DOT's FAA awards $16.2M engineering services contract to Noblis, Inc. for strategic support
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,202,839 ($16.2M)
Contractor: Noblis, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2017-04-18
End Date: 2026-08-09
Contract Duration: 3,400 days
Daily Burn Rate: $4.8K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 2
Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS
Sector: Other
Official Description: IGF::OT::IGF STRATEGIC SERVICES SUPPORT
Place of Performance
Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $16.2 million to NOBLIS, INC. for work described as: IGF::OT::IGF STRATEGIC SERVICES SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract value represents a significant investment in specialized engineering expertise. 2. Noblis, Inc. has secured a substantial portion of the contract value. 3. The contract duration extends over several years, indicating a long-term need. 4. Engineering services are critical for maintaining and advancing complex federal infrastructure. 5. The contract type suggests flexibility in resource allocation and task execution. 6. Geographic focus on Washington D.C. highlights the proximity to federal decision-making.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The total award of $16.2 million for engineering services appears reasonable given the multi-year duration and the specialized nature of strategic support. Benchmarking against similar contracts for engineering and technical services within the Department of Transportation or other federal agencies would provide a more precise value-for-money assessment. However, the contract's longevity suggests a consistent need for these services, implying a degree of established value.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that multiple bidders had the opportunity to submit proposals. This competitive process is designed to foster price discovery and ensure the government receives the best value. The fact that it was competed openly suggests a healthy market for these types of engineering services.
Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and encouraging a wider pool of qualified contractors to bid, potentially leading to more innovative and cost-effective solutions.
Public Impact
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits from enhanced strategic engineering support. Services delivered likely contribute to the modernization and efficiency of air traffic management systems. The primary geographic impact is within the District of Columbia, supporting federal operations. The contract supports a specialized workforce of engineers and technical professionals.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Potential for cost overruns if task orders exceed initial estimates under a Time and Materials contract.
- Dependence on a single contractor for critical strategic support could pose a risk if performance falters.
- The long duration might lead to vendor lock-in, reducing future competitive opportunities.
Positive Signals
- Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a robust selection process.
- The contractor, Noblis, Inc., is a well-established entity in the government contracting space.
- The contract's multi-year term indicates a sustained need and potential for stable service delivery.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, a critical component of the broader professional services market supporting federal agencies. The market for engineering and technical consulting is substantial, with significant government spending allocated to areas like aerospace, infrastructure, and technology modernization. This contract with the FAA aligns with broader trends of federal investment in maintaining and upgrading complex systems.
Small Business Impact
The contract does not indicate any specific small business set-aside provisions. As a full and open competition award, the primary contractor, Noblis, Inc., will likely manage subcontracting opportunities. The extent to which small businesses will participate depends on Noblis's subcontracting plan and the specific needs of the task orders issued under this contract.
Oversight & Accountability
Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and the program office within the FAA. Performance reviews, regular reporting, and adherence to the terms of the contract, including delivery schedules and quality standards, are standard accountability measures. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases and public reporting mechanisms.
Related Government Programs
- FAA Air Traffic Control Modernization Programs
- Department of Transportation Strategic Planning Initiatives
- Federal Engineering and Technical Support Services
- Aerospace Engineering Consulting Contracts
Risk Flags
- Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract type.
- Long contract duration may limit future competitive opportunities.
- Dependence on a single contractor for strategic support.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-transportation, federal-aviation-administration, noblis-inc, time-and-materials, full-and-open-competition, strategic-support, district-of-columbia, multi-year-contract, federal-contract
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $16.2 million to NOBLIS, INC.. IGF::OT::IGF STRATEGIC 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 $16.2 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2017-04-18. End: 2026-08-09.
What is Noblis, Inc.'s track record with the FAA and Department of Transportation?
Noblis, Inc. has a significant history of contracting with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the broader Department of Transportation (DOT). Their work often involves complex technical and engineering services, including areas related to air traffic management, aviation safety, and IT modernization. Reviewing past performance evaluations and contract histories for Noblis with these agencies can provide insight into their reliability, quality of service, and ability to meet demanding requirements. Data from contract databases often shows a consistent pattern of awards, suggesting a strong working relationship and established expertise relevant to the FAA's mission.
How does the $16.2 million award compare to similar engineering services contracts at the FAA?
The $16.2 million award for engineering services to Noblis, Inc. is a substantial but not unprecedented figure for multi-year, strategic support contracts within the FAA. The Federal Aviation Administration frequently awards contracts in the multi-million dollar range for specialized engineering, technical, and program management support, particularly for initiatives like air traffic control modernization (e.g., NextGen). Benchmarking this award against other similar contracts for 'Engineering Services' (NAICS 541330) or 'Management and Technical Consulting Services' (NAICS 5416) awarded by the FAA over the past five years would reveal if this represents a premium, average, or below-average price point for the scope and duration of services provided.
What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials contract of this duration?
Time and Materials (T&M) contracts, like this one, carry inherent risks, primarily related to cost control. The government pays for the actual time and materials used, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed diligently. Key risks include the potential for inefficient labor utilization, inflated material costs, scope creep without adequate oversight, and difficulty in accurately forecasting the total project cost upfront. For a contract valued at $16.2 million and spanning several years, robust oversight mechanisms, detailed task order management, and clear performance metrics are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure value for taxpayer money.
How effective is full and open competition in ensuring value for this type of engineering support?
Full and open competition is generally considered the most effective method for ensuring value for complex engineering support services. It allows a broad range of qualified contractors to compete, fostering innovation and driving down prices through market forces. For a contract like this, which involves strategic engineering support for the FAA, competition encourages bidders to offer their best technical solutions and pricing. The process helps identify the contractor that offers the optimal balance of technical capability, past performance, and cost-effectiveness, thereby maximizing the value received by the government and, by extension, the taxpayers.
What is the historical spending trend for engineering services at the FAA?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has consistently allocated significant funding towards engineering and technical services to support its mission, particularly in areas like air traffic control modernization, infrastructure upgrades, and safety enhancements. Historical spending data reveals a steady demand for specialized expertise in areas such as aerospace engineering, systems engineering, and IT integration. The total amount spent annually on engineering services can fluctuate based on major program initiatives and capital investments, but it generally represents a substantial portion of the FAA's operational and capital budgets, reflecting the complexity and critical nature of the national airspace system.
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: 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: $17,207,788
Exercised Options: $16,202,839
Current Obligation: $16,202,839
Actual Outlays: $10,179,863
Subaward Activity
Number of Subawards: 28
Total Subaward Amount: $15,784,159
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: 2017-04-18
Current End Date: 2026-08-09
Potential End Date: 2026-08-09 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-03-26
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