DOT Awards $6M for E-IDS Implementation Support to Constellation Aviation Solutions

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $6,000,000 ($6.0M)

Contractor: Constellation Aviation Solutions, LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2025-08-20

End Date: 2026-08-19

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $16.5K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: E-IDS IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: ORLANDO, ORANGE County, FLORIDA, 32801

State: Florida Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $6.0 million to CONSTELLATION AVIATION SOLUTIONS, LLC for work described as: E-IDS IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for engineering services related to E-IDS implementation. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Limited duration of one year suggests a focused, short-term need. 4. The $6M value is moderate for specialized engineering support services.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

Pricing is based on Time and Materials, which can lead to cost overruns if not managed tightly. Without competitive bids, it's difficult to assess if the $6M represents fair market value for the engineering services provided.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

The contract is a sole-source award, indicating a lack of competition. This method limits price discovery and may result in higher costs for taxpayers compared to a fully competitive process.

Taxpayer Impact: The absence of competition for this $6M contract means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these essential engineering services.

Public Impact

Ensures continued support for critical E-IDS systems within the FAA. Potential for increased costs due to sole-source nature of the award. Limited contract duration may necessitate future procurements, impacting long-term planning.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Sole-source award
Time and Materials pricing
Lack of competition

Positive Signals

Addresses a specific need for E-IDS implementation support
Defined contract period

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330), a sector often characterized by specialized expertise and significant government investment. Benchmarks for similar sole-source engineering support contracts can vary widely based on project complexity and duration.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific set-asides for small businesses. Given the sole-source nature and specialized engineering services, it's unlikely small businesses were significantly involved in this particular award.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight will be crucial to monitor the Time and Materials spending and ensure the contractor delivers effectively within the defined scope and budget. The FAA should ensure robust performance metrics are in place.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Transportation Contracting
Federal Aviation Administration Programs

Risk Flags

Lack of competitive bidding
Potential for cost overruns with T&M
Limited contract duration may lead to follow-on procurements
No clear indication of small business participation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $6.0 million to CONSTELLATION AVIATION SOLUTIONS, LLC. E-IDS IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CONSTELLATION AVIATION SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $6.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2025-08-20. End: 2026-08-19.

What specific factors necessitated a sole-source award for E-IDS implementation support, and were alternatives explored?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, urgent needs, or a lack of available sources. For E-IDS implementation support, it might stem from proprietary technology or highly specialized expertise held by Constellation Aviation Solutions. The FAA should have documented the thorough exploration of alternatives and the rationale for concluding that only this contractor could meet the requirement.

How will the FAA mitigate the risks associated with Time and Materials pricing to prevent cost overruns?

Mitigation strategies for Time and Materials contracts include establishing strong contract surveillance, setting clear labor categories and rates, implementing spending limits or ceiling prices, and closely monitoring all hours and materials billed. Regular performance reviews and audits are essential to ensure the contractor is operating efficiently and that costs are reasonable and allocable to the contract.

What is the long-term strategy for E-IDS implementation and support beyond this one-year contract?

The one-year duration of this contract suggests it may be a bridge or a specific phase of a larger E-IDS implementation. The FAA needs a clear long-term roadmap, including potential future procurements, whether competitive or sole-source, to ensure the sustained functionality and evolution of the E-IDS. Understanding this strategy is key to assessing the overall value and taxpayer impact.

Industry Classification

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

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

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 111 N ORANGE AVE STE 800, ORLANDO, FL, 32801

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,983,245

Exercised Options: $6,000,000

Current Obligation: $6,000,000

Actual Outlays: $2,077,540

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Timeline