DOT awards $4.75M for Air Traffic Management Support Services to Advanced Sciences and Technologies, LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $4,754,888 ($4.8M)

Contractor: Advanced Sciences and Technologies, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-08-01

End Date: 2026-06-26

Contract Duration: 1,060 days

Daily Burn Rate: $4.5K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (ATM) SUPPORT SERVICES TORFP 2232

Place of Performance

Location: ATLANTIC CITY, ATLANTIC County, NEW JERSEY, 08405

State: New Jersey Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $4.8 million to ADVANCED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES, LLC for work described as: AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (ATM) SUPPORT SERVICES TORFP 2232 Key points: 1. Contract awarded to a single vendor, Advanced Sciences and Technologies, LLC. 2. The contract is for Engineering Services within the Air Traffic Management sector. 3. The total award value is $4,754,887.66. 4. The contract duration is approximately 1060 days. 5. This award falls under the Engineering Services NAICS code 541330.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract's Time and Materials pricing structure can lead to cost overruns if not closely monitored. Benchmarking against similar ATM support service contracts is difficult without more detailed cost breakdowns.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition. This method may not have yielded the most competitive pricing.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential air traffic management support. The limited competition raises concerns about whether the best possible price was secured.

Public Impact

Ensures continued operation and modernization of air traffic control systems. Supports the Federal Aviation Administration's mission to maintain a safe and efficient airspace. Potential for cost increases due to Time and Materials contract type. Impact on airline operations and passenger travel if services are disrupted.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may result in higher costs.
Time and Materials contract type poses cost control risks.
No small business participation noted.

Positive Signals

Essential service for national airspace safety.
Long-term contract provides stability for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting Air Traffic Management (ATM). Spending in this area is critical for national infrastructure and safety, with benchmarks varying based on the complexity and scope of ATM modernization efforts.

Small Business Impact

The contract data indicates that small business participation was not a factor in this award, as the 'sb' field is false. This suggests the prime contractor is likely not a small business, and subcontracting opportunities for small businesses are not explicitly detailed.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to manage the Time and Materials aspect of this contract, ensuring costs remain within reasonable bounds and that the services delivered meet the FAA's requirements for air traffic management.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition raises concerns about price.
Time and Materials contract type increases cost risk.
No small business participation identified.
Lack of detailed service description hinders full analysis.
Potential for scope creep without strict oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $4.8 million to ADVANCED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (ATM) SUPPORT SERVICES TORFP 2232

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is ADVANCED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Aviation Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $4.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-08-01. End: 2026-06-26.

What specific engineering services are included in this contract, and how do they align with current FAA modernization priorities?

The contract specifies 'Engineering Services' under NAICS code 541330. While the data doesn't detail specific services, it's reasonable to infer they relate to the technical support, analysis, and potentially design or implementation of air traffic management systems. Alignment with FAA modernization would likely involve supporting upgrades to radar, communication, navigation, or surveillance technologies to enhance safety and efficiency.

What is the justification for 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' and what impact did this have on the final price?

This procurement method implies that initial broad solicitations were made, but only specific sources were ultimately considered or qualified, leading to a limited competition. The justification for excluding other sources is not provided. This limited competition likely reduced the number of potential bidders, potentially leading to a higher price than if a truly open and unrestricted competition had occurred.

How will the FAA ensure cost-effectiveness and prevent potential overruns with a Time and Materials contract for these critical services?

The FAA will need robust oversight mechanisms, including detailed tracking of labor hours and material costs, regular performance reviews, and potentially establishing cost ceilings or fixed-price milestones where feasible. Strong contract management and clear performance metrics are essential to ensure value for money and prevent uncontrolled cost escalation inherent in T&M contracts.

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 AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 20 E TAUNTON STE 301, BERLIN, NJ, 08009

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $16,934,918

Exercised Options: $4,754,888

Current Obligation: $4,754,888

Actual Outlays: $3,903,747

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA822D00023

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline