Federal Aviation Administration awards significant contract for enterprise engineering services support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $277,546,958 ($277.5M)
Contractor: Noblis, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2017-03-23
End Date: 2026-08-09
Sector: IT
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT; NOBLIS; # DTFAWA-17-D-00014 ON TASK ORDER # 0005 ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING SERVICES SUPPORT
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $277.5 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT; NOBLIS; # DTFAWA-17-D-00014 ON TASK ORDER # 0005 ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING SERVICES SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value exceeds $277 million over its term. 2. Sole-source award to Noblis, Inc. raises questions about competition. 3. Long contract duration (nearly 10 years) may pose risks. 4. Focus on engineering services suggests critical infrastructure support.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract's total value is substantial, indicating a significant investment in enterprise engineering services. The duration of the contract is quite long, spanning almost a decade, which could lead to potential cost escalations or evolving needs not being met.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was awarded on a sole-source basis to Noblis, Inc. This limits opportunities for other qualified companies to compete for the work and may indicate a specific need or existing relationship.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being directed to a single vendor without a competitive bidding process.
Public Impact
Ensures continued operation and modernization of FAA systems. Potential for job creation within the engineering services sector. Impact on air travel safety and efficiency through system support.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Lack of competition in a sole-source award.
- Long-term commitment may not align with evolving technological needs.
- Potential for cost overruns due to extended duration.
Positive Signals
- Noblis has a strong track record in government contracting.
- Contract supports critical infrastructure for national airspace.
- Task order structure allows for phased delivery of services.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the professional services sector, specifically focusing on engineering and IT support for a major federal agency. Such contracts are crucial for maintaining and upgrading complex government systems.
Small Business Impact
The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and the awardee is a large business. This indicates that the scope of work was likely deemed too specialized or extensive for small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight will be critical given the sole-source nature and long duration of this contract. The FAA will need to ensure performance metrics are met and that the services provided remain cost-effective and aligned with agency goals.
Related Government Programs
- Enterprise Engineering Services
- IT Support Services
- Federal Aviation Administration Contracts
Risk Flags
- Sole-source award
- Long contract duration
Tags
federal-aviation-administration, noblis, engineering-services, it-support, sole-source, long-term-contract, department-of-transportation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $277.5 million to NOBLIS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF EPICS UNRESTRICTED CONTRACT; NOBLIS; # DTFAWA-17-D-00014 ON TASK ORDER # 0005 ENTERPRISE ENGINEERING SERVICES 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 $277.5 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-03-23. End: 2026-08-09.
Analysis insight 1
The justification for the sole-source award should be thoroughly reviewed.
Analysis insight 2
Performance metrics and cost controls will be essential for managing this long-term contract.
Analysis insight 3
The contract's evolution over its nearly ten-year term warrants ongoing monitoring.