DOT Awards $3.5M for TRIPRS IT System Support to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin under Full and Open Competition

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $3,488,820 ($3.5M)

Contractor: Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2020-08-13

End Date: 2026-08-13

Contract Duration: 2,191 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.6K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: IT

Official Description: TITLE: TRAFFIC RECORDS ASSESSMENTS AND SUPPORT TASK ORDER 693JJ920F000104 IS ISSUED UNDER IDIQ 693JJ920000021A TO EMPLOY THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN TO PROVIDE USER SUPPORT FOR THE TRIPRS IT SYSTEM, CONDUCT ASSESSMENTS US

Place of Performance

Location: WATERTOWN, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 02472

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $3.5 million to VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN, INC. for work described as: TITLE: TRAFFIC RECORDS ASSESSMENTS AND SUPPORT TASK ORDER 693JJ920F000104 IS ISSUED UNDER IDIQ 693JJ920000021A TO EMPLOY THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN TO PROVIDE USER SUPPORT FOR THE TRIPRS IT SYSTEM, CONDUCT ASSESSMENTS US Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. for IT system user support and assessments. 2. The contract is a delivery order under an existing IDIQ, indicating a pre-competed framework. 3. Spending is concentrated on IT services, specifically computer-related services. 4. The contract duration is approximately 6 years, suggesting a long-term need.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $3.5M over 6 years is moderate. Benchmarking against similar IT support contracts would be necessary to fully assess pricing, but the Time and Materials pricing structure can sometimes lead to cost overruns if not managed carefully.

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 generally promotes price discovery and potentially better pricing for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process is positive for taxpayers, as it aims to secure services at a reasonable cost. However, the Time and Materials contract type requires diligent oversight to ensure efficiency.

Public Impact

Enhances the functionality and user experience of the TRIPRS IT system. Supports critical traffic record assessments, potentially improving safety and efficiency on roadways. Ensures continued operation and maintenance of essential transportation IT infrastructure.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials contract type can lead to cost escalation.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data.
Potential for vendor lock-in if not managed proactively.

Positive Signals

Awarded under full and open competition.
Long contract duration suggests a stable, ongoing need.
Supports a critical government function (traffic safety).

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT services sector, specifically 'Other Computer Related Services'. Spending in this area is substantial across government agencies, supporting a wide range of digital infrastructure and operations. Benchmarks for similar IT support contracts vary widely based on scope and complexity.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, small businesses were likely not the primary focus of this specific award, though they may participate as subcontractors.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a delivery order under an IDIQ, suggesting a level of pre-competition and oversight. However, the Time and Materials pricing structure necessitates robust government oversight to monitor hours and costs effectively and prevent potential waste.

Related Government Programs

Other Computer Related Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Time and Materials pricing structure.
Long contract duration (6 years).
No specific performance metrics detailed.
Not set aside for small businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $3.5 million to VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN, INC.. TITLE: TRAFFIC RECORDS ASSESSMENTS AND SUPPORT TASK ORDER 693JJ920F000104 IS ISSUED UNDER IDIQ 693JJ920000021A TO EMPLOY THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OF VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN TO PROVIDE USER SUPPORT FOR THE TRIPRS IT SYSTEM, CONDUCT ASSESSMENTS US

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is VANASSE HANGEN BRUSTLIN, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $3.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2020-08-13. End: 2026-08-13.

What specific performance metrics are in place to ensure the quality and efficiency of the user support and assessments provided by Vanasse Hangen Brustlin?

The provided data does not detail specific performance metrics. Effective oversight would require clearly defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to response times, issue resolution rates, and the quality of assessments. Regular performance reviews should be conducted to ensure the contractor meets these standards and delivers value for taxpayer money.

How will the Department of Transportation mitigate the risk of cost overruns associated with the Time and Materials contract type over its 6-year duration?

Mitigation strategies for Time and Materials contracts typically involve establishing firm-fixed-price CLINs for specific tasks where possible, setting clear labor hour ceilings, and implementing rigorous monitoring of contractor hours and expenses. Regular audits and performance reviews are crucial to ensure that all billed hours are necessary, reasonable, and directly related to contract requirements, preventing scope creep and uncontrolled cost escalation.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) traffic record assessment capabilities?

This contract is expected to enhance NHTSA's capabilities by providing dedicated user support for the TRIPRS IT system and conducting necessary assessments. This should lead to improved system reliability, better data quality for traffic records, and more informed decision-making regarding traffic safety initiatives. The long-term support ensures continuity and potential for system evolution.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 101 WALNUT ST, WATERTOWN, MA, 02471

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $5,978,284

Exercised Options: $3,488,820

Current Obligation: $3,488,820

Actual Outlays: $3,175,209

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693JJ920D000021A

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline