FAA awards $7.5M contract to Indra Air Traffic for Surface Awareness Initiative deployment at Dallas Love Field

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $7,536,962 ($7.5M)

Contractor: Indra AIR Traffic, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-04-02

End Date: 2025-12-31

Contract Duration: 638 days

Daily Burn Rate: $11.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THIS CONTRACT REPRESENTS AN ORDER AGAINST THE BASIC ORDERING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FAA AND INDRA, EXECUTED ON MARCH 29, 2024 IN SUPPORT OF THE SURFACE AWARENESS INITIATIVE (SAI) PROGRAM. THIS ORDER IS FOR A THE DEPLOYMENT OF A SITE AT DALLAS LOVE FI

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20597

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $7.5 million to INDRA AIR TRAFFIC, INC. for work described as: THIS CONTRACT REPRESENTS AN ORDER AGAINST THE BASIC ORDERING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FAA AND INDRA, EXECUTED ON MARCH 29, 2024 IN SUPPORT OF THE SURFACE AWARENESS INITIATIVE (SAI) PROGRAM. THIS ORDER IS FOR A THE DEPLOYMENT OF A SITE AT DALLAS LOVE FI Key points: 1. Contract supports the Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) program, enhancing airport safety. 2. Indra Air Traffic, Inc. is the sole awardee for this specific order. 3. The contract is a Firm Fixed Price type, indicating predictable costs. 4. This order is against a previously established Basic Ordering Agreement. 5. The deployment is scheduled to conclude by December 31, 2025.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The $7.5M award for a specific site deployment appears reasonable given the scope of air traffic management technology. Benchmarking against similar SAI program deployments or related infrastructure projects 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 generally leads to better price discovery and value for the government.

Taxpayer Impact: The competitive award process aims to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently for critical infrastructure upgrades.

Public Impact

Enhances safety and efficiency at Dallas Love Field through advanced surface awareness technology. Supports the FAA's broader initiative to modernize air traffic management systems nationwide. Potential for improved operational performance and reduced ground delays at the airport. The deployment of new technology may require training for airport personnel.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Dependence on a single vendor for this specific order.
Potential for scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges during deployment.
Integration risks with existing airport infrastructure.

Positive Signals

Clear objective for enhancing airport safety.
Firm Fixed Price contract provides cost certainty.
Awarded under a pre-existing Basic Ordering Agreement, suggesting established relationship and processes.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the IT and infrastructure services sector, specifically related to computing and data processing for air traffic management. Spending in this area is critical for national infrastructure modernization and safety.

Small Business Impact

The data indicates this contract was awarded to Indra Air Traffic, Inc., a large business. There is no specific information provided regarding set-asides or participation opportunities for small businesses in this particular order.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a component of the Department of Transportation. Oversight would involve monitoring deployment progress, adherence to technical specifications, and financial accountability.

Related Government Programs

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Potential for integration issues with existing systems.
Dependence on a single vendor for this specific order.
Schedule adherence for deployment completion.
Cybersecurity risks associated with new technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $7.5 million to INDRA AIR TRAFFIC, INC.. THIS CONTRACT REPRESENTS AN ORDER AGAINST THE BASIC ORDERING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FAA AND INDRA, EXECUTED ON MARCH 29, 2024 IN SUPPORT OF THE SURFACE AWARENESS INITIATIVE (SAI) PROGRAM. THIS ORDER IS FOR A THE DEPLOYMENT OF A SITE AT DALLAS LOVE FI

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is INDRA AIR TRAFFIC, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $7.5 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-04-02. End: 2025-12-31.

What is the specific technology being deployed under the Surface Awareness Initiative, and how does it improve safety?

The Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) typically involves advanced radar, surveillance, and data processing technologies to provide air traffic controllers with a more comprehensive and accurate real-time view of aircraft and vehicle movements on airport surfaces. This enhanced situational awareness helps prevent runway incursions and improves the efficiency of ground operations, ultimately contributing to overall aviation safety.

What are the potential risks associated with deploying new air traffic management technology at a major airport like Dallas Love Field?

Risks include integration challenges with existing legacy systems, potential for operational disruptions during installation and testing, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the need for extensive staff training. Unforeseen technical issues or delays in deployment could impact airport operations and require additional funding or schedule adjustments.

How does this contract contribute to the FAA's long-term goals for air traffic modernization?

This contract is a component of the FAA's broader strategy to modernize the National Airspace System (NAS). By deploying advanced surface awareness technology at key airports like Dallas Love Field, the FAA aims to improve safety, increase capacity, and enhance the efficiency of air traffic operations, laying the groundwork for future technological advancements.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services › Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - COMPUTE

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: SEALED BID

Solicitation ID: 693KA7SAI

Offers Received: 10

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11300 W 89TH ST, OVERLAND PARK, KS, 66214

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Foreign Owned, Foreign-Owned and U.S.-Incorporated Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $7,536,962

Exercised Options: $7,536,962

Current Obligation: $7,536,962

Actual Outlays: $4,451,949

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Timeline