National Academy of Sciences Awarded $2M for DC Airspace Safety Review

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,000,000 ($2.0M)

Contractor: National Academy of Sciences

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2027-09-30

Contract Duration: 547 days

Daily Burn Rate: $3.7K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE

Sector: Other

Official Description: CONGRESSIONAL REQUEST - SENATE REPORT 119-74 -INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF DC AIRSPACE DESIGN, CIVIL-MILITARY COORDINATION, AND OPERATIONAL SAFETY IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION -FLIGHT 5342 THE IMPACT OF FLIGHT 5342 LEFT AN UNFORGETTING IMPRESSION THE A

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20001

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $2.0 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES for work described as: CONGRESSIONAL REQUEST - SENATE REPORT 119-74 -INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF DC AIRSPACE DESIGN, CIVIL-MILITARY COORDINATION, AND OPERATIONAL SAFETY IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION -FLIGHT 5342 THE IMPACT OF FLIGHT 5342 LEFT AN UNFORGETTING IMPRESSION THE A Key points: 1. The contract focuses on critical safety aspects of the National Capital Region's airspace. 2. Competition was not utilized for this award, raising questions about price discovery. 3. Potential risks include the scope's complexity and ensuring actionable recommendations. 4. The sector involves specialized scientific and technical consulting services.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2 million for a 547-day duration appears reasonable for a specialized review by a reputable organization like the National Academy of Sciences. However, without specific benchmarks for similar independent airspace reviews, a precise pricing assessment is difficult.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was not competed, likely due to the specialized expertise required from the National Academy of Sciences. The lack of competition means there was no price discovery through bidding, potentially leading to a higher cost than a competitive process might yield.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayers are funding a critical safety review, with the value dependent on the quality and implementability of the recommendations provided.

Public Impact

Enhances safety and operational efficiency in the highly sensitive DC airspace. Addresses civil-military coordination, a complex and crucial aspect of air traffic management. Provides an independent assessment, fostering public trust in aviation safety measures.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for broad scope impacting timely delivery
Reliance on a single entity for critical analysis

Positive Signals

Addresses a high-priority safety concern
Leverages a highly respected scientific body
Focuses on critical infrastructure

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services, a broad category. The spending benchmark for such specialized, independent reviews is difficult to establish due to their unique nature and the specific expertise required.

Small Business Impact

This contract does not appear to involve small businesses, as the award is made directly to the National Academy of Sciences, a large research institution. There is no indication of subcontracting opportunities for small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

The oversight responsibility lies with the Department of Transportation, specifically the Immediate Office of the Secretary. The report's findings and recommendations will likely be subject to review and potential action by relevant transportation and security agencies.

Related Government Programs

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for scope creep
Dependence on a single source for critical analysis
Ensuring actionable and implementable recommendations
Timeliness of delivery for critical safety insights

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.0 million to NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. CONGRESSIONAL REQUEST - SENATE REPORT 119-74 -INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF DC AIRSPACE DESIGN, CIVIL-MILITARY COORDINATION, AND OPERATIONAL SAFETY IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION -FLIGHT 5342 THE IMPACT OF FLIGHT 5342 LEFT AN UNFORGETTING IMPRESSION THE A

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Transportation (Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2027-09-30.

What is the specific methodology the National Academy of Sciences will employ to assess civil-military coordination and operational safety?

The National Academy of Sciences will likely utilize a multi-faceted approach, including expert panel reviews, data analysis of past incidents, simulation modeling, and stakeholder interviews with relevant military, FAA, and civilian aviation representatives. The methodology will aim to identify systemic issues and propose evidence-based solutions for improved coordination and safety protocols within the DC airspace.

What are the potential risks if the review's recommendations are not implemented effectively by relevant agencies?

If recommendations are not effectively implemented, the primary risk is the continued or potential recurrence of safety incidents or operational inefficiencies within the DC airspace. This could lead to disruptions, increased risk to passengers and crew, and erosion of public confidence in aviation safety management. It could also perpetuate challenges in civil-military coordination, impacting national security.

How will the effectiveness of the study's findings be measured post-completion?

Effectiveness will be measured by the degree to which the study's recommendations are adopted and integrated into operational procedures by the FAA, military branches, and other relevant authorities. Key performance indicators could include a reduction in airspace conflicts, improved communication protocols, and positive feedback from operational stakeholders. Tracking safety metrics and incident rates in the DC airspace post-implementation will also be crucial.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services › Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: COST NO FEE (S)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 2101 CONSTITUTION AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC, 20418

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: $2,000,000

Exercised Options: $2,000,000

Current Obligation: $2,000,000

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline