FAA awards $493K for ATCT security systems, with M.C. Dean Inc. securing the contract

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $493,573 ($493.6K)

Contractor: M. C. Dean, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Transportation

Start Date: 2026-04-01

End Date: 2029-06-30

Contract Duration: 1,186 days

Daily Burn Rate: $416/day

Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS

Sector: Other

Official Description: WHEELER DOWNTOWN ATCT (MKC) - PHASE 2A/2B

Place of Performance

Location: KANSAS CITY, CLAY County, MISSOURI, 64116

State: Missouri Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Transportation obligated $493,572.62 to M. C. DEAN, INC. for work described as: WHEELER DOWNTOWN ATCT (MKC) - PHASE 2A/2B Key points: 1. Contract awarded on a time and materials basis, which can lead to cost overruns if not closely managed. 2. The contract duration of nearly four years suggests a significant scope of work for security systems. 3. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 561621 indicates a focus on security systems services. 4. The contract is a delivery order, implying it's part of a larger indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract or a similar framework. 5. The award to M.C. Dean, Inc. suggests a reliance on established contractors for critical infrastructure security.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $493,572.62 for security systems services over approximately 3.75 years appears moderate. Without specific details on the scope of work (e.g., number of facilities, types of systems), it is difficult to benchmark against similar contracts. The time and materials pricing structure introduces variability, making a precise value-for-money assessment challenging without detailed cost breakdowns and performance metrics.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

The contract was awarded under full and open competition, indicating that all responsible sources were permitted to submit offers. This method generally promotes a competitive environment, potentially leading to better pricing and innovation. The number of bidders is not specified, but the full and open nature suggests a robust competition was sought.

Taxpayer Impact: Full and open competition is generally favorable for taxpayers as it maximizes the pool of potential offerors, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive pricing and innovative solutions.

Public Impact

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) benefits from enhanced security at the Wheeler Downtown ATCT (MKC). The contract delivers security systems services, likely involving installation, maintenance, and upgrades of surveillance, access control, or alarm systems. The geographic impact is localized to the Wheeler Downtown ATCT in Missouri. The contract supports jobs within the security systems services industry, potentially benefiting skilled technicians and project managers.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Time and materials contract type can lead to costs exceeding initial estimates if not managed diligently.
Lack of specific performance metrics makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the security systems delivered.
The contract value is relatively small, which might indicate a limited scope or a single component of a larger security initiative.

Positive Signals

Awarded through full and open competition, suggesting a fair and competitive process.
The contract is for security systems, a critical component for aviation infrastructure safety and operations.
The selected contractor, M.C. Dean, Inc., is likely experienced in providing such services.

Sector Analysis

The security systems services sector is a vital component of the broader information technology and professional services market. This contract falls under NAICS code 561621, which encompasses establishments primarily engaged in providing security guard and patrol services, as well as alarm system installation and monitoring services. The market for these services is driven by increasing security threats and regulatory requirements across various industries, including critical infrastructure like airports. Comparable spending benchmarks would depend on the specific systems and scale of deployment.

Small Business Impact

The contract was not set aside for small businesses, and there is no indication of subcontracting requirements for small businesses. This suggests that the primary award went to a large business, and opportunities for small businesses may be limited unless they are part of M.C. Dean, Inc.'s supply chain or are awarded separate, smaller contracts.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would typically be managed by the Federal Aviation Administration contracting officer and project managers. Accountability measures would be defined in the contract's statement of work and performance standards. Transparency is facilitated by contract award databases, but detailed cost and performance data may not be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply if any fraud, waste, or abuse is suspected.

Related Government Programs

FAA Air Traffic Control Modernization Programs
Department of Transportation Security Contracts
Federal Aviation Security Infrastructure Projects

Risk Flags

Potential for cost overruns due to Time and Materials pricing structure.
Risk of technological obsolescence over the contract's nearly four-year duration.
Lack of detailed scope of work in the provided data makes value assessment difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Transportation awarded $493,572.62 to M. C. DEAN, INC.. WHEELER DOWNTOWN ATCT (MKC) - PHASE 2A/2B

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is M. C. DEAN, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

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

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $493,572.62.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-01. End: 2029-06-30.

What specific security systems are being procured or maintained under this contract?

The provided data indicates the contract is for 'Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)' under NAICS code 561621. However, the specific types of security systems are not detailed. This could encompass a range of services such as installation, maintenance, and upgrades of access control systems, video surveillance (CCTV), intrusion detection systems, alarm monitoring, and potentially integration with other airport security infrastructure. A more detailed statement of work would be required to identify the precise systems and technologies involved.

How does the pricing structure (Time and Materials) compare to other security system contracts for similar facilities?

Time and Materials (T&M) contracts are often used when the scope of work is not clearly defined or is expected to change. While T&M can offer flexibility, it carries a higher risk of cost overruns compared to fixed-price contracts. For security systems, especially in critical infrastructure, fixed-price contracts are often preferred for better cost predictability. Benchmarking T&M contracts requires detailed analysis of labor rates, material markups, and estimated hours against industry standards and historical data for similar FAA facilities. Without this granular data, it's difficult to definitively state if this T&M pricing is competitive or poses an undue risk.

What is the track record of M.C. Dean, Inc. in performing similar security system contracts for the FAA or other federal agencies?

M.C. Dean, Inc. is a large government contractor with a significant history of performing electrical, mechanical, and technology systems integration work for various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. They have experience in complex projects involving security systems, building automation, and critical infrastructure. A review of their past performance ratings and any past performance issues on similar FAA contracts would provide a clearer picture of their reliability and capability for this specific award. Publicly available contract databases can offer insights into their award history and contract values.

What are the potential risks associated with a nearly four-year duration contract for security systems?

A contract duration of nearly four years for security systems presents several potential risks. Technological obsolescence is a primary concern; security systems technology evolves rapidly, and systems installed early in the contract may be outdated by its end. Performance degradation over time is another risk, requiring robust maintenance and monitoring. Furthermore, the extended period increases the likelihood of scope creep or changes in requirements, which, under a T&M contract, could lead to significant cost increases if not managed effectively. Ensuring the contract includes provisions for technology refresh and performance reviews is crucial.

How does this contract's value compare to the FAA's overall spending on security systems and infrastructure?

The awarded value of $493,572.62 is relatively modest when considered against the FAA's total budget and spending on infrastructure and security. The FAA manages a vast network of airports, air traffic control facilities, and related infrastructure, all of which require significant investment in security systems. This contract likely represents a specific, localized upgrade or maintenance effort for a single facility (Wheeler Downtown ATCT). The FAA's total annual spending on security systems and related services would likely be in the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, making this particular award a small component of their overall security expenditure.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services › Investigation and Security Services › Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)

Product/Service Code: ALARM, SIGNAL, SECURITY DETECTION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE

Pricing Type: TIME AND MATERIALS (Y)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 1765 GREENSBORO STATION PLACE SUITE 1400, TYSONS, VA, 22102

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $493,573

Exercised Options: $493,573

Current Obligation: $493,573

Contract Characteristics

Multi-Year Contract: Yes

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 693KA819D00007

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline