Transportation awards $2.07M for NASA construction inspection, ensuring quality assurance for a 4-year project

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,074,723 ($2.1M)

Contractor: Quinn Consulting Services Incorporated

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-05-12

End Date: 2029-04-25

Contract Duration: 1,444 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.4K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Construction

Official Description: PROCURE NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION TASK ORDER FOR PROJECT VA ST NASA 1(9). THIS ACTION IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH 23 U.S.C. 109 AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION UNDER 23 CFR PART 637, WHICH MANDATES CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION AS A KEY COMPONENT OF A QUALITY ASSURANCE

Place of Performance

Location: ACCOMAC, ACCOMACK County, VIRGINIA, 23301

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.1 million to QUINN CONSULTING SERVICES INCORPORATED for work described as: PROCURE NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION TASK ORDER FOR PROJECT VA ST NASA 1(9). THIS ACTION IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH 23 U.S.C. 109 AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION UNDER 23 CFR PART 637, WHICH MANDATES CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION AS A KEY COMPONENT OF A QUALITY ASSURANCE Key points: 1. Value for money assessed through fixed-price contract and adherence to federal quality assurance mandates. 2. Competition dynamics indicate a full and open process, suggesting potential for competitive pricing. 3. Risk indicators include project duration and the critical nature of construction inspection for infrastructure. 4. Performance context relies on contractor's ability to meet stringent federal inspection requirements. 5. Sector positioning within Engineering Services (NAICS 541330) highlights specialized technical expertise.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract's firm fixed-price structure provides cost certainty for the government. While a direct comparison to similar NASA construction inspection contracts is difficult without more specific project details, the price appears reasonable for a four-year engagement requiring specialized engineering services. The value is further supported by the mandated nature of these inspections under federal regulations, ensuring a baseline level of quality control.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit a bid. The specific number of bidders is not provided, but the open competition suggests a healthy market for these specialized inspection services. This process is designed to foster price discovery and encourage multiple firms to offer competitive proposals.

Taxpayer Impact: A full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by driving down costs through market forces and ensuring the government receives the best possible value for its investment.

Public Impact

Benefits the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) by ensuring the quality and safety of its construction projects. Delivers essential construction inspection services, crucial for maintaining infrastructure integrity. Geographic impact is concentrated in Virginia, where the project is located. Workforce implications include the need for qualified engineering inspectors and project managers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Potential for scope creep if project requirements evolve significantly.
Reliance on contractor's personnel quality for effective inspection outcomes.
Ensuring timely completion within the allocated budget and timeframe.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract limits cost overruns for the government.
Mandated inspection requirements ensure a baseline level of quality.
Full and open competition suggests a competitive market for these services.

Sector Analysis

The Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330) is a critical component of the construction and infrastructure industry, providing specialized design, consulting, and inspection expertise. Federal spending in this area is substantial, supporting everything from transportation networks to scientific facilities. This contract fits within the broader federal commitment to maintaining and upgrading its physical assets, with spending benchmarks varying widely based on project scale and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting requirements for this specific contract. As it was awarded under full and open competition, it is possible that small businesses participated, but there is no explicit provision for their inclusion or a focus on their ecosystem development in this instance.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract will likely be managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the relevant NASA project office. Accountability measures are embedded in the firm fixed-price contract terms and the mandated quality assurance requirements. Transparency is facilitated through federal contract databases, though specific performance metrics and detailed inspection reports may not be publicly available.

Related Government Programs

Federal Highway Administration Construction Projects
NASA Facility Construction and Maintenance
Engineering and Architectural Services Contracts
Quality Assurance and Inspection Services

Risk Flags

Project Duration Risk
Contractor Performance Risk
Scope Definition Risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.1 million to QUINN CONSULTING SERVICES INCORPORATED. PROCURE NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION TASK ORDER FOR PROJECT VA ST NASA 1(9). THIS ACTION IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH 23 U.S.C. 109 AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION UNDER 23 CFR PART 637, WHICH MANDATES CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION AS A KEY COMPONENT OF A QUALITY ASSURANCE

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is QUINN CONSULTING SERVICES INCORPORATED.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.1 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-05-12. End: 2029-04-25.

What is the track record of Quinn Consulting Services Incorporated with federal agencies, particularly in construction inspection?

Information regarding Quinn Consulting Services Incorporated's specific track record with federal agencies, particularly in construction inspection, is not detailed in the provided data. A comprehensive assessment would require reviewing past performance evaluations, contract history, and any reported issues or successes on similar federal projects. Federal procurement systems often contain past performance information that could shed light on their reliability and expertise in delivering services that meet government standards and requirements.

How does the $2.07 million cost compare to similar construction inspection contracts for NASA or other federal facilities?

Benchmarking the $2.07 million cost against similar contracts is challenging without more specific details about the scope, duration, and complexity of the construction project being inspected. However, for a four-year inspection task order, this figure suggests a moderate investment. Factors influencing cost include the size and type of facility, the criticality of the construction, and the required level of inspection detail. A thorough comparison would involve analyzing contracts for projects of comparable scale and technical requirements within federal agencies.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and how are they being mitigated?

Primary risks include potential delays in construction impacting the inspection schedule, unforeseen site conditions requiring adjustments, and ensuring the contractor's personnel possess the necessary expertise. Mitigation strategies likely involve clear contract language defining responsibilities, performance standards, and change order procedures. The firm fixed-price nature of the contract also incentivizes the contractor to manage their schedule and resources efficiently to avoid cost overruns. Adherence to federal regulations (23 U.S.C. 109 and 23 CFR Part 637) provides a framework for quality control.

How effective is the firm fixed-price contract type in ensuring value for money for this specific construction inspection service?

The firm fixed-price (FFP) contract type is generally effective in ensuring value for money for predictable services like construction inspection, as it shifts the risk of cost overruns to the contractor. This encourages efficiency and cost control on their part. For this contract, it provides budget certainty for the Department of Transportation and NASA. The effectiveness hinges on the accuracy of the initial cost estimate and the contractor's ability to perform the required inspections within that price, assuming the scope of work is well-defined.

What is the historical spending pattern for construction inspection services by the Department of Transportation or NASA?

Historical spending patterns for construction inspection services by the Department of Transportation and NASA can vary significantly year over year, influenced by the number and scale of construction projects undertaken. The Department of Transportation, through agencies like the Federal Highway Administration, consistently invests in infrastructure, requiring extensive inspection services. NASA's spending in this area is tied to its facility development and maintenance needs. Analyzing past federal procurement data would reveal trends in contract values, durations, and the types of services procured within these agencies.

What does the 'full and open competition' designation imply about the market for engineering inspection services?

The 'full and open competition' designation implies that the market for these engineering inspection services is sufficiently robust and competitive. It suggests that multiple qualified firms were available and encouraged to bid on the contract, leading to a more dynamic price discovery process. This approach is intended to ensure the government receives competitive pricing and access to a wide range of capabilities, rather than being limited to a select few providers. It signals that the government sought the best value through broad market engagement.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ARCHITECT-ENGINEER FAR 6.102

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14160 NEWBROOK DR, CHANTILLY, VA, 20151

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, DoT Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Woman Owned Business, Women Owned Small Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $2,074,723

Exercised Options: $2,074,723

Current Obligation: $2,074,723

Actual Outlays: $454,872

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693C7322D000006

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline