NOAA awards $16M+ to MITRE for NWS Future Weather Radar Program consultation
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $16,073,046 ($16.1M)
Contractor: THE Mitre Corporation
Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce
Start Date: 2023-09-15
End Date: 2027-03-14
Contract Duration: 1,276 days
Daily Burn Rate: $12.6K/day
Competition Type: NOT COMPETED
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE
Sector: Other
Official Description: TASK ORDER FOR CONSULTATION SERVICES FOR THE NWS FUTURE WEATHER RADAR PROGRAM OFFICE
Place of Performance
Location: MCLEAN, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22102
State: Virginia Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Commerce obligated $16.1 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION for work described as: TASK ORDER FOR CONSULTATION SERVICES FOR THE NWS FUTURE WEATHER RADAR PROGRAM OFFICE Key points: 1. Significant investment in critical weather infrastructure modernization. 2. MITRE's sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Long-term contract (over 3 years) suggests complex, ongoing needs. 4. Focus on advanced technical services highlights the program's complexity.
Value Assessment
Rating: questionable
The contract value of $16,073,046.35 for professional services is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to assess if this price represents fair market value compared to similar specialized consulting contracts.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: sole-source
This contract was not competed, indicating a sole-source award to The MITRE Corporation. This limits price discovery and potentially leads to higher costs than if multiple vendors had competed.
Taxpayer Impact: The lack of competition may result in taxpayers paying a premium for these essential consultation services.
Public Impact
Enhances the National Weather Service's ability to provide critical weather forecasts. Supports the modernization of vital weather radar infrastructure. Ensures continued technological advancement in meteorological services. Potential for improved public safety through more accurate weather predictions.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Sole-source award limits competition.
- Potential for inflated costs due to lack of bidding.
- Long contract duration may not reflect evolving needs.
Positive Signals
- Addresses critical national infrastructure needs.
- Leverages MITRE's specialized expertise.
- Supports essential government functions.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls under 'All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services,' a broad category. Spending in this area often supports complex government initiatives requiring specialized expertise, similar to IT or R&D services.
Small Business Impact
The contract was awarded to The MITRE Corporation, a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), not a small business. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses in the provided data.
Oversight & Accountability
The award is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Department of Commerce. Oversight would focus on ensuring the consultation services meet the program's technical requirements and budget.
Related Government Programs
- All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Department of Commerce Contracting
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Lack of competitive bidding.
- Potential for cost overruns.
- Limited transparency in pricing.
- Dependency on a single contractor.
- Risk of technological stagnation without market competition.
Tags
all-other-professional-scientific-and-te, department-of-commerce, va, delivery-order, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Commerce awarded $16.1 million to THE MITRE CORPORATION. TASK ORDER FOR CONSULTATION SERVICES FOR THE NWS FUTURE WEATHER RADAR PROGRAM OFFICE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is THE MITRE CORPORATION.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $16.1 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-09-15. End: 2027-03-14.
What specific technical expertise does MITRE possess that justifies a sole-source award for the NWS Future Weather Radar Program?
MITRE, as an FFRDC, often possesses unique, government-sponsored expertise in complex systems engineering, research, and development. For the NWS radar program, this could involve specialized knowledge in radar technology, atmospheric science integration, data processing, and cybersecurity, which may not be readily available or easily transferable to other contractors.
How will NOAA ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money given the sole-source nature of this contract?
NOAA can implement robust cost-control measures, including detailed cost analysis, regular performance reviews, and milestone-based payments. They should also establish clear performance metrics and potentially negotiate fixed-fee components or incentives tied to achieving specific program objectives to ensure value is derived from the $16M+ expenditure.
What are the long-term implications for weather forecasting technology and taxpayer investment if this sole-source approach continues?
Continuing sole-source awards could stifle innovation by limiting exposure to new technological approaches from a wider market. Taxpayers might face consistently higher costs without competitive pressure. However, if MITRE's unique capabilities are essential and irreplaceable, it could ensure the most advanced, secure, and integrated weather systems are developed, ultimately benefiting public safety.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Product/Service Code: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT › General Science and Technology R&D Services
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED
Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE
Pricing Type: COST PLUS FIXED FEE (U)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 7515 COLSHIRE DR, MC LEAN, VA, 22102
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Tax Exempt, Nonprofit Organization, Not Designated a Small Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $22,778,203
Exercised Options: $16,673,257
Current Obligation: $16,073,046
Actual Outlays: $7,699,302
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED
Cost or Pricing Data: YES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: 1331L523D13OS0003
IDV Type: IDC
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-09-15
Current End Date: 2027-03-14
Potential End Date: 2028-03-14 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-01-29
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