DOT Awards $55.8M Engineering Services Contract to Noblis, Inc. for FAA Systems
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $55,792,648 ($55.8M)
Contractor: Noblis, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2017-03-30
End Date: 2026-08-09
Contract Duration: 3,419 days
Daily Burn Rate: $16.3K/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 LARGE CONTRACT # DTFAWA-17-D-00015 ON TASK ORDER # 0003
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $55.8 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF EPICS LARGE CONTRACT # DTFAWA-17-D-00015 ON TASK ORDER # 0003 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Noblis, Inc. for engineering services supporting FAA systems. 2. The contract value is substantial at $55.8 million. 3. Full and open competition was utilized, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract duration is long, spanning from March 2017 to August 2026.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The contract is a Time and Materials type, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully. Benchmarking against similar engineering services contracts is difficult without more detailed scope information.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which generally promotes competitive pricing. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure may limit the effectiveness of price discovery compared to fixed-price contracts.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are impacted by the $55.8 million expenditure. The use of full and open competition aims to ensure a fair price, but the T&M structure warrants close monitoring.
Public Impact
Supports critical Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) systems, impacting air traffic control and safety. The long contract duration suggests ongoing, complex engineering needs. Awarded to a single vendor, Noblis, Inc., for a significant sum.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials pricing structure
- Long contract duration
- Potential for cost creep
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Supports critical infrastructure
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector crucial for infrastructure development and maintenance. Spending in this sector is often project-driven and can vary significantly based on government needs.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to Noblis, Inc., a large business. There is no indication of small business subcontracting participation in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight would typically involve the FAA's contracting officers and potentially IG oversight to ensure performance and cost control, especially given the T&M structure and long duration.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Time and Materials pricing structure
- Long contract duration
- Potential for cost overruns
- Lack of small business participation noted
- Limited insight into specific task order scope
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 $55.8 million to NOBLIS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF EPICS LARGE CONTRACT # DTFAWA-17-D-00015 ON TASK ORDER # 0003
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 $55.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-03-30. End: 2026-08-09.
What specific engineering services are being provided under this contract, and how do they align with current FAA modernization efforts?
The contract is for engineering services supporting FAA systems. Without further details on the specific tasks within Task Order #0003, it's difficult to precisely align them with modernization efforts. However, engineering services often encompass design, analysis, testing, and integration, which are fundamental to any system upgrade or maintenance program within the FAA.
What are the primary risks associated with the Time and Materials pricing structure for this long-term contract?
The primary risks of a Time and Materials (T&M) contract, especially over a long duration like this one (nearly 9.5 years), include potential cost overruns and a lack of contractor incentive to control costs. The government pays for direct labor hours at specified rates and for the actual cost of materials. Without strong oversight and defined ceilings, costs can escalate beyond initial estimates.
How effectively does the 'full and open competition' method ensure value for money given the T&M contract type?
Full and open competition is designed to solicit the widest possible range of offers, theoretically driving down prices. However, when combined with a T&M contract type, its effectiveness in ensuring value for money is diminished. While competition may have secured a competitive labor rate, the T&M structure itself shifts cost risk to the government, making ongoing performance monitoring and cost control critical for achieving true value.
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
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: $62,016,533
Exercised Options: $55,792,648
Current Obligation: $55,792,648
Actual Outlays: $38,429,090
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 31
Total Subaward Amount: $61,046,824
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: 2017-03-30
Current End Date: 2026-08-09
Potential End Date: 2026-08-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-26
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