DOT awards $2.05M contract for environmental services to Concept Solutions LLC, focusing on airspace modernization

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $2,046,000 ($2.0M)

Contractor: Concept Solutions LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2024-11-14

End Date: 2026-11-17

Contract Duration: 733 days

Daily Burn Rate: $2.8K/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: TO 693KA8-25-F-00015_TORFP 2405_ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR AIRSPACE MODERNIZATION AND INSTRUMENT FLIGHT PROCEDURE CHANGES WITHIN THE FAA SERVICE AREAS

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 $2.0 million to CONCEPT SOLUTIONS LLC for work described as: TO 693KA8-25-F-00015_TORFP 2405_ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR AIRSPACE MODERNIZATION AND INSTRUMENT FLIGHT PROCEDURE CHANGES WITHIN THE FAA SERVICE AREAS Key points: 1. Contract value of $2.05 million for environmental services related to airspace modernization. 2. Awarded to Concept Solutions LLC, a single entity, raising questions about competition. 3. The contract duration is 733 days, ending in November 2026. 4. Services include environmental assessments for instrument flight procedure changes. 5. The contract type is Time and Materials, which can pose cost control challenges. 6. This award falls under Engineering Services (NAICS 541330).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $2.05 million for environmental services appears moderate for a federal contract of this nature. Benchmarking against similar contracts for airspace modernization and environmental impact assessments would be necessary for a definitive value-for-money assessment. The Time and Materials pricing structure, while flexible, requires diligent oversight to ensure costs remain within reasonable bounds and do not escalate beyond initial projections. Without specific performance metrics or detailed cost breakdowns, it is difficult to definitively assess the value proposition.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES.' This solicitation method suggests that while an initial broad competition may have occurred, specific circumstances led to the exclusion of certain sources before the final award. The exact number of bidders and the rationale for excluding other potential offerors are not detailed, making it difficult to fully assess the level of competition. This approach can sometimes limit price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to unrestricted full and open competition.

Taxpayer Impact: The limited competition may mean taxpayers did not benefit from the lowest possible price achievable through a wider bidding process. The exclusion of sources could indicate a missed opportunity for cost savings.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits from enhanced environmental analysis for critical airspace infrastructure. Services support the modernization of airspace and instrument flight procedures, aiming for improved safety and efficiency. The geographic impact is within the FAA service areas, affecting air traffic operations nationwide. The contract supports specialized environmental consulting services, potentially involving a small team of experts.

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 monitored.
The 'exclusion of sources' in the competition raises concerns about the breadth of market engagement.
Lack of detailed performance metrics makes it hard to gauge efficiency and effectiveness.
Limited public information on the specific environmental impacts being assessed.

Positive Signals

Contract supports critical FAA mission of airspace modernization and safety.
Award to a single entity may indicate specialized expertise required for the task.
Contract duration provides a stable period for service delivery.

Sector Analysis

The environmental consulting services sector is a significant component of federal contracting, particularly for agencies involved in infrastructure development and modernization like the FAA. This contract fits within the broader engineering and environmental services market, which is characterized by specialized firms capable of conducting complex analyses. Comparable spending benchmarks for environmental impact statements and assessments for large-scale infrastructure projects can vary widely based on scope and complexity. The FAA's ongoing efforts in airspace modernization necessitate such services to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to mitigate potential impacts.

Small Business Impact

This contract was not awarded as a small business set-aside (ss: false, sb: false). Therefore, there are no direct subcontracting implications or benefits specifically for small businesses mandated by this award. The prime contractor, Concept Solutions LLC, is responsible for its own business operations and potential subcontracting, which is not specified as a requirement in the provided data.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily fall under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a division of the Department of Transportation. Accountability measures would be embedded in the contract's terms and conditions, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, where basic award information is publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse related to the contract.

Related Government Programs

FAA Airspace Modernization Programs
Environmental Impact Assessment Services
Engineering Services Contracts
Federal Aviation Administration Procurement

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing.
Limited competition indicated by 'exclusion of sources' solicitation method.
Lack of detailed performance metrics in award data.
Contractor's specific past performance with FAA not detailed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $2.0 million to CONCEPT SOLUTIONS LLC. TO 693KA8-25-F-00015_TORFP 2405_ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES FOR AIRSPACE MODERNIZATION AND INSTRUMENT FLIGHT PROCEDURE CHANGES WITHIN THE FAA SERVICE AREAS

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 $2.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-11-14. End: 2026-11-17.

What is the track record of Concept Solutions LLC with the Federal Aviation Administration?

Information regarding Concept Solutions LLC's specific track record with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not detailed in the provided data. To assess their performance history, one would need to consult federal procurement databases (like FPDS or SAM.gov) for past awards, contract performance evaluations (e.g., CPARS reports), and any history of disputes or contract modifications. A thorough review would reveal their experience with similar environmental services, their ability to meet deadlines, manage costs, and adhere to quality standards on previous FAA contracts. Without this specific historical data, it's challenging to gauge their reliability and expertise for this particular airspace modernization project.

How does the $2.05 million contract value compare to similar environmental services for airspace modernization?

The $2.05 million contract value for environmental services related to airspace modernization is a moderate figure within the federal contracting landscape. However, a precise comparison requires detailed analysis of the scope of work, the specific environmental factors being assessed (e.g., noise, air quality, wildlife impact), and the geographic extent of the FAA service areas covered. Contracts for large-scale infrastructure projects or complex environmental impact statements can range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars. Benchmarking against contracts with similar objectives, such as environmental assessments for runway expansions, new air traffic control systems, or procedural changes affecting multiple regions, would provide a clearer picture of whether this award represents good value for money. The Time and Materials (T&M) pricing structure also introduces variability, making direct comparisons more complex without understanding the estimated labor hours and rates.

What are the primary risks associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for environmental services?

The primary risk associated with a Time and Materials (T&M) contract for environmental services is the potential for cost overruns. Unlike fixed-price contracts, T&M agreements reimburse the contractor for the actual labor hours and materials used, plus a fixed fee or profit margin. If the project scope expands, if the contractor is inefficient, or if unforeseen complexities arise, the total cost can escalate significantly beyond initial estimates. For environmental services in airspace modernization, risks include unexpected site conditions, the need for additional testing or analysis, or delays caused by external factors that increase labor hours. Effective oversight, detailed tracking of hours and expenses, and clear definition of deliverables are crucial to mitigate these risks and ensure the government receives good value.

What does 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' imply for taxpayer value?

The solicitation method 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES' implies that while the initial intent was broad competition, certain potential bidders were excluded before the final award decision. This exclusion could be due to various reasons, such as specific technical requirements, past performance issues, or administrative decisions. From a taxpayer value perspective, this method carries a moderate risk. If the exclusion was justified and based on objective criteria ensuring only qualified and capable vendors participated, it might still yield competitive pricing. However, if sources were excluded without strong justification, it could limit the pool of bidders, potentially reducing price competition and leading to a higher cost for taxpayers than if a truly unrestricted full and open competition had occurred.

How might this contract impact the efficiency and safety of air traffic operations?

This contract aims to provide environmental services crucial for airspace modernization and changes to instrument flight procedures. By ensuring that environmental considerations are thoroughly assessed and addressed, the contract indirectly supports the FAA's goals of improving air traffic efficiency and safety. Modernizing airspace often involves implementing new navigation technologies, optimizing flight paths, and adjusting procedures to handle increased air traffic. Environmental reviews help identify and mitigate potential negative impacts (like noise pollution or wildlife hazards) that could otherwise delay or complicate these modernization efforts. Therefore, the successful execution of this contract should contribute to a smoother, safer, and potentially more efficient national airspace system.

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: $13,060,521

Exercised Options: $2,046,000

Current Obligation: $2,046,000

Actual Outlays: $1,533,021

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