DOT Awards $11.8M for Automated Track Inspection Program Support to Tetra Tech RailAI Inc
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $11,796,743 ($11.8M)
Contractor: Tetra Tech Railai Inc
Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation
Start Date: 2023-04-01
End Date: 2027-03-31
Contract Duration: 1,460 days
Daily Burn Rate: $8.1K/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: Engineering Services
Official Description: THE GOVERNMENT HAS A NEED FOR CONTRACTED SERVICES SUPPORTING THE AUTOMATED TRACK INSPECTION PROGRAM (ATIP). ATIP PROVIDES GUIDANCE AND UNDERSTANDING REGARDING ON-TRACK SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, GEOMETRY MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY, OPERATION, AND NATIONAL DEPL
Place of Performance
Location: JACKSONVILLE, DUVAL County, FLORIDA, 32256
State: Florida Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Transportation obligated $11.8 million to TETRA TECH RAILAI INC for work described as: THE GOVERNMENT HAS A NEED FOR CONTRACTED SERVICES SUPPORTING THE AUTOMATED TRACK INSPECTION PROGRAM (ATIP). ATIP PROVIDES GUIDANCE AND UNDERSTANDING REGARDING ON-TRACK SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, GEOMETRY MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY, OPERATION, AND NATIONAL DEPL Key points: 1. Contract supports critical on-track safety and geometry measurement technology. 2. Tetra Tech RailAI Inc. is the sole awardee. 3. Risk is moderate due to reliance on a single contractor for specialized services. 4. Spending is within the Engineering Services sector.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $11.8 million over approximately four years appears reasonable for specialized engineering services supporting a national safety program. Benchmarking against similar contracts for technical consulting and program support in the transportation sector would provide further validation.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: full-and-open
The contract was awarded under full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. This method is generally effective in achieving fair market prices for services.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers benefit from a competitive process that aims to secure cost-effective solutions for essential safety programs.
Public Impact
Enhances rail safety through advanced inspection technology. Supports national standards for track geometry and operations. Ensures continued operation and understanding of the Automated Track Inspection Program. Potential for improved efficiency and reduced track-related incidents.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 80 / 10
Positive Signals
- Supports a critical national safety program.
- Awarded under full and open competition.
- Firm Fixed Price contract type provides cost certainty.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector, specifically supporting the Federal Railroad Administration's efforts in rail safety technology. Spending benchmarks for similar government engineering support contracts are typically in the millions of dollars.
Small Business Impact
The data indicates that small businesses were not directly involved in this specific award, as the contract was awarded to Tetra Tech RailAI Inc. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small businesses are subcontracting on this effort.
Oversight & Accountability
The Federal Railroad Administration is responsible for overseeing this contract. The use of a firm fixed-price contract and full and open competition provides a degree of accountability.
Related Government Programs
- Engineering Services
- Department of Transportation Contracting
- Federal Railroad Administration Programs
Risk Flags
- Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed carefully.
- Reliance on a single entity for critical safety program support.
- Need for ongoing monitoring of technical advancements in the field.
Tags
engineering-services, department-of-transportation, fl, definitive-contract, 10m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Transportation awarded $11.8 million to TETRA TECH RAILAI INC. THE GOVERNMENT HAS A NEED FOR CONTRACTED SERVICES SUPPORTING THE AUTOMATED TRACK INSPECTION PROGRAM (ATIP). ATIP PROVIDES GUIDANCE AND UNDERSTANDING REGARDING ON-TRACK SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, GEOMETRY MEASUREMENT TECHNOLOGY, OPERATION, AND NATIONAL DEPL
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is TETRA TECH RAILAI INC.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Federal Railroad Administration).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $11.8 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2023-04-01. End: 2027-03-31.
What is the specific technical expertise Tetra Tech RailAI Inc. brings to the Automated Track Inspection Program?
Tetra Tech RailAI Inc. likely possesses specialized expertise in rail engineering, data analytics, and potentially artificial intelligence or machine learning applications for track inspection. Their capabilities would encompass understanding rail safety requirements, operating advanced geometry measurement technology, and contributing to the national deployment and guidance of the ATIP.
What are the potential risks associated with relying on a single contractor for this program?
Relying on a single contractor, even one selected through competition, carries risks such as potential price increases in future modifications, reduced innovation if the contractor becomes complacent, and vulnerability if the contractor experiences financial difficulties or operational failures. The government should maintain strong oversight and consider contingency planning.
How will the effectiveness of the Automated Track Inspection Program be measured under this contract?
The effectiveness will likely be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) related to the accuracy and reliability of track data collected, the timely delivery of inspection reports, adherence to safety standards, and the program's contribution to reducing track-related incidents. The contract's performance work statement would detail these specific metrics.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services
Product/Service Code: QUALITY CONTROL, TEST, INSPECTION › EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION
Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 8880 FREEDOM CROSSING TRAIL, STE 101, JACKSONVILLE, FL, 32256
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $14,953,310
Exercised Options: $11,796,743
Current Obligation: $11,796,743
Actual Outlays: $4,584,532
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Cost or Pricing Data: NO
Timeline
Start Date: 2023-04-01
Current End Date: 2027-03-31
Potential End Date: 2028-03-31 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-01
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