Labor Dept. Awards $14.1M to Wireless Association for Apprenticeship Expansion

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $14,132,903 ($14.1M)

Contractor: Wireless Infrastructure Association

Awarding Agency: Department of Labor

Start Date: 2020-09-28

End Date: 2026-03-27

Contract Duration: 2,006 days

Daily Burn Rate: $7.0K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: EXPANSION OF REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH INDUSTRY INTERMEDIARY 2020

Place of Performance

Location: ARLINGTON, ARLINGTON County, VIRGINIA, 22201

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Labor obligated $14.1 million to WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE ASSOCIATION for work described as: EXPANSION OF REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH INDUSTRY INTERMEDIARY 2020 Key points: 1. Significant investment in workforce development via registered apprenticeships. 2. Competition was full and open, suggesting market-driven pricing. 3. Risk appears moderate given the focus on training and established intermediary. 4. Sector: Workforce Development/Labor.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $14.1M over approximately 6 years suggests a reasonable annual spend. Benchmarking against similar workforce development grants or contracts would be needed for a precise assessment, but the duration and scope appear aligned with program goals.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, which typically fosters competitive pricing. The use of a time and materials contract type may require close monitoring to ensure cost efficiency and prevent scope creep.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used to expand skilled labor through apprenticeships, potentially leading to long-term economic benefits and a more qualified workforce.

Public Impact

Expands access to skilled trades and technical careers. Addresses potential labor shortages in critical industries. Supports economic growth through workforce development initiatives. Leverages industry expertise for effective training programs.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 70 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly.
Reliance on a single industry intermediary may limit broader applicability.

Positive Signals

Focus on registered apprenticeships aligns with national workforce goals.
Full and open competition suggests a fair procurement process.
Potential for significant long-term return on investment through skilled labor development.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader sector of government support for workforce development and labor training. Spending benchmarks for similar apprenticeship programs vary widely based on industry and scope, but $14.1M over six years for a national intermediary is a substantial commitment.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate specific provisions or impacts on small businesses within this contract. The focus is on an industry intermediary, and further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are beneficiaries or participants in the apprenticeship programs.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of Labor's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management is overseeing this contract. Standard oversight mechanisms for federal contracts, including performance monitoring and financial audits, should be in place to ensure accountability.

Related Government Programs

Apprenticeship Training
Department of Labor Contracting
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials contract.
Lack of specific metrics for success measurement in provided data.
Dependence on a single industry intermediary.
Need for detailed performance monitoring to ensure value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Labor awarded $14.1 million to WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE ASSOCIATION. EXPANSION OF REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP THROUGH INDUSTRY INTERMEDIARY 2020

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE ASSOCIATION.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Labor (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $14.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-09-28. End: 2026-03-27.

What is the projected number of apprentices to be trained under this contract, and how does this compare to the cost per apprentice?

The provided data does not specify the target number of apprentices. To assess value, a calculation of cost per apprentice is crucial. This would involve dividing the total contract value by the expected number of trained individuals. Without this figure, it's difficult to definitively gauge the efficiency of the investment in terms of workforce development outcomes.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this contract, and how will success be measured?

Success metrics are not detailed in the provided data. Key performance indicators should ideally include metrics such as apprentice completion rates, job placement rates post-apprenticeship, wage progression, and employer satisfaction. Regular reporting and evaluation against these KPIs are essential for ensuring the program meets its objectives and justifies the federal investment.

How will the Wireless Infrastructure Association ensure the quality and relevance of the training provided across diverse geographic regions and specific industry needs?

The intermediary's strategy for maintaining training quality and relevance is critical. This likely involves establishing standardized curricula, vetting training providers, and adapting programs to evolving industry demands. Mechanisms for feedback from apprentices, employers, and industry stakeholders would be important for continuous improvement and ensuring the program's long-term effectiveness.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Technical and Trade Schools › Apprenticeship Training

Product/Service Code: EDUCATION AND TRAINING › EDUCATION AND TRAINING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Solicitation ID: 1630DC-20-R-00020

Offers Received: 15

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2111 WILSON BLVD;STE 210, ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

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: $14,132,903

Exercised Options: $14,132,903

Current Obligation: $14,132,903

Actual Outlays: $11,588,669

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline