FAA Awards $135M Engineering Services Contract to Noblis for NAS Voice Systems Support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $135,079,964 ($135.1M)
Contractor: Noblis, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2017-03-24
End Date: 2026-08-09
Contract Duration: 3,425 days
Daily Burn Rate: $39.4K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Engineering Services
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT NOBLIS # DTFAWA-17-D-00014 FOR TASK ORDER # 0004 NAS VOICE SYSTEMS (NVS) PMO) SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $135.1 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT NOBLIS # DTFAWA-17-D-00014 FOR TASK ORDER # 0004 NAS VOICE SYSTEMS (NVS) PMO) SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Noblis, Inc. for engineering services related to the National Airspace System (NAS) Voice Systems. 2. The contract has a significant value of over $135 million, spanning nearly a decade. 3. Awarded under full and open competition, indicating a competitive bidding process. 4. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 5. This spending falls within the Engineering Services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: fair
The Time and Materials contract type, while flexible, can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. Benchmarking against similar engineering support contracts is difficult without detailed task breakdowns, but the duration and value suggest a substantial investment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust price discovery process. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure means the final cost is dependent on actual labor hours and material usage, which can be less predictable than fixed-price contracts.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive award, but the Time and Materials structure requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain reasonable and aligned with project needs.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation and modernization of critical voice communication systems within the National Airspace System. Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's mission to maintain safe and efficient air travel. Potential for technological advancements in air traffic control communication infrastructure.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Time and Materials pricing structure
- Long contract duration
- Potential for scope creep
Positive Signals
- Full and open competition
- Supports critical infrastructure
- Experienced contractor
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector crucial for infrastructure development and maintenance. Spending in this area is often driven by modernization efforts and regulatory requirements, with contract values varying widely based on project scope and complexity.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded through full and open competition and does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Analysis of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses would require further investigation into Noblis's subcontracting plan.
Oversight & Accountability
The Time and Materials contract type necessitates strong government oversight to monitor labor hours, material costs, and ensure the work performed is necessary and efficient. Regular reviews and audits are essential for accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Aviation Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing
- Long contract duration increases risk exposure
- Lack of specific small business subcontracting information
- Need for stringent oversight to manage scope and costs
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-transportation, dc, delivery-order, 100m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $135.1 million to NOBLIS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT NOBLIS # DTFAWA-17-D-00014 FOR TASK ORDER # 0004 NAS VOICE SYSTEMS (NVS) PMO) SUPPORT
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 $135.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-03-24. End: 2026-08-09.
What is the estimated cost per labor hour for key personnel under this Time and Materials contract, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks?
Without specific details on labor categories and rates, a precise per-hour cost benchmark is unavailable. However, for Time and Materials contracts, agencies typically negotiate rates based on market research and historical data. It's crucial for the FAA to ensure these negotiated rates are competitive and reflect fair market value to prevent overpayment and maximize taxpayer value.
What are the primary risks associated with the long duration and Time and Materials nature of this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?
The primary risks include potential cost escalation due to undefined labor hours and material needs over a long period, and the possibility of scope creep. Mitigation strategies should involve robust contract management, clear performance metrics, regular progress reviews, and strict change control processes to ensure the contract remains within budget and focused on essential requirements.
How effectively is this contract contributing to the modernization and efficiency of the NAS Voice Systems, and what key performance indicators are being tracked?
Effectiveness is measured by the successful implementation of upgrades, system reliability, and enhanced communication capabilities for air traffic control. Key performance indicators likely include system uptime, reduction in communication errors, successful integration of new technologies, and timely completion of project milestones as defined in the task orders.
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: $142,602,901
Exercised Options: $135,079,964
Current Obligation: $135,079,964
Actual Outlays: $84,388,359
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 38
Total Subaward Amount: $59,744,364
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: 2017-03-24
Current End Date: 2026-08-09
Potential End Date: 2026-08-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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