to a lack of subsidy cost, ensuring that funding from the federal budget is fully dedicated to the contractual engagement without additional financial instruments. Similarly, the absence of loan values underpins the straightforwardness of this particular contract relationship. Overall, the contract demonstrates the government's strategic commitment to not only regulatory compliance in environmental parameters but also fostering growth within small business sectors. By choosing a business categorized under woman and minority-owned distinctions, the DHS emphasizes inclusivity and support for traditionally underrepresented groups in federal contracting. This contract is categorized as a "Time and Materials" contract, indicative of the scope flexibility often necessary in consulting services where the time and effort needed can vary across different phases. Such provisions underscore the unpredictable nature of environmental consulting, where regulatory compliance requirements can shift with new information or changes in policy. The competitive aspect of this contract, with two offers received, highlights a balance between comprehensive expertise and competitive pricing, which is crucial for government efficiency. Indeed, the government's use of a "Simplified Acquisition" procedure indicates its preference for streamlining contract processes in areas requiring prompt and specialized action. In summary, Diane Skipworth’s contract with the DHS is emblematic of federal pursuits at the intersection of environmental health, small business advocacy, and regulatory compliance. It reflects the essential role small businesses play within the national economic fabric and the federal government’s support through targeted contractual agreements. This precise blend of consulting obligation, financial clarity, competitive procedures, and set-aside programs collectively bolsters both civic responsibility and economic dispersion, narrating a broader story of governmental engagement in public sector efficiencies and private sector empowerment.