Federal Aviation Administration awards substantial contract for voice systems support to Noblis, Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $128,532,342 ($128.5M)
Contractor: Noblis, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2017-03-24
End Date: 2026-08-09
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT NOBLIS # DTFAWA-17-D-00014 FOR TASK ORDER # 0004 NAS VOICE SYSTEMS (NVS) PMO) SUPPORT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $128.5 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 value exceeds $128 million for comprehensive voice systems support. 2. Noblis, Inc. is the sole awardee for this specific task order. 3. Potential risks include vendor lock-in and performance continuity. 4. The contract spans nearly a decade, indicating long-term needs.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total value of this contract is significant, exceeding $128 million. This indicates a substantial investment by the FAA in maintaining and supporting its voice systems. The duration of the contract, from 2017 to 2026, further underscores the scale of this commitment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded as a delivery order under a larger contract (DTFAWA-17-D-00014). While the specific award details for this task order are not fully detailed, the context suggests it may have been a sole-source or limited competition scenario within an existing framework.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding a long-term, high-value contract for critical aviation infrastructure support.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation of essential air traffic control communication systems. Supports the modernization and maintenance of voice infrastructure. Impacts the reliability and safety of air travel communications.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Long-term reliance on a single vendor could limit future flexibility.
- Potential for cost overruns if scope creep occurs over the contract's duration.
- Ensuring consistent performance and service quality from the vendor is crucial.
Positive Signals
- Noblis has a history of supporting government IT and aviation programs.
- The extended contract period suggests a stable and predictable service.
- Focus on critical voice systems indicates a commitment to core aviation functions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Information Technology and Defense/Government Services sectors, specifically supporting critical infrastructure for the Federal Aviation Administration. Such contracts are vital for maintaining the operational capabilities of federal agencies.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set-aside for small businesses. Noblis, Inc. is a large business, indicating that this procurement was not specifically targeted to support small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be managed by the Federal Aviation Administration's Program Management Office (PMO) for the NAS Voice Systems. Regular performance reviews and adherence to contract terms will be key accountability measures.
Related Government Programs
- NAS Voice Systems (NVS) PMO Support
- EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT
- Voice Communications Infrastructure
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award potential
- Long contract duration
- High contract value
Tags
federal-aviation-administration, noblis-inc, voice-systems, information-technology, aviation-infrastructure, contract-award, federal-spending, air-traffic-control
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $128.5 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 $128.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-03-24. End: 2026-08-09.
Analysis insight 1
The contract's substantial value suggests a critical and complex role for the supported voice systems.
Analysis insight 2
The long performance period indicates a strategic, long-term need for these services.
Analysis insight 3
Understanding the specific services provided under this task order is key to assessing its full impact.