FAA's $37.6M Engineering Services Contract Awarded to LS Technologies Under Full and Open Competition
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $37,634,827 ($37.6M)
Contractor: Noblis, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2017-03-27
End Date: 2026-08-09
Contract Duration: 3,422 days
Daily Burn Rate: $11.0K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTION; EPICS SMALL-BUSINESS SET ASIDE CONTRACT # DTFAWA-17-D-00015 LS TECHNOLOGIES ON TASK ORDER # 0001
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $37.6 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTION; EPICS SMALL-BUSINESS SET ASIDE CONTRACT # DTFAWA-17-D-00015 LS TECHNOLOGIES ON TASK ORDER # 0001 Key points: 1. The contract, valued at $37.6 million, is for engineering services. 2. LS Technologies is the prime contractor, with Noblis, Inc. as a subcontractor. 3. The contract was awarded under full and open competition. 4. The period of performance extends from March 2017 to August 2026. 5. This contract is a delivery order under a larger contract vehicle.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's value of $37.6 million for engineering services appears reasonable given the long performance period (over 9 years). Benchmarking against similar large-scale engineering service contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, indicating a robust process for price discovery and selection of the most advantageous offer. This method generally leads to competitive pricing.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition aims to secure the best value for taxpayers by allowing all eligible vendors to bid, potentially driving down costs.
Public Impact
Ensures continued engineering support for the Federal Aviation Administration's critical missions. Supports technological advancements and operational efficiency within the aviation sector. Provides stable employment opportunities within the engineering services industry. The long duration suggests a sustained need for these specialized services.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long contract duration may lead to scope creep or evolving requirements.
- Reliance on a single prime contractor for an extended period.
- Potential for cost overruns if not closely monitored.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting competitive pricing.
- Clear definition of services required.
- Experienced prime contractor likely involved.
Sector Analysis
Engineering services are crucial for government agencies like the FAA, supporting infrastructure, technology, and operational needs. Spending in this sector can vary significantly based on project scope and agency priorities, but consistent, long-term contracts are common for essential functions.
Small Business Impact
While the prime contract is with LS Technologies, the data does not indicate any specific small business set-asides or subcontracting goals. Further investigation would be needed to determine small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The contract's long duration and significant value necessitate robust oversight from the FAA to ensure performance, manage costs, and verify that services align with evolving agency needs and taxpayer interests.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Long contract duration increases risk of obsolescence or changing requirements.
- Potential for cost overruns if not managed diligently.
- Subcontracting details and small business participation are not fully transparent.
- Reliance on a single delivery order vehicle for extended support.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-transportation, dc, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $37.6 million to NOBLIS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF OTHER FUNCTION; EPICS SMALL-BUSINESS SET ASIDE CONTRACT # DTFAWA-17-D-00015 LS TECHNOLOGIES ON 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 $37.6 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-03-27. End: 2026-08-09.
What specific engineering services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with current FAA priorities?
The contract specifies engineering services, likely encompassing areas such as air traffic control systems, infrastructure development, safety analysis, and technological modernization. Alignment with current FAA priorities would involve ensuring these services directly support initiatives like NextGen, cybersecurity enhancements, and sustainable aviation practices. A detailed review of task orders and performance reports would clarify this alignment.
What is the rationale behind the extended performance period of over nine years for this engineering services contract?
The extended performance period likely reflects the long-term, complex nature of the engineering support required by the FAA. Major aviation infrastructure projects or system modernizations often span many years, necessitating sustained expertise and continuity. This duration allows for phased implementation, adaptation to evolving technologies, and potentially more stable pricing through long-term commitment, reducing frequent re-procurement costs.
How is the effectiveness of LS Technologies' performance being measured and ensured throughout the contract's lifecycle?
Effectiveness is typically measured through performance metrics outlined in the contract, such as on-time delivery of milestones, quality of deliverables, adherence to budget, and client satisfaction surveys. The FAA likely employs contract officers and technical representatives to monitor progress, conduct regular reviews, and provide feedback. Performance data and adherence to service level agreements are crucial for ensuring the contractor meets expectations.
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: 2
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: $37,763,334
Exercised Options: $37,634,827
Current Obligation: $37,634,827
Actual Outlays: $21,175,645
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 7
Total Subaward Amount: $16,112,332
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
Start Date: 2017-03-27
Current End Date: 2026-08-09
Potential End Date: 2026-08-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-26
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