Commerce awards $1.49M parking services BPA call to Trade Center Management Associates for 3 years

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $148,680 ($148.7K)

Contractor: Trade Center Management Associates L.L.C.

Awarding Agency: Department of Commerce

Start Date: 2026-03-01

End Date: 2027-02-28

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $408/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: RRB PARKING

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20230

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Commerce obligated $148,680 to TRADE CENTER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES L.L.C. for work described as: RRB PARKING Key points: 1. Contract awarded via a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call, suggesting a pre-negotiated framework. 2. The firm-fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. 3. Awarded to a single vendor, raising questions about competition and potential price optimization. 4. The contract duration of 3 years (with options) allows for stable service provision. 5. Services are for parking lots and garages, a critical but often overlooked infrastructure need. 6. The contract is not a small business set-aside, indicating no specific focus on small business participation.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $1.49 million over three years for parking services appears reasonable on the surface, but a direct comparison is difficult without more granular data on the specific services and locations covered. The firm-fixed-price nature of the award suggests a predictable cost, but the lack of competition means there's no immediate benchmark to assess if this price represents optimal value for money. Further analysis would require understanding the scope of parking facilities managed and the prevailing market rates in Washington D.C.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded as a BPA Call, which is not a competitive solicitation in itself. The underlying BPA may have been competed, but the specific call to Trade Center Management Associates was not competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures). This indicates a lack of direct competition for this specific task order, potentially limiting price discovery and negotiation leverage.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of open competition for this BPA Call means taxpayers may not be benefiting from the lowest possible price that could have been achieved through a competitive bidding process.

Public Impact

Federal employees and visitors in Washington D.C. will benefit from managed parking services. The contract ensures the availability and operation of parking lots and garages. The geographic impact is localized to Washington D.C., where the Department of Commerce is headquartered. The contract supports jobs within the parking management and maintenance sector.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition for this specific BPA Call could lead to higher costs than a competed contract.
Reliance on a single vendor for essential parking services may create operational risks if the vendor underperforms.
The contract does not appear to include specific provisions for small business subcontracting, potentially limiting opportunities for smaller firms.

Positive Signals

The firm-fixed-price contract provides cost certainty for the government.
Awarding a BPA Call suggests an existing relationship and potentially streamlined procurement process.
The contract duration of three years offers stability in service provision for the Department of Commerce.

Sector Analysis

The parking services sector is a vital component of infrastructure management, supporting the daily operations of numerous organizations. While not a high-tech sector, it is essential for accessibility and functionality. Spending in this area is often tied to government facility management and real estate portfolios. Benchmarking would typically involve comparing rates for similar parking management contracts in major metropolitan areas, considering factors like the number of spaces managed, security services, and maintenance levels.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside, and the data indicates the prime contractor is not a small business. There is no explicit information provided regarding subcontracting plans or requirements. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem appears minimal unless the prime contractor voluntarily engages small businesses for subcontracting opportunities.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically fall under the Department of Commerce's contracting officer and program managers. Accountability measures are inherent in the firm-fixed-price contract, requiring the vendor to deliver specified services. Transparency is partially achieved through contract databases like FPDS, but detailed performance metrics and oversight reports are not publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Building Maintenance Services
Government Real Estate Management
Department of Commerce Facilities Operations
Parking Facility Management Contracts
GSA Schedule Contracts for Services

Risk Flags

Lack of Competition
Potential for Overpricing
Vendor Lock-in

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Commerce awarded $148,680 to TRADE CENTER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES L.L.C.. RRB PARKING

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is TRADE CENTER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATES L.L.C..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Commerce (Office of the Secretary).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $148,680.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-03-01. End: 2027-02-28.

What is the historical spending pattern for parking services at the Department of Commerce?

Analyzing historical spending for parking services at the Department of Commerce is crucial for understanding the context of this $1.49 million award. Without specific historical data for this exact BPA Call, we can infer trends from broader categories. Federal agencies often consolidate parking management under larger facilities or real estate contracts. Historically, agencies have faced challenges in optimizing parking utilization and costs. The move towards centralized BPA calls suggests an effort to streamline procurement and potentially achieve better pricing through pre-negotiated terms. However, the lack of competition in this specific award warrants a review of past spending to ensure this contract represents a fair market value compared to previous arrangements or similar contracts awarded to other agencies in the DC area.

How does the per-unit cost of this contract compare to similar parking management contracts in Washington D.C.?

Determining the precise per-unit cost for this contract is challenging without knowing the exact number of parking spaces managed, the types of services included (e.g., security, maintenance, revenue collection), and the specific locations. However, we can make a general assessment. A $1.49 million contract over three years averages $496,667 per year. If this contract covers a significant number of parking spaces in a prime D.C. location, the annual cost might be within a reasonable range, considering commercial parking rates in the city can be substantial. To perform a true benchmark, one would need to compare this annual cost against the total number of spaces managed and the specific service level agreements, looking for comparable contracts awarded by agencies like GSA or other federal entities in the D.C. metropolitan area.

What are the potential risks associated with awarding a BPA Call without further competition?

Awarding a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call without further competition, as in this case with Trade Center Management Associates, introduces several potential risks. The primary risk is the lack of price optimization; without competitive bids, the government may be paying more than necessary for the parking services. There's also a risk of vendor complacency, where the incumbent contractor may have less incentive to innovate or improve service quality since their position is secured for the contract duration. Furthermore, if the underlying BPA itself was not recently competed or is nearing its expiration, the long-term value proposition could be questionable. Finally, this approach limits opportunities for new or emerging vendors to enter the market and offer potentially better solutions or pricing.

What is the track record of Trade Center Management Associates in performing federal contracts?

Trade Center Management Associates, L.L.C. has a history of performing federal contracts, primarily related to facilities management and support services. Examining their past performance is essential to assess the reliability and quality of service they are likely to provide under this new BPA Call. Publicly available data, such as from the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), can reveal the types of contracts they have held, their values, and the agencies they have served. A review of their contract history would ideally include an assessment of past performance evaluations, any reported disputes or contract terminations, and their overall compliance record. A strong track record with positive past performance reviews would increase confidence in their ability to meet the Department of Commerce's parking service needs effectively.

How does the duration of this contract impact the government's flexibility and long-term planning?

This contract has a duration of 364 days with options, effectively spanning up to three years (assuming the options are exercised). This duration provides a degree of stability for the Department of Commerce, ensuring continuity of essential parking services without the need for frequent re-procurement. However, it also reduces the government's flexibility. If market conditions change significantly, or if a better service provider emerges, the Department is largely committed to the current vendor until the contract expires. For long-term strategic planning, a three-year term might be sufficient for operational needs, but it doesn't allow for rapid adaptation to major shifts in federal real estate strategy or transportation policies. The firm-fixed-price nature further locks in costs, limiting opportunities for renegotiation based on evolving needs.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Other Services (except Public Administration) › Other Personal Services › Parking Lots and Garages

Product/Service Code: TRANSPORT, TRAVEL, RELOCATION › TRANSPORTATION OF THINGS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1300 PENNSYLVANIA AVE NW STE 268, WASHINGTON, DC, 20004

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Self-Certified Small Disadvantaged Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $148,680

Exercised Options: $148,680

Current Obligation: $148,680

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 1331L522A13OS0008

IDV Type: BPA

Timeline