Transportation awards $5.8M for technical and program management support to Concept Solutions LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $5,800,201 ($5.8M)

Contractor: Concept Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2023-07-31

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 1,096 days

Daily Burn Rate: $5.3K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TORFP 2211 TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Place of Performance

Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA County, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 20591

State: District of Columbia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $5.8 million to CONCEPT SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: TORFP 2211 TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT Key points: 1. Contract awarded via full and open competition, suggesting a competitive bidding process. 2. The contract duration of 1096 days (approx. 3 years) indicates a significant, long-term need. 3. Awarded on a Time and Materials basis, which can pose cost control challenges. 4. The value of the contract is moderate within the context of federal engineering services. 5. Focus on technical and program management suggests support for complex projects or initiatives.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $5.8 million over approximately three years for technical and program management support appears moderate. Benchmarking against similar contracts for engineering services (NAICS 541330) is necessary to fully assess value for money. The Time and Materials pricing structure warrants close monitoring to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds and do not escalate unexpectedly. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was awarded under 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources,' indicating that while the competition was open, specific sources may have been excluded prior to the solicitation. The number of bidders is not provided, which limits the assessment of the intensity of competition. A robust competition typically leads to better pricing and innovation, but the exclusion of sources could potentially limit the pool of qualified offerors.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of full and open competition generally benefits taxpayers by fostering a competitive environment that can drive down costs and improve service quality. However, the specific exclusion of sources warrants further investigation to ensure it did not unduly restrict competition and lead to higher prices.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the primary beneficiary, receiving essential technical and program management support. Services delivered are crucial for the effective execution and oversight of transportation-related projects. The contract's impact is likely concentrated within the District of Columbia, where the agency is headquartered. Workforce implications may include the direct employment of personnel by Concept Solutions LLC and potential indirect impacts on government program staff.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and Materials (T&M) contract type can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed.
The 'after exclusion of sources' clause in the competition type requires scrutiny to ensure fairness and broad opportunity.
Lack of specific performance metrics in the provided data makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the support.

Positive Signals

Awarded through a full and open competition process, indicating a structured procurement.
The contract duration suggests a stable, long-term need for these specialized services.
Concept Solutions LLC is the awardee, implying they met the technical and capability requirements.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), a critical component of the broader professional, scientific, and technical services industry. This sector supports a wide range of government functions, including infrastructure development, research, and operational support. Federal spending in engineering services is substantial, driven by the need for specialized expertise in complex projects. This contract's value of $5.8 million is moderate, fitting within the typical range for program management and technical support services for federal agencies.

Small Business Impact

The provided data indicates that this contract was not set aside for small businesses (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications for small businesses stemming from a small business set-aside. The primary contractor, Concept Solutions LLC, will likely manage the execution of the contract, and any subcontracting decisions would be at their discretion, potentially offering opportunities if they choose to engage small businesses.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the contracting officer and program managers within the Federal Aviation Administration. Accountability measures are usually embedded in the contract's performance work statement and delivery schedules. Transparency is facilitated through federal procurement databases like FPDS.gov, where contract awards are reported. The extent of Inspector General jurisdiction would depend on the specific nature of the services and any potential for fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Federal Aviation Administration Technical Support Contracts
Department of Transportation Program Management Services
Engineering and Technical Consulting Services
Government Program Support Contracts

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Limited transparency on the number of bidders and rationale for source exclusions.
Need for detailed performance metrics to assess value for money.
Contract duration requires sustained oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $5.8 million to CONCEPT SOLUTIONS LLC. TORFP 2211 TECHNICAL AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CONCEPT 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 $5.8 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-07-31. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of Concept Solutions LLC in performing similar technical and program management support contracts for the federal government?

A review of federal procurement data would be necessary to fully assess Concept Solutions LLC's track record. Key indicators to examine include the number and value of previous contracts, the agencies they have served, and their performance ratings (if publicly available). Understanding their history with Time and Materials contracts, specifically, would be important given the pricing structure of this award. A strong past performance record with similar services would suggest a lower risk for this contract. Conversely, a history of performance issues or cost overruns on comparable contracts would raise concerns about the value and successful execution of this award.

How does the awarded amount of $5.8 million compare to the typical cost of similar technical and program management support contracts within the FAA or DOT?

Benchmarking this $5.8 million contract against similar awards requires access to detailed contract data, including the scope of work, duration, and specific services provided. However, as a general estimate, $5.8 million over approximately three years for technical and program management support is a moderate investment. Federal agencies often award contracts in this range for specialized support functions. To provide a precise comparison, one would need to analyze contracts with similar NAICS codes (e.g., 541330 - Engineering Services) and service descriptions within the Department of Transportation and its sub-agencies like the FAA. Factors such as the complexity of the programs supported, the required level of expertise, and geographic location can significantly influence pricing.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for technical and program management support, and how are they mitigated in this case?

The primary risk with Time and Materials (T&M) contracts is the potential for cost escalation, as the government pays for the actual labor hours and materials used, rather than a fixed price. This can lead to budget overruns if not managed diligently. Mitigation strategies typically include establishing labor hour ceilings, setting fixed rates for labor categories, defining material cost limitations, and implementing robust oversight. For this contract, the effectiveness of mitigation depends on the specific terms negotiated within the contract, the FAA's ability to closely monitor hours billed, and the contractor's adherence to the agreed-upon rates and scope. Without the full contract details, assessing the specific mitigation measures is difficult.

What is the potential impact of 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' on the overall value and competitiveness of this contract?

The 'Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources' clause indicates that while the competition was open to all eligible sources, certain entities were excluded from the outset. The impact on value and competitiveness depends heavily on the rationale for these exclusions. If the exclusions were based on legitimate technical requirements or security clearances that genuinely narrowed the field of qualified bidders, the competition might still be robust among the remaining entities. However, if the exclusions were arbitrary or overly restrictive, it could limit competition, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced innovation. A thorough review of the justification for excluding sources is crucial to understanding the true competitive landscape and its effect on taxpayer value.

How does this contract align with the Federal Aviation Administration's broader mission and strategic objectives?

Technical and program management support is fundamental to the FAA's mission of ensuring the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System. Contracts like this enable the agency to manage complex modernization projects, implement new technologies, oversee regulatory compliance, and maintain critical infrastructure. By providing specialized expertise, this contract likely supports the FAA's strategic objectives related to air traffic control modernization, safety enhancements, and operational improvements. The specific alignment would depend on the precise programs and projects this support is directed towards, such as NextGen initiatives or specific system upgrades.

What are the historical spending patterns for technical and program management support within the Department of Transportation, and how does this award fit into that trend?

Historical spending on technical and program management support within the Department of Transportation (DOT) is substantial, reflecting the agency's vast responsibilities across various transportation modes. The DOT consistently procures such services to manage large-scale infrastructure projects, research initiatives, and operational systems. This $5.8 million award to Concept Solutions LLC appears to be a typical, moderate-sized contract within this spending category. Analyzing past DOT spending trends would reveal the average contract values, durations, and common service providers in this domain, allowing for a more precise contextualization of this specific award relative to the agency's overall procurement activities.

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: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 11600 SUNRISE VALLEY DR STE 300, RESTON, VA, 20191

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $18,395,154

Exercised Options: $5,800,201

Current Obligation: $5,800,201

Actual Outlays: $4,597,027

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA822D00024

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline