Commerce awards $644K contract for Wisconsin shipwreck facility strategy to Facility Programming Ltd

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $64,429 ($64.4K)

Contractor: Facility Programming Ltd

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2021-09-20

End Date: 2022-09-19

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $177/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: WISCONSIN SHIPWRECK FACILITY STRATEGY

Place of Performance

Location: SILVER SPRING, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20910

State: Maryland Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $64,429 to FACILITY PROGRAMMING LTD for work described as: WISCONSIN SHIPWRECK FACILITY STRATEGY Key points: 1. Contract awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract value of $644,290 appears modest for a strategic planning initiative. 3. Fixed-price contract type may offer cost certainty for the government. 4. The single delivery order structure indicates a defined scope of work. 5. The contractor, Facility Programming Ltd., has a track record that warrants review for similar projects. 6. The administrative management and general management consulting services NAICS code suggests a focus on planning and advisory services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $644,290 for a facility programming strategy seems reasonable for a 12-month engagement. Benchmarking against similar strategic planning contracts for federal facilities would provide a clearer picture of value for money. Without specific deliverables or scope details, a precise comparison is difficult, but the amount is not exceptionally high or low for this type of service.

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 were likely solicited and considered. This approach generally promotes price discovery and allows the government to select the most advantageous offer. The presence of two bids, as suggested by the 'no' field, is a positive sign of competition, though a higher number of bidders would typically be preferred for maximum competition.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is beneficial for taxpayers as it encourages competitive pricing and potentially leads to better service quality by allowing a wider pool of qualified contractors to bid.

Public Impact

The primary beneficiaries are likely the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Commerce, who will receive strategic guidance for a Wisconsin shipwreck facility. The services delivered will focus on administrative management and general management consulting, specifically related to facility programming strategy. The geographic impact is centered on Wisconsin, where the facility strategy will be developed. Workforce implications are likely minimal, primarily involving the consulting team from Facility Programming Ltd.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited information on the specific deliverables and success metrics makes it difficult to fully assess performance.
The contractor's past performance and experience with similar federal projects should be thoroughly reviewed.
The scope of 'facility programming strategy' is broad and could encompass various aspects, requiring clear definition to ensure alignment with agency needs.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, indicating a fair and transparent procurement process.
The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost predictability for the government.
The contract duration of 364 days is typical for a project of this nature.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, specifically management consulting. The market for these services is robust, with numerous firms capable of providing strategic planning and facility management expertise. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific scope of the facility strategy, but federal agencies frequently engage consultants for such planning initiatives.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor is there information about subcontracting plans. Given the nature of the service (management consulting), it's possible that larger firms may have participated in the competition, but the specific details of small business involvement are not provided.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within NOAA or the Department of Commerce. Transparency is facilitated by the contract award notice. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse were suspected, but specific oversight mechanisms beyond standard contract management are not detailed.

Related Government Programs

NOAA Facility Planning
Department of Commerce Strategic Initiatives
Federal Facility Management Consulting
Maritime Heritage Preservation Projects

Risk Flags

Contractor Past Performance
Scope Definition Clarity
Deliverable Quality Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $64,429 to FACILITY PROGRAMMING LTD. WISCONSIN SHIPWRECK FACILITY STRATEGY

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is FACILITY PROGRAMMING LTD.

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 $64,429.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2021-09-20. End: 2022-09-19.

What is the specific scope of work for the 'Wisconsin shipwreck facility strategy' and what are the key deliverables expected from Facility Programming Ltd.?

The provided data does not detail the specific scope of work or key deliverables for the 'Wisconsin shipwreck facility strategy.' This contract, under NAICS code 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services), suggests the work involves strategic planning, operational efficiency, and management advisory services related to a facility. For a shipwreck facility, this could encompass aspects like visitor services, exhibit planning, research support, conservation, and operational logistics. The deliverables would likely include a comprehensive strategy document, feasibility studies, operational plans, and potentially recommendations for infrastructure development or improvements. A detailed statement of work (SOW) from the contract award would be necessary to fully understand the scope and expected outcomes.

How does the $644,290 contract value compare to similar facility strategy consulting contracts awarded by NOAA or the Department of Commerce?

Benchmarking the $644,290 contract value against similar contracts requires access to a broader dataset of federal procurements. However, for a 12-month strategy development project for a specific facility, this amount appears to be within a reasonable range for consulting services. Federal agencies often spend six to seven figures on strategic planning and facility assessments, depending on the complexity and scale of the facility. Without knowing the specific size and scope of the Wisconsin shipwreck facility and the depth of analysis required, a precise comparison is challenging. Factors like the number of stakeholders involved, the extent of research needed, and the level of detail in the final strategy would influence the overall cost.

What is Facility Programming Ltd.'s track record with federal contracts, particularly in facility strategy or maritime-related projects?

Information regarding Facility Programming Ltd.'s specific track record with federal contracts, especially in facility strategy or maritime-related projects, is not detailed in the provided data. A thorough review would involve examining past performance evaluations, contract history, and any relevant project portfolios. Federal procurement databases (like SAM.gov or FPDS) would typically contain this information, including details on previous awards, performance ratings, and any past issues. Understanding their experience with similar government requirements is crucial for assessing their capability to successfully execute this contract and deliver the expected strategic outcomes for the Wisconsin shipwreck facility.

What are the potential risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies might be in place?

Potential risks for this contract include scope creep, where the project's objectives expand beyond the initial agreement, leading to cost overruns or delays. Another risk is the quality of the strategic plan itself; if it's not well-researched or actionable, it may not effectively serve the agency's needs. Contractor performance issues, such as missed deadlines or failure to meet deliverable requirements, also pose a risk. Mitigation strategies typically involve a clearly defined Statement of Work (SOW), regular progress reviews between the government and the contractor, robust contract management, and performance monitoring. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract also helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government, shifting that risk to the contractor.

How does this contract align with NOAA's broader mission and strategic goals, particularly concerning maritime heritage and facility management?

This contract directly aligns with NOAA's mission, which includes understanding and predicting changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, and conserving marine ecosystems and resources. Specifically, it supports NOAA's role in managing and preserving maritime heritage, which often involves facilities dedicated to research, education, and public engagement related to historical maritime assets like shipwrecks. Developing a strategic plan for a shipwreck facility indicates NOAA's commitment to effectively managing these resources, ensuring their long-term preservation, accessibility, and educational value. This initiative likely contributes to NOAA's broader goals of promoting ocean stewardship and supporting the Blue Economy.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Product/Service Code: ARCHITECT/ENGINEER SERVICES › ARCH-ENG SVCS - GENERAL

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Facility Programming, Ltd.

Address: 1221 BROADWAY ST, SAN ANTONIO, TX, 78215

Business Categories: Category Business, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $64,429

Exercised Options: $64,429

Current Obligation: $64,429

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: GS00F177DA

IDV Type: FSS

Timeline