Transportation contract for engineering services awarded to Noblis, Inc. exceeds $6.8 million

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,809,968 ($6.8M)

Contractor: Noblis, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2017-03-23

End Date: 2026-08-09

Contract Duration: 3,426 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT; NOBLIS; DTFAWA-17-D-00014 FOR TASK ORDER # 0001

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $6.8 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT; NOBLIS; DTFAWA-17-D-00014 FOR TASK ORDER # 0001 Key points: 1. Contract value of over $6.8 million for engineering services. 2. Awarded to Noblis, Inc. under a full and open competition. 3. Contract duration spans from March 2017 to August 2026. 4. Task order issued under a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract. 5. Services are classified under engineering services (NAICS 541330). 6. Contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 7. Geographic location of performance is Washington D.C.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The total contract value of $6.8 million for engineering services over a nearly 10-year period appears moderate for a federal contract of this nature. Benchmarking against similar engineering services contracts would be necessary for a precise value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while flexible, can lead to higher costs if not closely managed, potentially impacting overall value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under a full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the 'full and open' designation suggests a competitive process was utilized, which generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition is favorable for taxpayers as it increases the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and a wider range of technical solutions, maximizing the value of government spending.

Public Impact

Benefits the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by providing essential engineering services. Services likely support the development, maintenance, or improvement of aviation infrastructure or systems. Geographic impact is centered in Washington D.C., the seat of federal government operations. Workforce implications include employment for engineers and technical staff within Noblis, Inc.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not diligently managed.
Long contract duration (nearly 10 years) requires sustained oversight to ensure continued value.
Lack of specific performance metrics or outcomes makes it difficult to assess effectiveness.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process.
Contractor Noblis, Inc. is a well-established entity in the government contracting space.
Task order issued under an existing IDIQ contract, potentially streamlining procurement.

Sector Analysis

Engineering services are a critical component of the federal procurement landscape, supporting a wide array of agencies and missions. The market for these services is substantial, with significant government spending allocated annually. This contract fits within the broader category of professional services, often procured through competitive bidding processes to ensure technical expertise and cost-effectiveness. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific engineering discipline and project scope.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, Noblis, Inc., is a large business, and its internal subcontracting practices, if any, are not detailed here.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a division of the Department of Transportation. As a Time and Materials contract, rigorous monitoring of labor hours and material costs is crucial. Accountability measures would be tied to the delivery of engineering services as defined in the task order. Transparency is generally facilitated through federal procurement databases, though specific performance details may be less public.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Professional Services Contracts
Time and Materials Federal Contracts
Engineering Services for Government Infrastructure

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Need for sustained oversight due to long contract duration.
Lack of specific performance metrics in provided data.
Geographic concentration of services in Washington D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $6.8 million to NOBLIS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT; NOBLIS; DTFAWA-17-D-00014 FOR TASK ORDER # 0001

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NOBLIS, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2017-03-23. End: 2026-08-09.

What is the track record of Noblis, Inc. in performing similar engineering services for the federal government?

Noblis, Inc. has a significant history of performing engineering and professional services for various U.S. federal agencies. They are known for their work in areas such as aerospace, defense, and civilian government sectors. Their portfolio often includes complex technical challenges, research and development support, and program management. A detailed review of their past performance on contracts with the FAA and other agencies would reveal their success rates, client satisfaction, and ability to meet technical and schedule requirements. Past performance evaluations, often available through federal contract databases or agency reports, would provide specific insights into their reliability and expertise in delivering engineering solutions.

How does the awarded amount of $6.8 million compare to the typical cost of similar engineering services contracts?

The awarded amount of $6.8 million for engineering services over a period of approximately 9.5 years (March 2017 to August 2026) suggests an average annual value of roughly $716,000. This figure is moderate for federal engineering contracts, which can range from tens of thousands to billions of dollars depending on the scope, complexity, and duration. To benchmark effectively, one would need to compare this contract to others for similar engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, aerospace, systems engineering) awarded by the FAA or other transportation-related agencies. Factors such as the specific technical requirements, the level of expertise needed, and the geographic location of service delivery significantly influence pricing. Without more specific details on the services rendered, a precise comparison is challenging, but the value appears within a reasonable range for specialized engineering support.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for engineering services?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for engineering services is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M contracts reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours and material costs incurred, plus a fixed fee or profit margin. If the contractor's efficiency is low, or if the scope of work expands without adequate controls, the total cost to the government can escalate significantly beyond initial estimates. This necessitates robust government oversight to monitor labor hours, ensure efficient work practices, and validate material costs. Another risk is the potential for scope creep, where the project's requirements evolve, leading to increased effort and cost without a formal change order process that reflects the added value. Effective management and clear communication are paramount to mitigate these risks.

How does the 'full and open competition' award mechanism impact the government's ability to secure competitive pricing?

A 'full and open competition' award mechanism is designed to maximize competition by allowing all responsible sources to submit a bid or proposal. This broad participation increases the likelihood that the government will receive multiple offers, fostering a competitive environment. When multiple bidders vie for a contract, they are incentivized to offer their best pricing and most innovative solutions to win the award. This competitive pressure generally leads to more favorable pricing for the government compared to sole-source or limited competition scenarios. Furthermore, it allows the government to evaluate a wider range of technical approaches and select the best overall value, not just the lowest price. Therefore, full and open competition is a key mechanism for ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.

What are the potential implications of the long contract duration (nearly 10 years) on performance and oversight?

A contract duration of nearly 10 years presents both opportunities and challenges for performance and oversight. On the positive side, it allows for long-term planning, continuity of services, and the development of deep expertise by the contractor in the specific domain. This can lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness over time. However, it also necessitates sustained and vigilant oversight from the contracting agency. The government must ensure that the contractor remains aligned with evolving agency needs, maintains high performance standards throughout the contract term, and continues to provide value for money. Periodic reviews, performance evaluations, and potentially contract modifications may be required to adapt to changing requirements or technological advancements. Without consistent oversight, the benefits of a long-term relationship can be eroded by complacency or a drift from original objectives.

Industry Classification

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

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Solicitation ID: DTFAWA-16-R-00015

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2002 EDMUND HALLEY DR, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,108,347

Exercised Options: $6,809,968

Current Obligation: $6,809,968

Actual Outlays: $3,778,821

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: DTFAWA17D00014

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline